Bb Clarinet - Assembly to First Sound

Today we will learn how to assemble a Soprano Clarinet and set an embouchure for playing first sounds.

Tools needed: Full clarinet, reed, ligature, cork grease. Note: Cork grease looks like a chapstick tube.

First, open the cork grease tube and apply some grease to each section of cork. You will then grab the bell and lower joint and gently twist the two pieces together where the cork meets the bell opening.

Next, you will pick up the upper joint and gently twist it into the lower joint. Note: Carefully depress the tone holes on the front of the upper joint (picture 1) making sure to line them up with the tone holes on the lower joint. If this is done correctly, the side of the upper and lower joint will line up on the side as in picture 3 above.

There are different types of ligature and reed, so check to make sure which kind you have for the following steps. Note: Reed will need to be wet to play so you can soak it in water for 3-5 minutes.

While the mouthpiece is empty, gently twist the mouthpiece and the barrel together.

Carefully place the flat edge of the reed against the flat edge of the mouthpiece lining up the curve of the reed with the curve of the mouthpiece. Hold this in place with your thumb while sliding the ligature over both pieces (picture 1). Make sure the alignment of the reed and mouthpiece is maintained once the ligature is on and secure (picture 2).

For assembly the last step is to gently twist together the barrel and the upper joint. Note: the reed and ligature may move if not held as pictured.

For playing position, the right hand thumb should rest under the thumb rest as it does in picture 1. Both the left and right hand should line up the ring, middle, and index fingers with the 3 tone holes of the upper and lower joint as they do in picture 2. Notice how the fingers are round and not flat.

Lastly, with bottom lip rolled over the bottom teeth place reed side of the mouthpiece on the bottom lip. On the top of the mouthpiece, place teeth down and seal mouth around the mouthpiece. Take a breath and blow to produce first sounds. Note: This may sound like a squeak, but that is okay.