How can you tell what kind of clarinet you have?

Answer 1

Play an open 'G' on it (don't press down any keys and just blow a note). If it's the same note as an 'F' on a piano, then it's in B-Flat. However, if these notes do not sound the same, then chances are you have a Clarinet in A or C. (A clarinet in A will play a 'G' at the same pitch as a piano's 'E', and a clarinet in C will play a 'G' at the same pitch as a piano's 'G')

Another way of identifying the pitch of an instrument is by looking at any serial numbers / brand names inscribed on the instrument. Sometimes a B-Flat will have a 'B' at the end of the inscription / and an A will have an 'A' at the end.

Answer 2

You can usually tell just visually how old a clarinet is, even if you don't know much about clarinets. The best way to know is with the serial number, the only thing is that ONLY professional (maybe intermediate) clarinets are recorded in databases. Many of the cheap clarinets don't really offer a way to track how old they are. The serial number in cheaper clarinets is used more to keep track of production and warranty purposes.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about older ones, but today's Eb clarinets are about a foot in length, and Bb ones are MAYBE 1.5 feet?

Answer 4

If when a C is fingered on the clarinet a Bb comes out then it is a Bb. Finger a C on any instrument and the pitch that is produced is the name of the key that it is in.

Answer 5

You can tell how old your Clarinet is buy whether it's wood or plastic. Wood is older.

Answer 6

It normally says on the case.