Trivia
At one time, most clarinets were made of boxwood

When the clarinet was first invented, boxwood and ebony (which were used for making recorders) were also used to make clarinets. These produce a sound that is light and unsophisticated. Likewise, in those days the reed was secured in place by windings of string instead of being attached by metal fittings.

An old-time boxwood clarinet (top) and a modern-day grenadilla clarinet (bottom)

An old-time boxwood clarinet (top) and a modern-day grenadilla clarinet (bottom)