Are you looking for the best clarinet for beginners? It’s a daunting process purchasing your first clarinet. There’s a long list of the best student clarinet brands, materials, and extra features to consider.
The best clarinets for beginners are the ones that offer excellent playability, durability, and sound quality. They are designed to help beginners learn and improve their skills with ease. Options from brands like Yamaha and Buffet are highly recommended for those starting their clarinet journey.
So, we’ve put together some pointers, hints, and tips to assist you in making the best choice and buying with confidence as a beginner clarinettist.
How To Choose A Beginner Clarinet: A First Time Buyer's Guide
There are several things to think about when purchasing your first clarinet.
- How much money do you have available?
- Should you buy a cheap clarinet or a more professional-level instrument?
- Do you need nickel-plated keys or nickel silver keys?
- What clarinet features do you need?
- What type of clarinet should I buy?
- What are the features to consider when buying a clarinet?
There are a lot of different brands on the market, and many teachers will give suggestions — this is an excellent place to start.
Before purchasing a clarinet, be sure to identify the sort of clarinet you require — there are many different types in the family and obtaining the incorrect one might be quite costly! The most common beginning instrument is a B flat clarinet.
Consider the user of the instrument – many young children will benefit from an instrument that is not too heavy, where the build quality is strong and durable, and that the instrument is simple to assemble and maintain.
For beginner students, a decent plastic clarinet is light yet sturdy and would make an excellent choice.
What are the different types of clarinet?
The clarinet family is enormous! Did you know that there are over ten distinct types of clarinet? The most common B flat clarinet to the big and low-pitched bass clarinet (the father of the family) and the tiny and high e flat clarinet are just a few of them.
The vast majority of beginning clarinet students start on the b flat clarinet, which is what people refer to when they talk about “the clarinet.” The bass and e flat clarinets are two other types of clarinets that may be found in orchestras and bands.
They’re really entertaining to play, but they aren’t the first instrument to go to!
Plastic
The majority of clarinets are constructed of two components: plastic and wood. There are a few things to consider when picking between the materials, including playability, the student’s age, and finances.
An affordable clarinet for younger students is usually made of plastic, and they’re the perfect instrument for inexperienced learners. Plastic clarinets super student instruments, they’re lighter, simpler to make a sound on, and less expensive than a wooden one.
Most still have nickel keys, and although it might be a cheaper clarinet, they can make a great starter instrument. With a decent mouthpiece, you can make a decent sound on modern models.
More expensive wooden clarinets are more of an investment than plastic ones. They’re ideal for an intermediate or advanced student if you want to progress beyond beginner-level playing abilities.
wood
Wood clarinets produce a far nicer sound than their plastic counterpart. Because they are heavier and more costly than plastic instruments, it’s advised to start on a plastic instrument. A young player may build their technique and endurance while also progressing to a lovely wooden instrument that will last years with little TLC and regular maintenance.
My wooden clarinet, for example, is 20 years old and still playing well!
How much does a good starter clarinet cost?
The price of a clarinet is rather unpredictable. Most beginner clarinets are as little as £/$100, while professional clarinets can be a very expensive instrument indeed. Of course, there is the intermediate clarinet that sits somewhere in the middle. It all depends on the instrument’s quality and what the clarinet and keys are composed of.
A rose gold plated wooden clarinet will naturally cost significantly more than a student version.
Make sure that you get a quality instrument that is appropriate for your skill level, but be aware that some music retailers have rental or buy-back programs to help you break the cost of a purchase.
What are the parts of the clarinet?
The clarinet is a lovely instrument to play and look at! It has five primary components, all of which are easy to remember and have straightforward names:
The mouthpiece – A reed is a piece of wood that vibrates in response to sound vibrations. It’s responsible for the instrument’s buzz, or voice.
The barrel – this is just below the mouthpiece and looks rather like a barrel!
The upper joint – the top of the two joints, which have the keys and tone holes.
The lower joint – same as the upper joint, but it’s the lower one!
The bell – this is the bit at the bottom of the clarinet – it looks just like a bell!
What reeds do I need?
The clarinet is a reed instrument, which means it requires the assistance of a reed to produce sound. Unlike other woodwind instruments such as the flute or recorder, you can’t just blow down it and get sound out of it. A reed is required!
A reed is a tiny piece of cane that is fastened to the mouthpiece with a ligature apparatus. The reed vibrates when you blow down the clarinet with the reed in place, and voilà; a sound is produced!
Reed strengths range from 1 to 5, with five being the “hardest.” Before making any purchases, check with your teacher about which one is best. We have a complete guide on Clarinet Reeds here.
We recommend Vandoren Traditional clarinet reeds. They are not too expensive, and do the job really well.
Juno by Vandouren
COMES WITH: Full Package(Used for all genres of playing)
FEATURES:
Designed to produce a rich, clear sound quality
Juno by Vandouren
- Sold in multipacks of three or ten
- Come in half strengths, which is fantastic as the student progresses.
- There are cheaper options available.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Keys
The clarinet’s tone holes and keys are used to make various tones. Opening and closing tone holes and keys create different notes on the clarinet. The Bb clarinet has 17 different keys, which are identical on both a student clarinet and a professional one. Most beginning clarinets on the market have nickel-plated keys; they look exactly the same as those on high-level instruments but are more cost-effective to manufacture.
A wood clarinet generally has nickel or silver keys, although some models have gold or gold plated keys that enhance the look considerably, and the sound quality too!
It’s critical to keep your keys in good condition. They accomplish a lot of work, after all! Clean them gently with a soft cloth and be careful when combining your clarinet that you don’t bend them.
The best tip I’ve ever heard is to ensure that you oil your corks on a regular basis so you don’t put too much pressure on them whilst fitting the instrument together.
what clarinet accessories do I need?
All the essential equipment for starting will be supplied with each new standard beginner clarinet. A mouthpiece, ligature, case, and some sort of maintenance kit to keep your instrument clean and healthy (usually consisting of a cleaning cloth and cork grease) are examples of these.
There are a few accessories that every clarinetist should have – they will improve your playing experience and help maintain your clarinets in good shape.
Case
A basic carry case is included with every clarinet. It can only take the instrument and a little else. Most clarinettists, whether novice or experienced players, need to carry their instruments from rehearsals to lessons and concerts, not just the music but also reeds, stands, and other accessories!
There are a few fantastic models on the market with storage compartments for sheet music and accessories, as well as comfortable backpack straps.
We recommend cases by BAM – they are strong, stylish and will keep your instrument safe. The BAM TREK3027S is a fantastic option.
BAM TREK3027S New Trekking
Clarinet Case
COMES WITH: Made from BAM’s ballistic fabric, it is lightweight, robust and water-resistant.
FEATURES:
- Retractable back-pack straps
- Large external accessories pocket
- Available in a range of colours.
BAM TREK3027S New Trekking
Clarinet Case
- Strong but lightweight
- Foam interior cradles your instrument, keeping it safe in transit.
- There are cheaper options available.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Mouthpiece
A good clarinet mouthpiece can make a huge impact. All new clarinets come with a basic mouthpiece, but it’s well worth getting an upgrade. You’ll notice that the tone, sound quality, tuning and intonation all improve.
It is important to try a variety of mouthpieces and find out what works best for you and what sound you enjoy. Talk with your instructor and a woodwind specialist at a music store; they will provide excellent direction and recommendations. This blog post has some great tips and guidelines for trying and choosing new mouthpieces.
We would recommend the range of clarinet mouthpieces by Vandoren – a French brand famous for its clarinet and saxophone reeds.
There are many types of mouthpieces, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the popular B45 model, right up to the Black Diamond mouthpiece, a popular choice with any professional player.
Vandoren Clarinet Mouthpieces
for everyone!
COMES WITH: Available in a range of profiles and facings to suit different players.
FEATURES:
- Suitable for use on Bb and A clarinets
- A well-respected brand with over a century of experience.
Vandoren Clarinet Mouthpieces
- A large range to choose from, there is a mouthpiece for everyone!
- It can be used straight out of the box.
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Music Stand
All clarinettists should own a music stand. It’s the item of equipment you’ll use most often, particularly in lessons, while practicing, and at concerts. When purchasing a stand, don’t skimp on quality; you don’t want it to collapse in the middle of a performance!
The Cahaya is an excellent option – a robust but portable stand.
Cahaya Portable Music Stand
COMES WITH: Available in a range of profiles and facings to suit different players.
FEATURES:
- Suitable for use on Bb and A clarinets
- A well-respected brand with over a century of experience.
Cahaya Portable Music Stand
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Instrument Stand
We treasure our instruments! You may want to put your clarinet down gently so you can turn a page, make notes, or change sections. An instrument stand is a far superior option to a chair or the ground for protecting your instrument. Instrument stands are also very handy when playing in an ensemble.
We would recommend the K&M 15228 clarinet stand, suitable for both Bb and A clarinets.
K&M 15228 clarinet stand
COMES WITH: A bell design and folds up for storage in your clarinet bell
FEATURES:
- Lightweight and compact
-In-bell design holds the clarinet safely. .
K&M 15228 clarinet stand
- Compact but sturdy design
- Portable
- Can be a bit fiddly to assemble in a hurry
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Extras
There are several accessories available for the beginning clarinettist. Aside from the stands and case mentioned above, we suggest a reed case, a pad dryer, a screwdriver, and a combined tuner and metronome.
Reed cases
After you’ve finished playing, it’s critical to remove your reed from the mouthpiece. The reed will dry properly and be ready for usage the next time you do this.
Each reed includes its own plastic reed cover, but a decent reed case is a useful thing to have. The reeds may be stacked, and the cases are made to keep the reeds safe and secure, preventing chipping, cracks, and even warping.
The Vandoren reed case for Alto Saxophone and/or Clarinet reeds is an excellent choice.
Vandoren Reed
Case for
Alto Sax or Clarinet Reeds
COMES WITH: Combo Use: It can be used to store a combination of Clarinet and Saxophone reeds
FEATURES:
- Stores up to six reeds
- A perfect size to be stored in your instrument case
Vandoren Reed
Case for
Alto Sax or Clarinet Reeds
- Keeps reeds safe, avoiding unnecessary breakages.
- There are simpler designs available.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Screwdriver
Clarinets have a lot of tiny screws and springs to keep their keys in place. On rare occasions, one of these screws may come loose, or a spring might pop out, necessitating a minor adjustment. A small screwdriver is required for this purpose. For this purpose, look for a screwdriver with a spring hook.
We would recommend the FIXIT Screwdriver and Spring Hook tool.
FIXIT Screwdriver and
Spring Hook tool
COMES WITH: A combination tool for emergency repairs
FEATURES:
-The tools are housed in an aluminum case to keep them protected
- Available in 4 colors
FIXIT Screwdriver and
Spring Hook tool
- Small and compact, can be stored in your instrument case
- It can be a bit fiddly to use for the first few times - ask your teacher for some tips and guidance
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pad dryer
This tiny gadget may not be top of your list, but it’s essential for keeping your clarinet in peak working order! The pad dryer will clean and maintain the pads on your clarinet, extending their life. It can also be used to mop up the little bubbles of moisture that might form in tone holes, making notes sound gurgly suddenly!
We would recommend the pad dryers by BG.
BG Pad Dryer for
Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon
and Oboe
COMES WITH: Small and flexible - it can get into the hardest to reach places to keep your pads clean and dry
FEATURES:
-Suitable for use on a range of instruments
- Made from highly absorbent, non-shedding material
BG Pad Dryer for
Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon
and Oboe
- Lint-free - it won’t shed fibers onto your instrument.
- Can be machine washed
- It’s quite small and can be easily lost!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Metronome and tuner
There are a number of tuner and metronome applications for smartphones, but when you’re trying to get your practice in, phones might be a nuisance! A tiny digital metronome/tuner is an excellent addition to have. It will assist with tuning, intonation, pulse and rhythm.
We would recommend the Korg Tuner & Metronome
Korg MA-2 metronome
COMES WITH: A Larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES:
- Enhanced volume and crisp sound for easier detection
- Equipped with 'timer' & 'sound out mode' for daily practicing
- Available in two colours: black and red, or blue and black
Korg MA-2 metronome
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How to choose the perfect clarinet for beginners
Here are some pointers on selecting the best clarinets for beginners:
- Do your homework – as a beginner clarinetist, read articles like this one! You’ll be able to go to a music store with some models in mind if you do.
- Teachers are a great place to go for recommendations on makes and models to try. Ask your teacher – they’re sure to have a wealth of good suggestions and recommendations for some of the best beginner clarinet brands.
- Speaking with a woodwind specialist is strongly advised. Many music stores feature specialists that can assist you in selecting an instrument and the necessary accessories. They may help to make the experience more manageable.
- Take a look at our list of the best clarinets to see which one is right for you! Play as many as you want to find out which one feels and sounds best for you. Try them all to figure out which one feels and sounds best for you.
What are the 5 best beginner clarinets?
One of the best starter clarinet models is the Elkhart 100CL. This is a great beginner clarinet that was designed particularly for music education.
Despite the fact that it is one of the less expensive instruments on the market, it does not reflect in its quality. It’s well-made and produces a nice, rich sound.
Elkhart 100CL Student Clarinet
COMES WITH: Complete with a backpack style case and cleaning accessories
FEATURES:
- Produces a clear, rich sound
Elkhart 100CL Student Clarinet
- Light and durable
- Excellent value for money
- Includes everything that you need to get started
- No adjustable thumb-rest
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The newest clarinet on the market is a student model that is popular all around the world; the playLITE Clarinet. It is a wonderful, beginner’s clarinet that features an ABS body with a lightweight design.
It also comes in red or blue and includes a case, mouthpiece, ligature, reed, and cork grease so you can start playing as soon as your new clarinet arrives!
playLITE Clarine by Gear4music
COMES WITH: Red or Blue
FEATURES:
- Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
-Includes everything that you need to get started!
playLITE Clarine by Gear4music
- Durable and easy to clean
- Comes in a lightweight backpack style case
- A good price for a starter clarinet
- The keywork is easy to bend, so be careful!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Two of the best-known and well-respected names in the clarinet world are Yamaha and Buffet. Both manufacturers offer excellent student clarinets that, with care and a few modifications to your setup here and there, such as upgrading the mouthpiece, can last years.
First, we have the Yamaha YCL255S. This is the best clarinet for students, and I agree that it’s a fantastic choice for beginning and intermediate players. It’s composed of long-lasting ABS resin and has silver-plated keys. It’s a great starting point for beginners and intermediates.
The clarinet’s bell was redesigned to make it more projection-friendly, and the instrument is capable of generating a warm, rounded tone throughout the registers. The fantastic tone that it produces and how well constructed it is are frequently cited in clarinet reviews.
Yamaha YCL 255S B flat Clarinet
COMES WITH: Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
FEATURES:
- Outstanding quality at an affordable price
-Beautifully designed to help produce a fantastic tone
Yamaha YCL 255S B flat Clarinet
- Suitable for beginners and more advanced players giving it great longevity
- Comes in a back-pack style case with a great array of accessories
- Includes a good quality mouthpiece (the Yamaha 4C)
- Reliable tuning in all registers
- There are cheaper student models on the marke
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
An alternative to the Yamaha clarinet for beginners is the Buffet Prodige. This is a fairly new model from Buffet and has been designed inspired by one of their wooden instruments, the E13. It combines all of the benefits of a wooden instrument with the added benefit of being made out of plastic (our friend ABS resin!).
The majority of clarinet players’ feedback is favourable, with comments such as how lovely the clarinet sounds and how well-made it is.
Buffet Prodige B flat Clarinet
COMES WITH: Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
FEATURES:
- Excellent quality design and manufacture giving the instrument great longevity.
- Produces a warm, round tone overall registers
Buffet Prodige B flat Clarinet
- Leather pads and sturdy keywork
- Comes in a back-pack style case
- Includes everything you need to get started and beyond!
- There are cheaper student models on the market
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Another one of the best clarinet brands for students which comes highly recommended is the Jupiter JCL700. It’s designed for children or more seasoned players who play in outdoor environments like marching bands, and it has a robust ABS resin body.
The lightness of the instrument is a massive benefit, as well as the excellent key work. Take a look at the clarinet review below, including some of the instrument’s best features.
Jupiter JCL700 Clarinet
COMES WITH: Light but sturdy ABS body and metal key-work
FEATURES:
-A responsive instrument makes it so easy to produce those first sounds
- Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
Jupiter JCL700 Clarinet
- Ergonomic keys specifically designed with younger players in mind
- Comes in a lightweight backpack style case
- Includes a maintenance and cleaning kit
- The keywork may feel a bit small for those with larger hands
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Clarinet for beginners
Summary
So, have you decided on which is the best clarinet for a beginner?
I hope that you found this dash through the world of the clarinet useful, and that you can go out and buy your first prized clarinet with confidence!
The clarinet is a great instrument for both kids and adults to learn. It’s such a flexible and exciting instrument; we hope you like it, and please leave a comment below if you found this article useful.
Good luck on your quest for the perfect beginner clarinet!
Best Student Clarinet bundle
Yamaha YCL255S Players Pack
Best clarinet case:
BAM TREK3027S New Trekking Bb Clarinet Case
Best starter clarinet reeds
Vandoren Juno Clarinet Reeds
