 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-05-18 16:09
What is your definition of a 'normal' clarinet?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: GoatTnder
Date: 2026-05-19 03:17
A clarinet that's perpendicular to the arcs of an orchestra.
Andres Cabrera
West Coast Wind Symphony
https://WestCoastWindSymphony.com
sbwe@sbmusic.org
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2026-05-19 06:10
Buffet R13.
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book -- Songburd Music (paper and digital)
Search title. Amazon.com (search Tom Heimer).
Boreal Ballad solo -- Songburd Music item -- search title.
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2026-05-19 09:14
I believe that due to its compromised construction along with its sensitivity to humidity and altitude variations, a "Normal" clarinet is pretty much inherently "out of tune". Hence the need to: 1) make adjustments to its total length at various points; 2) use alternate fingerings; 3) use proper reed strength; 4) adjust the embouchure when necessary; and 5) adjust oral cavity when necessary in order to play "in tune".
Needless to say, before playing, a proper, competent, professional overhaul where correct heights of the very best pads available will (hopefully) minimize player required adjustments.
Playing "in tune" with an even timbre can at times, be quite a challenge.
I believe it's simply the nature of the beast.
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Author: Klarnt
Date: 2026-05-22 04:15
Depends on context. Many things include where you're performing, how old the horn is, the level of quality, and even genre.
For example, some key systems are more prevalent or "normal" in France (boehm), Germany (oehler), and New Orleans (albert). Back in the day Bass Clarinet used to only extend to low E -sometimes Eb, but nowadays many extend to low C. Professional sopranos may have a left hand Ab/Eb key, while student models often lack it. Turkish music might be more inclined to use a metal Clarinet, while marching bands generally use plastic horns due to its weight and durability, and classical players love wood because... reasons I won't go into.
Any definition that isn't "Bb Soprano = Normal Clarinet" is fine with me.
Post Edited (2026-05-22 04:21)
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-05-22 07:47
Normal = standardized
What is the most standardized clarinet? Bb french boehm system, 17 keys, 6 rings, regardless of materials used (ABS plastic, hard rubber, genadilla, cocobolo, mopane, boxwood, etc).
When I go to a music store in the U.S.A., I expect them to stock basic equipment that supports the normal/standardized instrument that is most common.
Anything else is a deviation from the standard:
- Different pitch (A, C, Eb, D, G, Ab piccolo clarinet),
- Different octaves (Alto, Tenor, Basset clarinet, Basset horn, Bass, Contra, Octa-Contra)
- Additional keywork to the 17 key 6 ring variety (Eb/Ab lever, low F correction key, full boehm keywork with articulated G#, extended range to low Eb, etc.)
- Different key systems (Albert, Oehler/German, etc.)
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist Homage and MT36 mouthpieces
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 & #5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2026-05-22 18:19
David H. Kinder,
I like your definition, however...
When you wrote: "Normal = standardized. What is the most standardized clarinet? Bb french boehm system, 17 keys, 6 rings, regardless of materials used (ABS plastic, hard rubber, genadilla, cocobolo, mopane, boxwood, etc).", what came to my mind this mornings was...I think I can find a CSO at Amazon that would fit your definition and it probably would only cost around $139.00.
Should quality be a part of your definition or not?
I don't know how to reconcile this...
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