Clarinets
E FlatThe E flat clarinet is the smallest of the clarinet family. Most E flats create a sharp sound and they are about a third shorter than a B flat clarinet. The finger are the same as the B flat and is noted in the violine key. It is noted in E flat and is one of the less common instruments to be played in a band because of the use of the first B flat clarinet.
|
AltoThe alto clarinet is a very similar instrument to the basset horn. These clarinets are very low sounding played in E flat and are close to the same height as the B flat clarinet, but a little bit taller. They have a bend in the barrel usually made with metal, and have a metal funnel like some bass clarinets. The alto clarinet is mostly played in harmony or symphony bands.
|
Contra-BassThe contra-bass clarinet is the biggest of the group and is not often used. This clarinet is used mainly for special effects because of it's extremely deep sound, played in B flat. The sounds can be mistake for other low instruments, such as the string bass.
|
A and B Flat Bass
The A and B flat clarinets are the most commonly used out of all the clarinet family. They are also called the soprano clarinet in some cases. Out of the two, the B flat is the more used instrument. It is used in both wind and jazz ensembles which feature no A clarinets. The A clarinet is mainly used in classical music. Both of these clarinets a very alike, they are just half a tone apart and use the same mouth piece.
|
The bass clarinet is quite larger than the B flat and is known for it's low tone and full sound. The barrel is bent in a ''s'' metal form similar to the saxophone. This clarinet is much heavier to hold, so there is a thorn on the bottom to help hold it up or special straps to wear on your shoulders and chest. The bass clarinet has one of the widest tone ranges of any instrument. It can play as low as the bassoon and as high as the soprano clarinet and is noted in B flat.
|