The most obvious benefit of using a wooden clarinet over a plastic model is that wooden clarinets sound more professional. When compared to less professional models, they produce a warmer tone and intonation. A wooden clarinet should be preferred over a plastic or synthetically derived clarinet any professional player.
Wooden clarinets are, on average, of higher overall quality than other types. The term “woodwind” comes from the fact that the first clarinets were made entirely of wood. The majority of wooden clarinets are made of African Grenadilla wood, though other types of wood may be used occasionally. One example is rosewood.
During professional performance, wooden clarinets produce better sound quality and more intonation between notes. This is due in part to their superior construction and more meticulously designed keys, as well as the wood’s natural resonance. While wood is preferred over plastic in general, not all wood clarinets are created equal. Professional models have more advanced features and sound quality than mid-level models. Furthermore, the exact pitch and quality of sound can differ between brands and even within the same model of clarinet.
Before purchasing a wooden clarinet, it is a good idea to try out a few different models to find the right sound. This may be more dependent on the preferences of individual players than on the quality and value of a specific clarinet. Those who are new to the instrument should have a professional musician try out any potential purchases before making a purchase. This will help you weed out any instruments that aren’t as good as others in the same price range.
Aside from sound quality, some may consider wooden clarinets to be more fashionable. They usually have a lovely wood grain on the outside and come in a variety of finishes. They also have a more sleek and elegant appearance, though this does mean that a wooden clarinet requires more maintenance.
Despite the overall benefit of using wooden instruments for professionals, a plastic clarinet may be a better choice for beginners and students. They are significantly less expensive, weigh less, and are more durable. These features are especially important for young children who frequently drop and break things, as well as marching band members who require a durable instrument.