The clarinet is a wind musical instrument, technically classified as part of the woodwind family.
It features a single-reed mouthpiece and an indirect embouchure.

Structure of the Clarinet

The clarinet consists of five main parts, interconnected through special cork seals.
This material, thanks to its technical properties, is ideal for such devices: it provides excellent adhesion between the parts, offers exceptional insulation, and avoids issues of rigidity, thus preventing structural problems such as cracks or splits over time, which could irreparably compromise the instrument’s performance.

The first part of the clarinet is called the “mouthpiece.” It is approximately seven centimeters long and includes a single reed and ligature. The ligature, also called the “clamp,” serves the same function, simply offering two different terms for the same component.
The mouthpiece acts as the clarinet’s embouchure, producing the initial sound vibrations.

For high-quality mouthpieces, the most commonly used materials are ebonite, crystal, and wood.

The second part of the clarinet, about six centimeters long, is called the “barrel.” Its name derives from its slight central bulge, which makes it resemble a barrel.
Technically, its function is to resonate the vibrations generated by the musician’s breath through the mouthpiece.

Continuing the structural analysis of the clarinet, the third and fourth parts are called the upper joint and lower joint.
Their dimensions are similar: the upper joint is approximately 19.5 cm long, while the lower joint measures 24.5 cm.
Not all clarinets include both sections; some modern models feature a single central piece. Both configurations, however, include 24 tone holes of varying sizes.

The size differences in these holes allow the instrument to produce various tonal effects.
The first seven holes, six of which are covered by rings, are closed directly by the musician’s fingers. The others are closed by pads operated via rings or keys, which number seventeen or eighteen depending on the clarinet model.

The tone holes, opened and closed during play, modify the vibrating air column, enabling the musician to achieve the desired tone and intensity.

The final component of the clarinet is the “bell,” typically around 10 cm long. Its function is to amplify the resonance of the produced sound.

Materials Used in Clarinet Construction

Traditionally, clarinets are made from ebony wood, giving them their characteristic dark brown or almost black appearance.

Common woods include grenadilla, cocobolo, and rosewood. Some clarinets also use oak, a more accessible and cost-effective option.

Professional clarinets are often made of ebonite, or “hard rubber,” which is more affordable and easy to work with compared to high-grade woods.

In the past, clarinets were sometimes made of metal, especially in the 1920s, valued for their sweet tone and affordability.

Discover more about the history of the clarinet on Handmade Sound.