A low-voiced member of the clarinet family, first manufactured either by G. Lott (Paris, 1772) or Heinrich Grenser (Dresden, 1793). Throughout the next century, there were several innovations in the construction and size of the body of this instrument. Most significantly, key mechanisms were added which extended the range of notes it could play. Some models had folded bodies, similar to bassoons.

The more contemporary straight-bodied clarinet was designed by the Belgian instrument manufacturer, Adolph Sax, in the early 19th century. It is usually pitched in B flat like the more common soprano B flat clarinet (i.e. it is a transposing instrument on which a written C sounds as B flat), but it plays notes an octave below the soprano B flat clarinet. Most modern bass clarinets are straight-bodied, with a small upturned silver-colored metal bell and curved metal neck.

Bass clarinets regularly perform in orchestras, wind ensembles/concert bands, occasionally in marching bands and play an occasional solo role in contemporary music and jazz in particular.

Music which prominently features this instrument include Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker Suite' (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, juxtaposing the bass clarinet and the celesta) and the final measures of Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde', and more contemporary works such as Stockhausen's 'In Friendship' (1977).