A woodwind instrument having a straight, cylindrical tube with a flaring bell and a single-reed mouthpiece, played by means of finger holes and keys.

The clarinet family as shown here includes the sopranino in E flat, the most common B flat clarinet, the less common E flat alto, the B flat bass clarinet, an E flat contra-bass and even a B flat sub-contra-bass clarinet.

A descendent of the Renaissance chalumeau, it was improved through the end of the 18th century when the clarinet became a standard instrument in the orchestra.

Constructed of an African blackwood called grenadilla, its characteristically smooth and hollow tone are equally adaptable for use by jazz ensembles and dance bands.