Then and Now: Clarinet

Early and Modern Clarinets

Classical era clarinet

Early 19^th century clarinet in B-flat with a pièce de rechange for conversion to A. Manufactured in Dresden, Germany, around 1810. Made of boxwood with ivory joints, seven brass keys and leather pads. Original reed tied to the mouthpiece. Cylindrical bore.

modern clarinet in B-flat

Modern day B-flat clarinet made of ebony wood and fitted with a key system inspired by the innovations for the flute by Theobald Boehm developed during the 19^th century and translated to the clarinet by Louis-August Buffet and others.

modern clarinet in A

Modern day clarinet in A made of ebony wood and fitted with a key system inspired by the innovations for the flute by Theobald Boehm developed during the 19^th century and translated to the clarinet by Louis-August Buffet and others. It differs from the B-flat clarinet in the middle photo in one key way--it is slightly longer and produces a fundamental tone a half-step lower. 

The same passage of music played on a Classic era clarinet (first clip) and the modern clarinet (second clip) provide a comparison of the sound qualities of these two instruments.