The C clarinet is a concert-pitched woodwind sounding a whole step higher than the B-flat clarinet; known for its bright, penetrating tone, it is used by orchestras and chamber ensembles for soloistic and coloristic passages. It reads at concert pitch, which simplifies score reading and part preparation in some repertory.

Quick overview: What is the C clarinet?

The C clarinet is a soprano clarinet pitched in concert C, so written notes sound exactly as written, without transposition. It is shorter than a B-flat clarinet and typically has a brighter, more direct sound. Historically it appeared in orchestral, chamber, and band music, and today it serves both historical performance and coloristic roles.

Unlike B-flat and A clarinets, which transpose, the C clarinet lets players read concert-pitch scores directly. This makes it attractive for contemporary music, doubling situations, and some educational contexts. Its rarity, however, means that information about equipment, maintenance, and repertoire is scattered, which is why a focused guide is so valuable.

History and evolution of the C clarinet

The C clarinet emerged in the late 18th century, alongside clarinets in D, B-flat, and A, as makers and composers searched for instruments that matched specific keys and tonal colors. Early examples appear in Viennese and Parisian workshops, with makers such as Theodor Lotz and Heinrich Grenser producing high-pitched soprano clarinets, including those in C.

By the early 19th century, the C clarinet had become a practical tool for orchestral and chamber writing. Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Carl Maria von Weber used it when a brighter, more agile clarinet color suited the key or texture. Contemporary treatises by authors like Heinrich Baermann and Hyacinthe Klosé mention the family of clarinets in several pitches, including C.

During the mid to late 19th century, the C clarinet reached a relative peak of use. Orchestral scores by Johannes Brahms, Antonín Dvo?ák, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky occasionally specify C clarinet, often in exposed or brilliant passages. Wind band and military band traditions, especially in central Europe, also maintained clarinets in C for ease of reading and bright projection outdoors.

In the 20th century, the C clarinet declined as B-flat and A clarinets became standardized. Improved keywork, embouchure pedagogy, and instrument design allowed B-flat and A clarinets to cover most repertoire efficiently. Many older C clarinets were retired or converted, and new production dropped sharply, though some French and German makers continued to offer them in catalogues for specific markets.

From the late 20th century onward, the C clarinet found a niche in historically informed performance, contemporary music, and specialized orchestral work. Conductors and period-instrument ensembles sometimes seek original or carefully restored C clarinets to match early Romantic and Classical scoring. Contemporary composers, attracted by its color and non-transposing nature, occasionally specify C clarinet in chamber and mixed ensembles.

Today, the C clarinet occupies a hybrid role: part historical artifact, part practical tool. Collectors and music librarians encounter it in 19th century sets of clarinets, while advanced players may use modern C clarinets for certain orchestral parts, studio work, and new music. Understanding its historical context helps players decide when an authentic C clarinet is preferable to transposition on B-flat or A.

Anatomy and construction details

The C clarinet shares the same basic anatomy as other soprano clarinets: mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, lower joint, and bell. Its overall tube length is shorter, which raises the pitch to concert C. Modern C clarinets usually follow Boehm-system keywork, though historical examples may use simple or Albert systems with fewer keys.

Typical bore dimensions for a modern C clarinet fall around 14.3 to 14.7 mm in cylindrical bore diameter, compared with about 14.6 to 14.8 mm for many B-flat clarinets. The slightly smaller bore and shorter tube contribute to the brighter, more penetrating tone. Historical C clarinets can have even narrower bores, sometimes near 14.0 mm, which affects resistance and intonation tendencies.

The barrel of a C clarinet is shorter than that of a B-flat clarinet, often in the 55 to 60 mm range, though this varies by manufacturer. Bells are proportionally shorter as well, and some makers adjust flare and internal taper to stabilize low-register intonation. Players sometimes experiment with alternative barrels or custom tuning barrels to fine-tune pitch and response.

Materials for C clarinets mirror those used for other clarinets: grenadilla (African blackwood) is most common for professional instruments, while rosewood, cocobolo, and boxwood appear in historical or specialty models. Some 20th century C clarinets were made from ebonite or early plastics, especially for school and band use. Keywork is typically nickel silver, silver plated, or occasionally solid silver on high-end instruments.

Keywork variations on C clarinets can be significant. Some older instruments lack modern trill keys or alternate fingerings, which affects technique in fast passages. Modern professional C clarinets usually include the standard Boehm-system layout, with left-hand E-flat/B-flat lever, auxiliary trill keys, and sometimes additional venting to improve throat tones. When considering a vintage C clarinet, players should examine the key layout carefully for compatibility with their technique.

Mouthpiece design for C clarinet is an important but often overlooked detail. Some players use a dedicated C clarinet mouthpiece with a shorter shank and a facing optimized for the shorter tube, while others adapt a B-flat mouthpiece with a shorter barrel. Typical tip openings and facings can mirror B-flat setups, but many players prefer slightly closer tips and shorter facings to enhance focus and intonation stability.

For diagram purposes, it is useful to label the same components as on a B-flat clarinet: reed and ligature on the mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint tone holes and ring keys, lower joint with right-hand keys, and bell. On C clarinets, pay special attention to the throat A and A-flat keys, the register key, and low E/B and F/C keys, since their placement relative to the shorter body can feel subtly different under the hands.

Sound, tuning and acoustic characteristics

The C clarinet is known for a bright, penetrating, and sometimes slightly more incisive tone than the B-flat clarinet. Its shorter tube and often narrower bore emphasize upper partials, which helps it project clearly through orchestral textures. In chamber music, this clarity can be an advantage in complex contrapuntal writing or when blending with flutes and oboes.

In terms of tuning, the C clarinet is built to play at modern concert pitch, usually A = 440 or 442 Hz, depending on maker and market. Because it sounds a whole step higher than the B-flat clarinet for the same fingering, players must be especially attentive to embouchure and voicing to avoid sharpness in the upper register and flatness in the low register, common tendencies on shorter clarinets.

Acoustically, the C clarinet behaves like other clarinets, overblowing at the twelfth, but the shorter air column makes small changes in voicing and air support more noticeable. Throat tones can be particularly sensitive, sometimes sounding thin or unstable without careful support and appropriate mouthpiece-reed pairing. Some modern designs add extra venting or bore adjustments to tame these notes.

Projection is one of the C clarinet's strengths. In orchestral settings, it can cut through dense scoring, especially in bright keys or high tessitura. This quality explains why composers such as Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss occasionally favored C clarinet for specific coloristic effects. However, the same brightness can feel too edgy in intimate settings if the player does not adjust dynamics and tone color.

Intonation quirks vary by instrument, but common patterns include slightly sharp upper clarion notes and low E and F that may sit low without enough support. Players often experiment with barrel length, mouthpiece choice, and reed strength to stabilize pitch. Some find that a slightly heavier reed than on B-flat clarinet helps center the sound and improve tuning on C clarinet.

For advanced players, the C clarinet offers a distinct palette of colors. The chalumeau register can sound surprisingly clear and less covered than on B-flat clarinet, while the clarion and altissimo registers have a ringing quality that suits solo lines. With refined voicing and careful reed selection, the instrument can produce a wide range of timbres, from delicate and transparent to brilliant and assertive.

Technique and playing considerations (embouchure, breath, articulation)

Switching to C clarinet from B-flat or A requires subtle but important technique adjustments. The shorter tube and often slightly smaller bore create a different resistance profile. Many players notice that the C clarinet feels more agile but also less forgiving of embouchure instability, especially in soft dynamics and in the throat register.

Embouchure on C clarinet should prioritize stability and slightly firmer support than on B-flat clarinet, without biting. Think of a compact, focused embouchure with consistent lower-lip cushion and even pressure around the mouthpiece. Because the instrument responds quickly, any embouchure movement translates directly into pitch and tone changes, so minimizing jaw motion is important.

Breath support needs to be steady and well directed. The C clarinet often benefits from a fast, focused air stream rather than a broad, diffuse one. Long-tone practice across registers, especially on throat tones and clarion G to C, helps players learn how much air speed and support are needed to keep pitch stable and tone centered.

Articulation can feel lighter and more immediate on C clarinet. The reed responds quickly, which makes rapid tonguing easier but also increases the risk of chirps or unwanted accents if the tongue motion is too heavy. Aim for a light, precise tongue stroke, touching near the tip of the reed, and practice scale patterns at varied dynamics to balance clarity and smoothness.

Finger technique is mostly identical to B-flat clarinet, but hand position can feel slightly more compact due to the shorter body. Players with large hands should pay attention to relaxed curvature in the fingers and avoid squeezing tone holes. On vintage C clarinets with different key spacing, it is especially important to experiment with thumb and hand angles to prevent tension.

Because the C clarinet reads at concert pitch, mental transposition is not required. This can be a major advantage in contemporary music and in reading full scores. However, players used to thinking in B-flat or A transposition may need time to adjust their mental map of fingerings relative to sounding pitch, especially when switching instruments within a single rehearsal or performance.

To develop reliable technique, integrate C clarinet into your regular practice routine. Use standard etudes such as Baermann, Rose, or Klosé, but play them on C clarinet at varied tempos and dynamics. Focus on matching tone color and intonation across the break, and record yourself to check for consistency with your B-flat and A clarinet sound.

Orchestral, chamber and solo repertoire for C clarinet

The C clarinet appears in a wide range of orchestral and chamber works, especially from the late 18th and 19th centuries. For music librarians and players, identifying these parts accurately is important, since some editions transpose C clarinet parts for B-flat or A clarinet, while others preserve the original scoring.

In orchestral literature, notable examples include Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21, where early sources specify clarinets in C. Schubert's Symphony No. 9 in C major, D 944, also calls for C clarinet in several movements, giving the instrument bright, exposed lines that benefit from its characteristic color and projection.

Later Romantic composers occasionally used C clarinet for specific effects. Dvo?ák's Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88, includes clarinet parts that some early sources associate with C clarinet, though modern practice often uses B-flat clarinet. Mahler and Strauss sometimes specify clarinets in C in their large orchestral scores, particularly in passages where clarity and brilliance are paramount.

Chamber music offers additional opportunities. Early Classical and early Romantic wind serenades and Harmoniemusik often include clarinets in C, especially in keys that favor that instrument's tuning and color. Some editions of Mozart's and Haydn's wind music show C clarinet parts, though modern performance frequently substitutes B-flat clarinet with transposition.

Solo repertoire specifically for C clarinet is more limited, but there are concertante works and character pieces where the instrument appears. Certain 19th century salon pieces and concert polonaises list clarinet in C, sometimes with piano or small orchestra. Contemporary composers have begun to explore C clarinet in solo and mixed-ensemble contexts, taking advantage of its non-transposing nature and distinctive sound.

For research and part preparation, IMSLP and similar archives are invaluable. Searching by instrumentation and examining original parts or first editions often reveals whether a C clarinet was intended. For example, early prints of Beethoven's orchestral scores and Schubert's symphonies show explicit indications like “Clarinetti in C” at the top of parts and in the score margin.

Music librarians should annotate their catalogs to distinguish between original C clarinet parts and later transposed editions. Players can benefit from keeping a personal list of works where a true C clarinet is practical or historically appropriate, along with notes on whether modern practice favors substitution on B-flat or A clarinet.

Maintenance and step-by-step care for C clarinets

Maintaining a C clarinet follows the same principles as caring for any fine woodwind, but the relative rarity of the instrument means that preventive care is especially important. Replacement parts and specialized repair expertise can be harder to find, so consistent daily and seasonal maintenance helps preserve stability and value.

Daily care starts with thorough swabbing after every playing session. Use a soft, lint-free pull-through swab suitable for soprano clarinet. Disassemble the instrument, swab each joint separately, and avoid forcing the swab past tight spots. Wipe the tenons gently and apply a small amount of cork grease when assembling or if the joints feel dry or stiff.

Reed rotation is critical. Keep at least 4 to 6 reeds in active rotation for C clarinet, just as you would for B-flat clarinet. Label them and cycle through them to avoid overusing a single reed, which can lead to warping and intonation problems. Store reeds in a ventilated reed case that allows them to dry flat between uses.

Weekly checks should include a quick inspection of pads and keywork. Look for discoloration or fraying on pads, especially under the register key and throat keys, which see frequent use. Gently test key motion to ensure it is smooth and silent. If you are comfortable, apply a tiny drop of key oil to pivot points, wiping away any excess immediately.

Seasonal maintenance involves deeper checks. Every few months, perform a leak test by assembling the instrument, closing all keys, and gently sucking air through the mouthpiece end. If you feel air entering, there may be a leak. Inspect tenon corks for compression or cracking and check for any signs of wood movement, such as raised grain or hairline cracks.

Clean the mouthpiece and ligature regularly. Soak the mouthpiece briefly in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, then brush the interior with a mouthpiece brush and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely before use. Avoid hot water, which can warp hard rubber or plastic mouthpieces. Wipe the ligature and remove any reed residue.

Once a year, plan for a professional service. A qualified woodwind technician should perform a full leak test, pad and cork replacement as needed, key regulation, and bore inspection. For a C clarinet, it is worth seeking a technician experienced with less-common clarinet sizes, since small adjustments can have a large impact on tuning and response.

Budgeting for maintenance is part of responsible ownership. Routine annual service might cost the same as for a B-flat clarinet, while more extensive restoration on a vintage C clarinet can be significantly higher. Keeping detailed records of maintenance and any modifications helps preserve the instrument's provenance and resale value.

Troubleshooting common problems and fixes

Common C clarinet issues often mirror those of B-flat clarinets but can feel more pronounced because of the instrument's sensitivity. Intonation problems, squeaks, sticky pads, and mechanical misalignments are typical concerns. Having a structured troubleshooting approach helps you decide what you can address yourself and when to call a technician.

If the instrument plays consistently sharp or flat across registers, start with simple checks. Confirm that the barrel length is appropriate and fully seated, and experiment with pulling out slightly at the barrel or middle joint. Try a slightly harder or softer reed and ensure the mouthpiece is compatible with the instrument's bore and pitch standard.

For register-specific intonation issues, such as sharp upper clarion notes or flat low E and F, focus on embouchure and voicing. Use a tuner and long tones to map problem notes. Sometimes a small embouchure adjustment or different reed cut can stabilize pitch. If several notes in one area are consistently out of tune, the bore or tone-hole undercutting may need professional attention.

Squeaks and sudden register breaks often point to leaks or embouchure instability. To check for leaks, use a thin strip of cigarette paper under suspect pads, gently closing the key to see if it grips the paper evenly. Pay special attention to the register key, throat A and A-flat keys, and low joint pads. Any obvious leak should be addressed by a technician.

Sticky pads are common, especially on keys that remain closed most of the time. Home fixes include lightly cleaning the pad surface with pad paper or uncoated cigarette paper, closing the key on the paper and pulling it out gently. Avoid using powders or aggressive solvents, which can damage pads. Persistent stickiness may require pad replacement.

Key misalignment or sluggish action can result from minor bumps, loose screws, or dried key oil. If a key feels stiff, check that pivot screws are snug but not overtightened, and apply a tiny amount of key oil if you are confident in your technique. Bent keys or posts should always be left to a professional, since forcing them can cause permanent damage.

Cracked wood is a serious concern, particularly on older grenadilla C clarinets. Signs include visible lines along the bore or exterior, sudden changes in response, or air leaks. Temporary stage-side fixes are limited; avoid playing heavily on a suspected crack and keep the instrument stable in temperature and humidity. Seek professional repair promptly to prevent the crack from spreading.

As a decision rule, simple cleaning, reed changes, and basic cork grease use are safe DIY tasks. Leak correction, pad replacement, key bending, and crack repair belong to a qualified technician. When in doubt, especially with a rare or valuable C clarinet, err on the side of professional evaluation.

Buying, renting, restoring and valuing C clarinets

Buying a C clarinet requires more research than purchasing a standard B-flat clarinet, simply because there are fewer instruments on the market. Options include new professional models from select makers, used modern instruments, and vintage or historical C clarinets aimed at collectors and period performers.

When evaluating a modern C clarinet, consider intonation, response, and build quality. Play-test across all registers with a tuner, checking for consistent pitch and even tone. Assess keywork ergonomics, especially if you plan to switch frequently between B-flat, A, and C clarinets. Ask about bore design, pitch standard, and recommended mouthpiece pairings.

Vintage C clarinets can be attractive for historical projects or collecting, but they often require restoration. Inspect the bore for cracks, warping, or heavy wear. Examine keywork for completeness and originality, since missing keys or posts can be difficult to replace. Factor in the cost of a full overhaul, which can rival or exceed the purchase price for some instruments.

Renting a C clarinet is less common than renting B-flat instruments, but some specialty shops and orchestral rental services maintain a small inventory. For short-term projects, such as a specific orchestral program requiring C clarinet, rental can be more economical than purchase. Confirm in advance that the rental includes a suitable mouthpiece and that the instrument has been recently serviced.

Valuing a C clarinet depends on maker, age, condition, and historical significance. Well-preserved instruments from respected makers can command higher prices, especially if they retain original keywork and finish. Documentation, such as original cases, catalog references, or provenance records, adds to value, particularly for collectors and institutions.

Restoration decisions should balance historical integrity and playability. For a museum-quality or archival instrument, minimal intervention and reversible repairs may be preferred. For a working orchestral or chamber instrument, a full mechanical overhaul, repadding, and careful bore work by a specialist can transform a neglected C clarinet into a reliable performance tool.

When purchasing or restoring, seek written estimates and timelines from technicians, and ask about their experience with non-standard clarinet sizes. A well-restored C clarinet can serve for many years, but rushed or inappropriate work can be difficult to undo and may reduce both musical and financial value.

Resources, archives and further reading

Reliable information on the C clarinet is scattered across method books, historical treatises, maker catalogues, and scholarly articles. For historical context, reference works such as Grove Music Online and specialized clarinet histories provide overviews of the clarinet family, including instruments in C, D, and other pitches.

Digital score archives such as IMSLP are important for identifying repertoire. Searching original editions of Beethoven, Schubert, and early Romantic composers often reveals explicit C clarinet indications. Comparing these sources with modern performing editions helps players and librarians decide whether to use a true C clarinet or a transposed B-flat or A part.

Instrument catalogs and archival documents from European and American makers offer insight into how C clarinets were marketed and used. These sources often list bore sizes, keywork options, and target ensembles, which can guide modern restoration and performance decisions. Some libraries and museums provide digitized images of historical clarinets, including C instruments, with measurements and maker marks.

For technique and maintenance, advanced clarinet methods and repair manuals cover general principles that apply directly to C clarinet. Professional organizations and clarinet societies sometimes publish articles or conference proceedings on less-common clarinet sizes, including case studies of C clarinet use in orchestral and chamber settings.

Audio and video recordings can also be instructive. Historically informed performance ensembles occasionally release recordings that feature original C clarinets in Classical and early Romantic repertoire. Contemporary ensembles may showcase C clarinet in new works, offering examples of modern tone concepts and equipment choices.

Key takeaways for C clarinet players and collectors

• The C clarinet is a concert-pitched soprano clarinet with a bright, penetrating sound and a shorter body than the B-flat clarinet, useful for specific orchestral, chamber, and contemporary contexts.
• Historical and modern C clarinets differ in bore, keywork, and tuning, so careful evaluation, maintenance, and equipment matching are important for reliable performance.
• Consistent practice, focused on embouchure stability, breath support, and intonation mapping, helps players integrate C clarinet into their professional toolkit and take full advantage of its unique color.

FAQ

What is C clarinet?

The C clarinet is a soprano clarinet pitched in concert C, so written notes sound at the same pitch without transposition. It is shorter than a B-flat clarinet and has a bright, penetrating tone, used in orchestral, chamber, and some solo repertoire, especially from the Classical and Romantic periods.

How does a C clarinet differ from B-flat and A clarinets?

The C clarinet is shorter and sounds a whole step higher than the B-flat clarinet for the same written fingering, and a minor third higher than the A clarinet. It reads at concert pitch, while B-flat and A clarinets transpose. Its tone is typically brighter and more direct, with slightly different intonation tendencies.

Which orchestral pieces call for a C clarinet?

Notable examples include Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21, and Schubert's Symphony No. 9 in C major, D 944, where early sources specify clarinets in C. Some works by Dvo?ák, Mahler, and Strauss also call for C clarinet in selected passages. Many modern editions offer transposed parts for B-flat clarinet as alternatives.

What mouthpiece and reed setup works best for a C clarinet?

Many players use a dedicated C clarinet mouthpiece with a slightly shorter shank and a facing matched to the instrument's bore and pitch standard. Tip openings similar to B-flat setups often work well, sometimes with a slightly closer tip for stability. Reed strengths usually mirror B-flat clarinet choices, though some players prefer a marginally harder reed for better focus and tuning.

How do I maintain and clean a C clarinet?

Swab each joint after playing, rotate several reeds, and apply cork grease sparingly to tenons. Weekly, inspect pads and key motion, and clean the mouthpiece with mild soap and lukewarm water. Seasonally, perform leak checks and monitor tenon corks and wood condition. Schedule an annual professional service for regulation, pad work, and bore inspection.

Where can I buy or have a C clarinet repaired?

C clarinets are available from select specialist dealers, some major manufacturers, and the vintage market. For repairs, seek a woodwind technician experienced with clarinets and, ideally, with non-standard sizes such as C clarinet. Orchestral shops, restoration specialists, and some online dealers can advise on both purchase and maintenance options.