Step by Step

The parts of the clarinet are labeled in the order you grab them for assembly. Note: The numbers in the picture will not be on the actual instrument!
1. Reed
Grab a reed and place it in your mouth to wet it prior to playing. This helps the reed soften, which allows it to vibrate correctly when playing. Continue wetting your reed while you assemble the rest of the clarinet. 
2 & 3. Upper and Lower Joint
With your left hand grab the upper joint where the number 2 is label and with your right hand grab lower joint where the numbers are list in the picture. We grab here to not bend or damage the rods in the clarinets. 
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Find the "Bridge Keys" on both parts. (Pictures below). This two parts need to line up correctly to connect the Upper and Lower Joint. The Upper Joint Bridge Key lines up on top of the Lower Joint Bridge Key.
Correct Bridge Key Alignment
Incorrect Bridge Key Alignment
Carefully, slide the bottom on the Upper Joint into the Lower Joint. Use small, back-and-forth twisting motions to help with this. If there is a great amount of resistance, apply cork grease on the cork to help slide the parts together. Once the bridge keys are lined up and the Upper and Lower Joints are connected. Move to the Bell.
4. Bell
Grab the Bell from the case and gently slide it onto the bottom of the Lower Joint. Use small, back-and-forth twisting motions to help with this. If there is a great amount of resistance, apply cork grease on the cork to help slide the parts together. Be sure the bell is completely on, there is no "correct facing" for the bell. You have now created the Body of the Clarinet. Now, gently set the body of the clarinet on its back, left side on a flat surface. Think the thumb rest as a kickstand on a bike.

Bell to Lower Joint

Mouthpiece on Barrel
5. & 6. Barrel & Mouthpiece (no ligature or reed attached)
​Grab the mouthpiece and barrel from the case. Slide the mouthpiece in the top (smaller opening) of the barrel. Use small, back-and-forth twisting motions to help with this. If there is a great amount of resistance, apply cork grease on the cork to help slide the parts together. Be sure the mouthpiece and barrel are completely together, there is no "correct facing" for the barrel. You have now created the Head of the Clarinet and can now add the ligature and reed.
6. & 1. Mouthpiece, Ligature & Reed
Grab the ligature from the case if it not already on the mouthpiece and take the reed from your mouth. Place the FLAT part of the reed against the flat, open side of the mouthpiece. Then take the ligature and slide it over the mouthpiece and the reed to keep them in place.  Below are example of Correct and Incorrect place of the reed and rigature.
Correct Reed Placement
Reed Placement Too High
Reed Placement Too Low
​Things to look out for:
  • Reed placed too high or too low on the mouthpiece.
    • ​At eye level, a small sliver of the mouthpiece tip should be seen over the top of the reed.
  • Ligature placed to high or too low on the mouthpiece.
    • ​The Ligature should be place a few millimeters below the curve on the reed.
  • Ligature too loose or too tight.
    • Too Loose: the reed is slide around on the mouthpiece.
    • Too Tight: the reed will have choked and not vibrate with its best resonance.
Final Step: Connect the Head (mouthpiece/barrel) to the Body (upper joint/lowerjoint/bell)
Once the mouthpiece is fully assembled, take the mouthpiece/barrel section and connect it to the body of the clarinet from the top of the upper joint. Use small, back-and-forth twisting motions to help with this. If there is a great amount of resistance, apply cork grease on the cork to help slide the parts together. Make sure the barrel are upper joint are completely together and the center of the reed is lined up with the register key.
Proper Mouthpiece to Register Key Alignment
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