Plastic clarinets are typically easier to play, more durable, and lighter than metal clarinets. They are especially useful for children and other beginners who are still learning to play woodwind instruments. Most plastic clarinets aren’t as good as their wooden counterparts, but some of the higher-end models have a pleasant sound that’s perfect for school bands, marching bands, or those who just want to play for fun.
The fact that plastic clarinets are usually easier to play than wooden clarinets is perhaps their greatest advantage. The keys are easier to manipulate, making the instrument easier to pick up for those who have never played before. There’s also a lower chance that the keys will lose their functionality over time. When the temperature of a wooden instrument changes, the wood expands and contracts, causing warping around the keys and eventual damage. This does not happen with plastic, which maintains its shape.
For children, a plastic clarinet is usually recommended because it is lighter and easier to hold. This is important in band classes and other similar settings because students learn to play instruments that are scaled down as much as possible to their size. Because heavier instruments would be cumbersome to carry around in a marching band, their lightweight qualities make them easier to use.
A plastic clarinet is also more durable and lasts longer than a wooden clarinet. Wood can become worn over time and is prone to cracking or warping, both of which can affect the instrument’s musical quality. Plastic holds its shape better and is less likely to break or chip when dropped or handled roughly, which are both common among young children learning to play.
In addition, plastic clarinets are less expensive than wooden clarinets. This is usually due to their lower playing quality, but this is a plus when buying for beginners, students, or those who play for fun rather than for a living. The price difference between a low-cost plastic clarinet and a high-end wooden clarinet can be thousands of dollars (USD).
When compared to higher-end wooden clarinets, the main disadvantage of using a plastic clarinet is that the sound quality is inferior. Due to their richer sound and better intonation, those who play professionally use a professional-grade wooden clarinet. These characteristics are uncommon in plastic clarinets.