Bass Clarinet Rental

What Is a Bass Clarinet?

The bass clarinet is one of the larger and lower-pitched instruments in the clarinet family, which is part of the broader woodwind family. Known for its dark, rich tone, it contributes melodic and harmonic depth to orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles and chamber groups. The instrument has also been an inspired presence in jazz, where its woody, resonant sound has shaped the music’s mood and provided a unique voice for improvised solos. Like the B-flat clarinet, it is played using a single reed and mouthpiece. In classical and concert settings, the player is typically seated and uses a floor peg to support the instrument.

Why the Bass Clarinet Is a Great Instrument for Your Child

The bass clarinet is a great choice for students who enjoy playing a supportive role and helping to anchor an ensemble. In entry-level concert-band music especially, it often doubles the tuba part, reinforcing the low end of the band’s sound. The bass clarinet is best suited for players who have already built some experience on the B-flat clarinet or baritone or tenor saxophone. Because the keys are spaced relatively far apart, the bass clarinet can be a good choice for students with larger hands. And for any child drawn to deep, distinctive tones, the bass clarinet’s voice can be especially appealing.

Renting a Bass Clarinet vs. Buying

When considering a bass clarinet rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the bass clarinet, purchasing may be the better route. For players who are new to the instrument, renting is a low-risk way to discover it.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bass Clarinet?

Bass clarinet rental rates at Music & Arts are consistently affordable across the country, with pricing that varies by location and school. Special introductory offers make it even easier to get started. Considering that a top-quality student-level bass clarinet can cost thousands of dollars, renting a bass clarinet from Music & Arts is a smart alternative.

Bass Clarinet Products and Accessories

Your bass clarinet rental comes with everything your child will need to start playing, including a protective case, a mouthpiece, a ligature and cap, and a single reed.

Additionally, your child’s music teacher at school will recommend key accessories that you’ll be able to purchase during the rental process, as well as a method book.

Here are some of the products your child will require: 

• Cleaning & Maintenance Supplies: Your child will need cork grease for smooth assembly and disassembly of their instrument, swabs to eliminate moisture in the instrument after every playing session, and other supplies to keep it in optimal playing condition.
• Neck Strap: In addition to the floor peg, an adjustable neck strap can provide support and alleviate strain during long playing sessions. It is also used to play the instrument while standing, which is common in small-group jazz performance.
• Instrument Stand: An instrument stand provides a safe and convenient way to store your bass clarinet temporarily when not in use during practice sessions.
• Reed Case: A reed case is essential for storing and protecting your reeds.
• Music Stand: For comfort, convenience and to encourage good posture, musicians need a well-built adjustable music stand to hold their sheet music and method book while practicing.
• Tuner and Metronome: Every practice session should include tuning, so pick up a digital tuner that is precise and easy to use. A metronome is a small device that provides a steady beat to practice along to, helping your child improve their sense of rhythm and musical time. These tools are available individually or combined into a single product.

Learn more about the accessories your child needs in this Buyer’s Guide.

Next Steps for Your Bass Clarinet Rental

Private lessons: As the leading provider of private music lessons in the United States, Music & Arts is the perfect place for your child to advance their skills. Visit our Music Lessons page or find a store near you.

Continue renting: If your child is enjoying the instruments and wants to keep playing, you can extend your clarinet rental period with Music & Arts.

Buy an instrument: Music & Arts rental fees act as credit toward the purchase of an instrument. If you wish to buy a rentable, student-level bass clarinet, your accrued rental payments can cover up to 100 percent of the instrument’s purchase price. Buy early, before your rental term expires, to receive a discount of up to 30 percent.

Bass Clarinet Rental FAQs

How do I rent a bass clarinet from Music & Arts?

You can rent online in just a few simple steps. First, visit our Instrument Rentals page. Then, search for and select your school. Choose your instrument, confirm or select your trial period, and add any method books or supplies. Finally, enter the student and renter information, choose your delivery method and complete the billing details.

What comes with my bass clarinet rental?

Your bass clarinet rental includes the instrument, a protective case, a mouthpiece, a ligature and cap, and a single reed.

Will my rental bass clarinet be new?

Most rental instruments are like-new. We recommend renting a previously used instrument, as each one is professionally adjusted for optimal playability. A young learner with a poorly maintained instrument may struggle to progress.

How long will it take to receive my rental bass clarinet rental?

If you choose Ship to Home for a bass clarinet rental, orders are processed within 48 hours and typically arrive within one to five days, depending on your location. For Pick Up at School, delivery is arranged by your child’s music teacher. If you select Pick Up at Store, the store will contact you when your instrument is ready — usually within 48 hours.