Chloe Zhang
The clarinet is a single-reed woodwind instrument that has been made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, hard rubber, ebonite, metal, and ivory. The first plastic clarinet was invented around 1948, over 50 years after the first metal clarinet. Since the mid-20th century, clarinets, particularly student models, have been made from plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). One of the first blends of plastic used to make clarinets was Resonite, a term originally trademarked by Selmer. Plastic clarinets are stronger, lighter, less expensive, and easier to maintain than wooden clarinets, which is why they are often the first instrument for beginners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year the first plastic clarinet was invented | Around 1948 |
| First blend of plastic used | Resonite, trademarked by Selmer |
| Other blends of plastic used | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) |
| Plastic clarinet popularity | Student or band models |
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What You'll Learn
The plastic clarinet was invented around 1948
The clarinet is believed to have been invented in the early 1700s, with the plastic clarinet invented around 50 years later in 1948. The clarinet has long been a central instrument in jazz, and it continued to be an integral part of it through the 20th century in big band music. Benny Goodman is probably the best-known jazz clarinetist and was prominent in the late 1930s swing scene. From the 1940s onwards, the clarinet began to be replaced by the saxophone in jazz bands and is now less widely used in the genre. However, clarinets remain a predominant feature of klezmer music, with its own unique style of idiomatic playing. Many other traditional Eastern European music genres also rely on the clarinet as a central instrument.
The clarinet comprises a family of instruments of differing sizes and pitches, ranging from the BB♭ contrabass to the A♭ piccolo. The B♭ soprano clarinet is the most common type and is the instrument usually indicated by the word "clarinet". Clarinets are typically made from wood, but bodies can also be made from plastic, hard rubber or ebonite, metal, and ivory. The vast majority of wooden clarinets are made from African blackwood (grenadilla), or, more uncommonly, Honduran rosewood or cocobolo.
Since the mid-20th century, clarinets, particularly student or band models, have also been made from plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). One of the first such blends of plastic was Resonite, a term originally trademarked by Selmer. Plastic clarinets are stronger and easier to maintain, making them ideal for students and marching bands. They are also good for outdoor performances, as players do not have to worry about rain ruining their wooden clarinet. However, all professionals use wooden clarinets because they produce a richer and more vibrant sound.
Mouthpieces are generally made of hard rubber, although some inexpensive mouthpieces may be made of plastic. Other materials such as glass, wood, ivory, and metal have also been used. Ligatures are often made of metal and tightened using one or more adjustment screws; other materials include plastic, string, or fabric. The clarinet uses a single reed made from the cane of Arundo donax, although reeds may also be manufactured from synthetic materials.
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Metal clarinets were produced from 1895-1965
Metal clarinets were produced from 1895 to 1965, with the majority being made between 1924 and 1939 for the American market. In 1889, the company Conn received a patent for its metal clarinet. These early Conn clarinets were double-walled and produced a beautiful tone, earning them the nickname "The double-walled wonders".
The first metal clarinets were all double-walled and were known for their superior sound quality. Many subsequent models, particularly those made in Europe, were single-walled, which resulted in a poorer tone and intonation issues. Metal clarinets became popular in marching bands due to their sturdy construction and resistance to cracking. They were also favoured for military use, as they could be played in all weather conditions.
During the first half of the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of metal clarinets were mass-produced, with many being used by students or played in marching bands. However, this led to a decline in quality, as cheaper, single-walled instruments flooded the market. Metal clarinets soon gained a reputation for being out of tune and inferior to wooden clarinets.
The Boston orchestra's decision to not renew the contract of clarinetist Gaston Hamelin in 1931 due to his use of a metal clarinet further contributed to the instrument's downfall. As a result, the clarinet was removed from the Selmer company's catalog, dealing a blow to the image of metal clarinets.
Despite their reputation, some metal clarinets were outstanding instruments. Solid silver clarinets, for example, were known for their sonorous and vocal quality, making them ideal for indoor concert settings. Metal clarinets also played a significant role in the world of jazz, with American clarinetist George Lewis popularising the instrument in New Orleans Jazz. Benny Goodman also played the metal clarinet at several points in his career.
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Metal clarinets were popular in military bands
Metal clarinets were produced from 1895 to 1965, with most being manufactured between 1924 and 1939 for the American market. Metal soprano clarinets were particularly popular in the late 19th century for military use. Metal clarinets were favoured in military bands for their versatility and expressive range. They could provide both melodic lines and harmonic support, often serving as a bridge between brass and strings. The clarinet's mellow and bright tones allowed it to fit into various musical styles and marches.
The clarinet is a woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece, a straight cylindrical tube, and a flaring bell. The clarinet's potential for expressive dynamics contributes to the military band's overall artistic presentation. The integration of woodwind instruments in military bands diversifies the bands and enriches the sonic landscape, enabling a broader range of musical expression. The clarinet's ability to play both mellow and bright tones adds depth to performances.
The presence of clarinets in military bands enhances both ceremonial and marching performances. Their unique sound contributes to the band's overall musical texture and style. Military bands play an important role in both military and cultural contexts, providing a unique blend of entertainment, tradition, and discipline. Their music often serves as a morale booster for troops and a means to communicate important messages.
Metal clarinets were made primarily during the war, and after the war ended, plastic clarinets became popular. Metal clarinets started to get a bad reputation when cheaper, single-walled instruments were mass-produced, compromising quality and tone.
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Plastic clarinets are cheaper and easier to maintain
The plastic clarinet was invented around 1948, over 50 years after the first metal clarinet. Metal clarinets were made primarily during the war, and after the war ended, plastic clarinets became popular. Plastic clarinets are cheaper and easier to maintain than wooden clarinets. They are also good for marching bands because players do not have to worry about the rain ruining their instrument. Most students start on a plastic clarinet because they are stronger and more durable.
Plastic clarinets are usually made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). One of the first blends of plastic used for clarinets was Resonite, a term originally trademarked by Selmer. Plastic mouthpieces are also available, though they are considered inferior to hard rubber mouthpieces, which are more common.
Wooden clarinets are usually made from African blackwood (grenadilla), a dense and resonant wood that can withstand changes in temperature and humidity. Honduran rosewood and cocobolo are also used, though less commonly. Metal is also used for some clarinets, particularly for the bodies of some contra-alto and contrabass clarinets, and the necks and bells of nearly all alto and larger clarinets.
While professional clarinet players tend to prefer the richer, more vibrant sound of wooden clarinets, plastic clarinets are a more affordable and durable option for beginners and students. They are also a good choice for marching bands or other outdoor performances where weather conditions may be a concern.
Overall, plastic clarinets offer a more accessible option for those looking to learn the instrument without the higher cost and maintenance requirements of wooden clarinets.
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Metal clarinets fell out of fashion after World War II
Metal clarinets were produced from 1895 to 1965, with most being made between 1924 and 1939 for the American market. They were initially popular due to their sturdiness, unique sound, and ability to blend well with saxophones in jazz. However, several factors contributed to their decline in popularity after World War II.
One significant factor was the mass production of lower-quality metal clarinets. As companies began producing student-model clarinets in large quantities, the focus shifted from quality to quantity. These mass-produced instruments were often inferior in terms of sound quality and intonation. They gained a reputation for being out of tune and were negatively compared to wooden clarinets, which were considered to have a more pleasant and velvety sound. The Boston orchestra's decision to not renew the contract of clarinetist Gaston Hamelin in 1931 due to his use of a metal clarinet further contributed to the decline in popularity of metal clarinets.
Another factor was the introduction of plastic clarinets after World War II. Plastic offered a more affordable and accessible alternative to metal and wooden clarinets. While metal clarinets were known for their unique sound, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of plastic clarinets made them more appealing to musicians and manufacturers.
Additionally, metal clarinets faced competition from other instruments, such as the saxophone. Economic factors, including the potential lower cost of saxophones compared to clarinets, may have influenced the decline in popularity of metal clarinets.
The combination of these factors led to the metal clarinet falling out of fashion after World War II. While it may not be as commonly used today, it still holds a significant place in the history of jazz and woodwind instruments.
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Frequently asked questions
The first plastic clarinet was invented around 1948.
Plastic clarinets were a popular alternative to wooden clarinets as they were lighter, less expensive, and easier to maintain.
Plastic clarinets were ideal for students and marching bands as they were cheaper and more durable than wooden clarinets.
Clarinets are typically made of African blackwood, also known as grenadilla, a dense and resonant wood that can withstand changes in temperature and humidity.
