Grenadilla
Grenadilla (African blackwood) is the wood the vast majority of modern clarinets are made from, and it’s the standard against which most other tonewoods get compared. It’s dense and hard, which typically produces a focused, dark, centred tone. Because it’s what most players already play on, a grenadilla barrel or bell tends to feel like a natural extension of the rest of the instrument rather than a dramatic departure.
Cocobolo
Cocobolo is a dense tropical hardwood with a distinctive reddish-brown grain. Many players describe its tonal character as brighter and more vibrant than grenadilla, with a slightly different overtone colour. It’s a popular choice for players looking for a change in character without moving to a dramatically different setup, and its striking grain also makes it a visually distinctive option.
Boxwood
Boxwood is lighter and less dense than grenadilla or cocobolo, and was historically used for woodwind instruments before African blackwood became standard. Its lower density tends to produce a warmer, softer-edged sound with less of the sharp focus associated with denser woods. It also has a pale, fine-grained appearance that sets it apart visually from darker tonewoods.
Side by side
- Grenadilla — dense, focused, dark; the closest match to a standard modern clarinet.
- Cocobolo — dense, bright, vibrant; a shift in colour without leaving familiar territory.
- Boxwood — lighter, warmer, softer-edged; a historical alternative with a distinct look.
Density and hardness are a reasonable guide, but cut, bore dimensions, and finishing all shape the final result — the only reliable way to know how a wood will sound on your instrument is to try it.