Playing and Caring

Playing and caring for your Clarineau
German fingerings
Congratulations on receiving your new Clarineau!
What is a clarineau?
The name is French, it is pronounced: klair-in-o, with a long 'o' sound. The clarineau is a
descendent of the clarinet chalumeau, The clarineau has a modern, easy-to-play clarinet
mouthpiece, and a chalumeau body, thus the clarin-eau is born.
The fingerings for your clarineau are identical to the German style recorder (as opposed to
Baroque style) in the lower octave. You can easily master this fun-to-play instrument.
Assembling the instrument
Twist the mouthpiece onto the body. Always make sure the cork strip is greased so that the
pieces fit well. Too much grease can make the pieces come apart. Avoiding this can avoid
potential accidents.
Assembling the reed
First, soak the thin end of the reed with the tongue. Be careful as the reed is delicate. The
flatter side of the reed should rest against the flat part of the mouthpiece. Then put the ligature
on around both the mouthpiece and the reed, fastening both adjusting screws so that they are
over the bottom, thicker part of the reed. Make sure that the ligature is seated evenly. When
tightening the screws, make sure that the thin edge of the reed is lined up evenly across the tip
of the mouthpiece. Do not tighten the screws too tightly, but just tight enough the that the reed
stays snugly in place.
The first tone
Turn the bottom lip in over the teeth and place the reed about half of an inch in the mouth.
Then put the upper lip on the top part of the mouthpiece. Press the reed with the lips while
releasing air into the instrument. You can alter the airflow by how much you press on the
reed.
The more you practice, the better the sound will be that you create. Keep in mind this
fundamental: the larger the oral capacity, the nicer the tone.
When you are finished practicing, always put the cap on over the mouthpiece to protect both
the mouthpiece and the reed from damage.
Have fun with your new clarineau!