What Is Used to Make a Clarinet?
History The earliest clarinets were used in the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East. They were made of wood and had reed mouthpieces. Eventually, clarinet makers covered the holes with felt. Later a Russian clarinetist named Iwan Muller invented an airtight pad. This pad might be made of leather or even fish bladder. Parts Clarinets are made of several pieces that screw together: the mouthpiece, ligature, barrel, upper joint, lower joint and bell. The body is typically made of wood or plastic. The keys are usually made of metal. Reeds A reed fits into the mouthpiece, and this reed is made of a grass called Arundo donax. Additionally, there are synthetic reeds available. Modern Types Professional clarinets are usually made of wood, often rosewood or grenadilla. Rosewood produces a dark mellow sound and grenadilla has a brighter sound. Sometimes, professional clarinets are made of a hard rubber called “ebonite,” which has a darker sound. Student instruments are often made of plasti
