To put a clarinet together, assemble it in the following order:
- Attach the bell to the lower joint.
- Connect the upper joint to the lower joint, carefully aligning the bridge keys.
- Attach the barrel to the top of the upper joint.
- Put the mouthpiece onto the barrel, aligning it properly.
- Moisten the reed and attach it to the mouthpiece using the ligature.
Using cork grease on the cork joints before assembly can help the parts fit together more smoothly. Be careful to avoid bending any keys during assembly by holding the clarinet body and joints firmly but gently. This is the standard and safest method to assemble a clarinet, making sure keys and parts align correctly so the instrument functions properly when played.