Why Do Clarinets Not Use Vibrato?

There are those who believe that the clarinet's tone is pure and should be "straight", achieved without using any vibrato. They argue that because the unique overtone series of the clarinet (overblowing at the interval of the 12th) eliminates the first note in the harmonic series, that vibrato should be avoided.

What instruments do not use vibrato?

This might seem to be just one of the many things that separate classical and popular music, except for one oddity: The clarinet is virtually the only instrument in the orchestra that is still played without a vibrato.

What vibrates in a clarinet?

Vibrations in the column of air in the bore are created by air blown into the clarinet through the reed and mouthpiece. The vibrating column of air in the bore produces the clarinet's sound.