- Bb Clarinet: The most common type of clarinet. It is approximately 27.5 inches (70 cm) long. The body is cylindrical, with a slight flare at the bell.
- A Clarinet: Slightly longer than the Bb clarinet, approximately 29.5 inches (75 cm). It has a warmer, more mellow sound.
- Eb Clarinet: Smaller and higher-pitched than the Bb and A clarinets. It is approximately 24.5 inches (62 cm) long.
Key Work:
- Bb Clarinet: The key work on the Bb clarinet consists of 17 keys and 6 rings.
- A Clarinet: The key work on the A clarinet is similar to that of the Bb clarinet, but there are a few differences in the positions of the keys.
- Eb Clarinet: The key work on the Eb clarinet is similar to that of the Bb clarinet, but there are several additional keys to accommodate the higher pitch.
Sound:
- Bb Clarinet: The Bb clarinet has a bright, clear sound that is well-suited for playing melodies.
- A Clarinet: The A clarinet has a warmer, more mellow sound that is often used for playing harmony parts.
- Eb Clarinet: The Eb clarinet has a high, piercing sound that is often used for playing solos or for adding a bright sound to a clarinet choir.