This guide is written by John Gibson, author of "Advanced Intonation Technique for Clarinets" and "Advanced Clarinet Technique". He has been an ebay seller of high quality woodwind sheet music since 2000. (JB Linear Music)

There are hundreds of clarinets of varying quality bought and sold on ebay every week (clarinets). So let's say you just got one and after trying it you are struggling with it being out of tune. Or, you are thinking of buying one and are unsure of what you are getting.

Starting with the basics, there are several things that can effect a clarinet's intonation properties.

1. If it is an older instrument, it may be tuned to a lower tuning standard than we use now. It is not unusual for vintage instruments made in the early part of the 1900's to be at a lower pitch. If you have one of these, you can use a shorter barrel, but that can have a big effect on the overall intonation of the clarinet.
2. The condition of the instrument's pads and tone holes can have an effect.
3. To be realistic, there is no perfect clarinet when it comes to intonation.

Basic tuning concepts. Pulling between the barrel and the upper joint makes the overall pitch of a clarinet lower and pushing it back together makes the pitch higher. However, it affects the throat tones (E - Bb) more than other notes. Many teachers suggest tuning the open G first with the barrel and then the third space C or B by pulling out at the middle joint between the two hands. When playing a tuning note, play at least mf. Clarinets play sharper at soft dynamics and if you tune too softly you will be flat a louder dynamics.

Equipment related suggestions.

1. The mouthpiece and barrel have a big effect, so experiment here as a way to improve intonation.
2. Dirty tone holes can cause notes to be flat and fuzzy sounding. Pay special attention to the register key tube which if clogged can flatten the throat tone Bb by 10 cents.
3. The amount a pad is raised from the tone hole can affect the note. After a while, corks can either get compressed or go missing entirely. Making a pad lower can flatten a note, but if too low, the note will become stuffy.
4. A good technician can correct intonation problems by adding or deleting material from individual tone holes.
5. Tuning rings in the barrel joint can help alleviate problems with flat throat tones when the barrel must be pulled out a ways.

Of course, there are many other factors of good intonation that have more to do with the player than the equipment and that is a much larger topic than be handled here. See my guide on playing the clarinet in tune. Study with a good teacher and spend quality time with a tuner.