The Art of Finding Your Own Sound on the Clarinet

How to Choose the Best Setup for an Advanced Clarinetist?

If you've moved past the student phase and want to improve your sound, you've probably asked yourself:
• What mouthpiece should I buy?
• Which reeds work best with my new mouthpiece?
• How much does a good ligature influence the sound?
• What other accessories are essential for performing on stage?

When transitioning from a student clarinet—designed for easy playing with soft reeds to avoid fatigue—it's time to move beyond your teacher’s recommendations and start building your own sound. This is where your references come into play: the clarinetists you admire, a classic or "vintage" sound, or the musical style you love the most.

The First Big Decision: Choosing the Right Clarinet

Selecting the right clarinet is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions in this process. Budget plays a key role in this choice, as it determines whether you opt for a professional clarinet "for life" (usually ranging from €4,000 to €5,500 and up) or an intermediate-level one that can accompany you for many years before you're ready for the next step (these models typically range from €2,000 to €3,000).

Unlike saxophones, there isn’t a clear division between clarinets for jazz or classical music; however, this distinction is more evident in accessories like mouthpieces, which often don’t get the attention they deserve.

Some of the most renowned professional clarinet brands include:

• BUFFET: Models like the RC Prestige, Festival, Vintage, Tradition, and higher-end models such as the Légende, Tosca, or Divine.
• BACKUN: Their Q and Lumiere models, as well as the CG carbon clarinet, are highly appreciated.
• ROSSI: 100% handcrafted clarinets made in Chile. Each instrument is unique, making them an exceptional choice for those seeking something special and personalized.

Clarinets for Growth and Enjoyment

Once you've moved past the student phase, the next step is finding a clarinet that supports your musical development. This is where intermediate options come in, offering high-quality instruments without yet reaching the professional price range.

• BUFFET: Models like the E12 and E13 provide an excellent experience for clarinetists looking to improve without breaking the bank. The RC model is ideal for those approaching a more professional level.
• BACKUN: The Protégé is a great option for those wanting to explore further, and if you're looking for something special, it's available in exotic woods like cocobolo, which gives it a unique tone.
• SELMER: The Prologue is a solid choice, perfect for those looking to take a step forward while maintaining the essence of the instrument.

The best part of this stage is that each clarinet has something unique. The best approach is to try them out and see which one resonates with you! At SAX & CLARINET ON, we offer the opportunity to test and compare some of the best clarinets in the world in an ideal, acoustically perfect setting to help you make the best decision.

If you're still unsure, make every day a new opportunity to enjoy music! With our Clarinet Experience, you can become a clarinetist for a day and experience the best the instrument has to offer.

The Second Big Decision: The Mouthpiece

In clarinet playing, small details make a big difference. Although it’s not as obvious as in other instruments, the mouthpiece is key to achieving a more "jazzy" or classical sound. After using the standard mouthpiece that comes with the clarinet, it's common to seek an option that provides greater projection, facilitates the upper register, and offers a focused sound for better control.

Some of the most recommended clarinet mouthpieces include:

• VANDOREN: Models like the M30, B40, and B45 are popular for their versatility and quality.
• BACKUN: The Vocalise series and their Signature models (Corrado, McGill, Hawkins, Euro, and Shifrin) offer interesting options for those looking for something more exclusive.
• POMARICO: For a classic sound, Pomarico offers crystal mouthpieces highly appreciated by traditional clarinetists. Click here for learn more.

If you're aiming for a jazz-oriented sound, a different type of mouthpiece will help. Recommended options for this style include:

• CHEDEVILLE: This brand is known for reviving the old rubber used during World War II, offering a unique tonal quality that stands out among today’s options. Post
• JODY JAZZ: The HR model delivers a warmer, more velvety sound—perfect for jazz musicians.
• VANDOREN: The 5JB and 7JB models provide a warmer, darker tone.
• POMARICO: They also have a jazz version in crystal, ideal for those looking for that special touch.

At first glance, it may seem easy to categorize mouthpieces by sound preference, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Some mouthpieces bridge different tonal worlds, offering both brightness and a centered tone—allowing for a powerful yet delicate sound. A good example is the Chedeville Kanter Cinema or the Vandoren B45 Lyra, which successfully balance both sonic realms.

It’s important to remember that classifications are relative and depend on many factors: how we play, embouchure position, our instrument, reeds, ligature, and even our mood while playing.

And Now, the Reeds...

Once we've chosen our mouthpiece, it's a good idea to try different reed models to see which one feels most comfortable and complements our desired sound. Reeds that are too hard can cause excessive fatigue, while very soft reeds may distort the sound and make intonation unstable. The reed’s "color" should also match the mouthpiece’s tone for the best results.

The Ligature: The Final Key Component of Our Setup

The ligature fine-tunes everything we’ve chosen so far, making it one of the most subtle yet important adjustments. Woodstone Ishimori ligatures are the latest favorite, crafted from materials like solid silver, copper, gold plating, or pink gold.

Essential Accessories for a Complete Setup

1. A good case: It should secure your precious instrument, preventing internal movement and absorbing external impacts. It should also be lightweight and easy to carry as a backpack or with optional handles. Some prefer spacious cases for sheet music and accessories, while others want something as compact as possible. Santtonio and Bam offer excellent options.
2. Maintenance and cleaning accessories: These include internal drying swabs (for both the main body and mouthpiece), cork grease, bite patches to reduce vibrations on the teeth, accessories to keep pads dry and prevent sticking, and reed cases to store reeds conveniently.

Music Comes First

After diving into all these technical details, remember that the most important thing is the music! Playing, having fun, and expressing yourself is what makes entering the wonderful world of the clarinet so worthwhile.