Relatively compact and light compared to many other instruments.The clarinet offers many advantages to both child and adult learners. There are, however, vintage and specialist clarinets which use other fingering systems. Most clarinets use a fingering system called the standard Boehm system. Tend to have silver- or even gold-plated keys.Need to be protected from water and therefore are best kept for indoor playing.Are much more liable to be damaged by incorrect handling.Require more maintenance but typically have a much longer usable life.Have a better sound than plastic clarinets.
Are generally intended for upper-intermediate or professional players.Tend to have nickel-plated keys, which are more durable than silver but can trigger allergies.Can withstand rain and so can be played outdoors without damage.Are very robust and are better able to withstand being dropped or knocked.
The modern clarinet dates back to the early 18th century.