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[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]The Clarinet is a woodwind instrument.  It is consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens into a bell shape at the bottom.  The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from cane from southern [[France]].   

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]The Clarinet is a woodwind instrument.  It is consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens into a bell shape at the bottom.  The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from cane from southern [[France]].   

Clarinets are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare.  The most common key is B♭.  The B♭ clarinet is about 60cm long and has a range of three octaves.

Clarinets are transposing instruments, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare.  The most common key is B♭.  The B♭ clarinet is about 60cm long and has a range of three octaves.  A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B♭ clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing.  Clarinets are also made in the key of B♭, pitched a fourth higher than the common B♭ clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

 

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B♭, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom.  The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys:  B♭ or E♭.  This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

The body of the clarinet is constructed from wood, traditionally ebony from [[Africa]], [[Asia]], or [[South America]].  This wood is very hard and holds a high polish well.

The body of the clarinet is constructed from wood, traditionally ebony from [[Africa]], [[Asia]], or [[South America]].  This wood is very hard and holds a high polish well.