The clarinet and the oboe are more similar than most musical instruments, since they both belong to the family of woodwind instruments. However, in reality the two differ in several key respects.
Difference in Sound and Bore
Although both instruments are classified as medium in size, the two are designed differently and thus produce unique sounds. The pitch and frequency ranges are different too, see chart below:
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A clarinet uses a single reed with a cylindrical bore, while an oboe has a conical bore with a double reed. This alone contributes to the different sounds that the two instruments create, regardless of their woodwind kinship. An oboe has a sound that is often described as penetrative, since it is heightened by the conical bore. This means that the oboe is not easily drowned out by other instruments. The clarinet, conversely, is depicted as having a timbre sound which is quite distinct and may be different depending on each musician and each exact instrument played.
Listen to the video below for both instruments being played at once:
Clarinet vs Oboe: Video to show Sound Difference
History and Origin of Oboe and Clairnets
The origins of the oboe are actually unknown, but musical historians are sure that it was heard in French Courts as early as the mid 17th century.
The clarinet is less of a mystery, since it stems from bygone hornpipes such as the albogue, abloka, and double clarinet. The version we see today was created by a man named Hyacinthe Klosé, who fashioned it from a Baroque age instrument called the chalumeau.
Ease of Learning to Play
Nevertheless, the clarinet is considered the far easier instrument to learn, with an impressive level of competency possible attainable in less than a year.
The oboe, to the contrary, is an instrument that needs an intense amount of practice and a skilled teacher in most cases.
Difference in Price between Oboe and Clairnets
Not surprisingly, the prices of the instruments are different as well. A clarinet is usually priced between $400 for a low end model and $6000 for a high end model.
An oboe is likely to start at upwards of $1000 and can go for as much as $15,000.
In fact, a lot of professional Oboe players get annoyed when others confuse the calrinet with an oboe:
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Current Use of Both Instruments
Despite their different origins, the two instruments are often used in similar musical settings. Both have an important place in classical music and more recently in concert bands and jazz.
In modern times, the two can be heard in rock and pop songs. The oboe has a special place in folk music and film music, as well.
Key Differences and Similarities Between Clarinets and Oboe
- The oboe and clarinet are both woodwind instruments
- The oboe is a double reed instrument while the clarinet has a single reed
- The oboe has a more intense sound than the clarinet
- The origins of the oboe are unknown, while the clarinet is a descendant of past hornpipes
- Both instruments are used in a wide range of musical settings, but especially in classical music
- The oboe is considered more difficult to master than the clarinet
- The oboe is more expensive than the clarinet
Image Credits:
- “Oboe modern” by Hustvedt – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia
- “Clarinet” by Clarinet.jpg: Original uploader was Ratigan at fr.wikipedia, Licensed under Copyrighted free use via Wikimedia Commons