Membrane Clarinet BY BRAS

Discover the sound of the membrane clarinet The Membrane Clarinet BY BRAS is a soft-reed wind instrument based on a membrane acoustic system, combining a rich, expressive sound with an extremely simple and intuitive way of playing. Looking for the drone versions? Explore the Modular Membrane Clarinet or the Modular Membrane Clarinet with extensions One octave above the Bass Membrane Clarinet, this instrument continues the Membrane Clarinet family, joining the Bass and Double Bass models as its alto voice. Unlike traditional clarinets or reed instruments, this instrument does not require embouchure technique. You simply blow: the membrane responds naturally, producing a rich and expressive sound. It uses the same acoustic principle and the same basic components as the Bass and Double Bass models, in a smaller instrument with a higher register. The membrane is made from a vinyl glove. The instrument comes with two gloves, giving you plenty of spare material to replace the membrane when needed. An accessible instrument The Membrane Clarinet brings the distinctive sound of the membrane system into a higher register, while keeping the direct and intuitive playing approach of its larger relatives. There are no keys, pads, or complex mechanisms. The fingerings are direct and logical, allowing: Immediate sound production Natural control of dynamics through breath Expressive phrasing without complex embouchure technique This makes the instrument approachable for beginners, while offering a rich and expressive sound palette for experienced musicians. A natural scale designed for musical freedom The instrument is tuned in E natural minor, with an additional low D accessible with the little finger, one octave above the Bass Membrane Clarinet. This allows the instrument to be played both as: E natural minor D Mixolydian Complete scale: D – E – F# – G – A – B – C – D – E The scale layout encourages melodic playing and modal exploration, while remaining intuitive and physically comfortable. Designed for simplicity, comfort, and performance The Membrane Clarinet follows the same design approach as the Bass and Double Bass models: keeping the instrument compact, comfortable, and simple to use. Its 3D-printed body brings the air column and finger holes together in an ergonomic shape, without keys or mechanical systems. The instrument keeps only the essential elements: breath, membrane, air column, and fingers. An instrument shaped by experience Nicolas Bras has been exploring alternative wind instruments and unconventional acoustic systems for over 20 years, combining performance, research, and hands-on instrument making. The Membrane Clarinet continues this long-term exploration, adding a higher voice to the family while preserving the simplicity and expressive possibilities of the membrane system. Technical overview Tuning Scale: E natural minor Additional note: low D, accessible with the little finger Modal use: D Mixolydian Register: one octave above the Bass Membrane Clarinet Design Soft-reed / membrane-based wind instrument Keyless, no mechanical system Compact, ergonomic shape Same acoustic principle as the Bass and Double Bass Membrane Clarinets Parts Simple mouthpiece Connector pipe Membrane clarinet head 3D-printed membrane clarinet body Materials 3D-printed parts: PLA Connector pipe: PVC Membrane: vinyl glove