How to Set Up the Clarinet
- 1). Look at the clarinet in its box. There should be 8 pieces: a mouthpiece, barrel, first joint, second joint, bell, ligature and reeds. A diagram can clarify which piece is which.
- 2). Put the thin part of the reed in your mouth. You will need to wet the reed thoroughly. It should be dampened enough during the time it takes to put your clarinet together.
- 3). Remove the bell, and attach it to the second joint. Clarinets use cork to create a secure, airtight connection between the parts of the body. You can connect two parts by twisting them back and forth gently.
- 4). Connect the top of the second joint to the bottom of the first joint. This can also be done by twisting the two connections back and forth gently. Make sure all of the finger holes are in line with one another.
- 5). Slide the bottom of the barrel to the top of the first joint. The barrel joint is the smallest piece.
- 6). Attach the mouthpiece to the top of the barrel. You will notice a rectangular slot on one side of the mouth piece. This needs to be facing down---in the opposite direction of the finger holes. The mouthpiece will position your reed so that it can vibrate freely on your bottom lip.
- 7). Slide your ligature over the mouthpiece. The wing-screws should be pointing to the right.
- 8). Slide the back of your reed onto the rectangular slot on your mouthpiece until the tip of the reed is level with the tip of the mouthpiece. Tighten your ligature around the reed. Your clarinet is now ready to be played.
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