How do I assemble a clarinet correctly?

The key to assembling a clarinet safely is patience. Start from the bottom and work up - join each section gently, twisting rather than pushing to avoid damaging corks or bending keys. Always handle sections by the sturdy parts of the body, never by the keys.

Make sure the bridge key (the small connector between the upper and lower joints) lines up correctly before final assembly. This a common mistake that can cause alignment issues.

This guidance comes from Yamaha Music UK’s education team, developed in partnership with pBone Music as part of our shared commitment to practical, classroom-ready support for young musicians.