The clarinet is a cylindrical-bore pipe with a mouthpiece that resembles a beak and uses a single cane reed. The lower end flares out into a bell. The clarinet is a very popular woodwind that originated in Islamic and Asian countries at least 700 years ago. Modern clarinets are made of ebony and have 20 or more side holes to produce different pitches. With a clarinet, you can play as softly as a whisper, but also loudly enough to be heard above an entire orchestra. Because it has a range of more than three octaves, it can produce both very low and very high notes.
The clarinet is capable of performing a wide range of musical styles. Its repertoire extends from Mozart's Concertos to the swing tunes of Benny Goodman and the fast, fun, celebratory music of Klezmer bands. The most common size of clarinet is the B-flat soprano. There is also a larger alto clarinet and a bass clarinet, the largest of the family. Most affordable clarinets are made of plastic. Wood models, which usually give a warmer tone, are also available at the intermediate or professional level.