Best
STUDENT CLARINET
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Overall: Adjustable Thumb-Rest Helps to Develop Proper Technique
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Best Feature: Constructed from ABS Resin
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
CLARINET BRAND
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Overall: Guaranteed Consistent High-Quality Products
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Best Feature: Lovely Warm Tone
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
PROFESSIONAL CLARINET
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Overall: Rigorously Hand-Made to Buffet's High Standards
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Best Feature: Produces an Impeccably Defined and Direct Tone
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
The **clarinet** is a well-loved woodwind instrument with a fascinating past. It came about in the **18th century**. Famous composers, **Mozart** and **Brahms**, wrote music just for the clarinet. It’s part of the single-reed family, creating a sound that’s truly special. Its **versatility** means it can handle many different types of music, making it a favourite for many musicians.
The clarinet can be found in Symphony orchestras, jazz bands, marching bands, and folk groups, and flourishes as a solo instrument. It is an excellent choice of instrument to play! However, when it comes to choosing an instrument, the sheer number of brands on the market can make this a bit daunting.
With this article we made a clarinet brands list to help guide you through some of the best clarinet brands and which ones are best avoided.
So, if you’re ready to find out what is the best clarinet brand, make sure to keep reading!
How Do I Choose A Clarinet?
Before starting the process of choosing a clarinet or playing clarinet, make sure you know which type you need. There are many different types of a clarinet (see below), and choosing the wrong one could be a rather expensive mistake! The vast majority of clarinet players start on the B flat clarinet, but check with your teacher to be 100% sure!
First of all, do some research. Read articles (like this one!), talk to your teacher and speak to the staff at a specialist music shop. Find out which good clarinet brands they recommend, and crucially, which ones should be avoided. Then go and try some instruments. Choosing a clarinet is a very personal thing, and what one player hates might be a love match for someone else!
- Does the instrument feel comfortable to hold?
- Does the keywork respond well?
- Do I like the sound that the instrument produces?
- Is the instrument well made?
- Does it have a great sound?
Take your time, try as many instruments as you can and ask lots of questions. The staff of music shops have so much knowledge, and no question is ever a silly question!
Brief History of the Clarinet
The clarinet is one of the youngest members of the woodwind family. Examples of flutes have been found dating back tens of thousands of years, but the clarinet (or early versions of it) didn’t exist until the eighteenth century.
An instrument maker in Nuremberg started to tweak the design of an existing instrument called a chalumeau.
He added a couple of extra keys and flared out the end, making it look like a very simple version of the clarinet we know and love today.
Over the next couple of hundred years, more modifications were made – keys were added, and the materials used were improved so players could reach more notes and move between registers smoothly.
In 1840 the Bohem system was invented and is still used by clarinet manufacturers today, producing a 17-key instrument which can produce a gorgeous tone across all registers and be used for a wide variety of music from classical to jazz and pop.
Quick Clarinet Facts
Did you know that there are ten different types of clarinet? They range from the small and high-pitched E flat clarinet to the low, grumbly bass clarinet.
The most commonly played the clarinet is the B flat, or soprano, clarinet.
The largest clarinet in the family is called the octo-contra bass clarinet.
It is pitched 3 octaves lower than the B flat clarinet and measures a whopping 2.5 meters from mouthpiece to bell!
Start Small, Dream Big
All musical instruments come in a wide variety of prices, and the clarinet is no exception. It all depends on the materials used, the manufacturing process and the quality of the instrument. A wooden hand-finished professional instrument is understandably going to cost quite a bit more than a plastic student model!
It’s a good idea to “start small” with a less expensive instrument. You can make sure that this is really the instrument for you, build up your stamina and technique and get some solid playing experience under your belt. All the while, you can save up for your following instrument, and even the one after that!
This little secret worked for me and so many other players on a budget. And eventually, you’ll be able to move on to the instrument of your dreams!
How Much is a Clarinet?
The price of a clarinet varies depending on a few factors – the type of clarinet, the quality of the instrument and the materials used for the body and key-work.
A clarinet can cost anything from £100/$130 for a basic plastic student model to £8,000/$10,000 for a wooden, top-of-the-range, super-duper professional instrument, best student clarinets.
A “decent” beginner clarinet will usually cost in the region of £400/\$500, and wooden instruments generally start at about £1,000/\$1,300.
Musical instruments can often be bought second-hand for slightly less than a brand new one and expensive clarinet. Make sure you see the instrument you are buying, have the opportunity to try it, and, if possible, have it checked over by a woodwind specialist. That way, you can make sure that you aren’t buying a dud!
What Should My Budget Be?
Your budget depends on the type and quality of the clarinet you plan to purchase. As mentioned above, a good student clarinet will cost in the region of £400/$500.
These clarinets are well made, and as long as they are looked after, they can last for years.
They are also a fantastic option for any player who plays outdoors as they are less affected by changeable weather conditions!
A lot of music shops offer rental or buy-back schemes. These are a great option if you are acquiring your first instrument.
Hiring an instrument can be a great way to ensure that the instrument in question is really what you want to play before taking the plunge and purchasing one of your own!
Types of Clarinets
The clarinet family is large; there are over ten different types of clarinets, and they come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and pitches.
This short video gives you a whistle-stop tour of the whole family, including some of the rarer and more obscure members!
The vast majority of students start on the B flat clarinet, which is the instrument people refer to when they mention “the clarinet”.
The other members of the family can often be found in orchestras and ensembles, especially the bass clarinets and e flat clarinets. They are great fun to play but are not the traditional starting point for lessons!
Materials of Construction
Most clarinets, at first glance, look the same. They have the same design and shape – a long cylindrical instrument with silver-coloured keys, a mouthpiece at one end and a flared bell at the other.
The quality and price of a clarinet largely depend on what it is made from. A typical student instrument is usually made of plastic or ABS resin.
This material creates a light but durable instrument, which also means it can be made at a lower price.
The keywork tends to be nickel-plated, helping keep the price tag a little lower.
A professional-level clarinet is usually made of wood and has silver or silver-plated keys.
The materials used are of the highest build quality, and instruments are usually hand-finished. All of this craftsmanship and quality are reflected in the price tag.
Wooden clarinets generally start at £1,000/$1,300 but can cost up to £8,000/$10,000.
Clarinets Come With Many Replacement Parts and Accessories
When buying (or renting) a clarinet, it should come with all the accessories you need to get started.
This will include a mouthpiece and ligature and a maintenance kit to keep your instrument clean and in good working order.
These kits usually contain cork grease and a cleaning cloth. You will also need some reeds – see below for our recommendation.
The mouthpiece that comes with beginner clarinets is quite essential.
The most cost-effective way to upgrade your clarinet without buying a new instrument is to get a new mouthpiece.
It will help improve the sound quality, tone and intonation of even the cheapest clarinet.
There are many mouthpiece brands and, like instruments, they are a very personal choice.
The best way to choose a mouthpiece is to go and try some and see which one suits you the best.
We would recommend the range of mouthpieces from the French brand Vandoren.
They make a massive range of mouthpieces with something for every clarinetist.
for everyone!
DESIGNED FOR: Clarinet Players
COMES WITH: Wide 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.
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A large range to choose from, there is a mouthpiece for everyone!
- It can be used straight out of the box.
- None!
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™.
For a summary of other “must-have” accessories for wind players, please take a look at this Ted’s List article. It will give you ideas and recommendations for music stands, reed cases and more!
Don’t Forget the Reed
The clarinet is a reed instrument – it needs a reed to work! The clarinet uses a single reed – a small piece of cane which is attached to the mouthpiece.
When you blow down the clarinet, the reed vibrates and, hey presto, a sound is produced. Reeds come in many different strengths and sizes.
All reeds are clearly labelled on the packaging with the type of clarinet that they are for. A bass clarinet reed can’t be used on a b flat clarinet, so make sure you have the right-sized reed for your clarinet!
A great brand of reeds to try is Vandoren. They make reeds for the majority of sizes of clarinet, and their reeds come in half sizes, which is very helpful as a student progresses.
We would recommend Vandoren Traditional Clarinet reeds.
for everyone!
DESIGNED FOR: All genres of playing
COMES WITH: Half strengths, which is fantastic as the student progresses.
FEATURES:
- Designed to produce a rich, clear sound quality
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Sold in multipacks of 3 and 10 reeds
- Come in half strengths, which is fantastic as the student progresses.
- There are cheaper options available.
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™.
What is a Beginners’ Clarinet?
Beginners’ clarinets are usually made from plastic or ABS resin. They are manufactured on a large scale but with excellent design features, often with young students in mind.
The vast majority of well-respected, top clarinet brands, such as Yamaha and Buffet Crampon, make student models. This means that the design and manufacture are of excellent quality.
Please see below for our reviews and recommendations of some student clarinets
What Qualifies as A Professional Clarinet
A professional clarinet is made of wood, but not all wooden clarinets are professional woodwind instruments!
Professional clarinets are made from the highest quality materials and are hand-finished.
The clarinet’s body is made from a hardwood called grenadilla, which helps to produce the full, creamy tone we expect from a high-quality clarinet.
The key work is silver or gold plated.
We have reviewed some of the best clarinet and best clarinet brands below.
Best Brands of Clarinet and Clarinet Brands to Avoid
Like with any product for sale, there are many brands of the clarinet to choose from. Some are better than others, and some are to be avoided at all costs!
Below are some recommendations for you to consider.
Best Beginner Clarinets
Buying your first clarinet is exciting but can be daunting. We have put together a Clarinet for Beginners guide, providing hints and tips for buying your first clarinet. Below is a summary of three of the best beginner clarinets from reputable brands.
The Jupiter JCL700 is a brilliant student instrument. It has a sturdy but light ABS resin body, making it an excellent clarinet choice for children. Recent clarinet reviews mention the excellent keywork and lightness of the instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: responsive instrument makes it so easy to produce those first sounds
COMES WITH: Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
FEATURES: - Light but sturdy ABS body and metal key-work
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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
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 Yamaha YCL255S is the best all-rounder student clarinet. It is made from sturdy ABS resin and has silver-plated keys. It is an ideal choice for a beginner clarinetist and intermediate players alike. Reviews often mention the great tone that it produces and how well the instrument is made.
DESIGNED FOR: Beautifully designed to help produce a fantastic tone
COMES WITH: Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
FEATURES: - Designed to help produce a fantastic tone
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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
- Cheaper student instruments are available
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 is the Buffet Prodige. The design of this instrument is inspired by the intermediate clarinet E13 (more on this model below!), but by making the body out of ABS resin, the price can be kept more affordable. Reviews mention the excellent tone that this instrument makes and how well made it is.
DESIGNED FOR: a warm, round tone overall registers
COMES WITH: Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
FEATURES: - Excellent quality design and manufacture giving the instrument great longevity.
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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
- Cheaper student instruments are available
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 Intermediate Clarinets
As a student progresses, there comes a time when they will need to upgrade their clarinet. As mentioned above, some “beginner” clarinets do last longer than others, but the natural next step is a wooden clarinet. The wooden clarinet below is excellent choice for an intermediate instrument.
Here are some of the best clarinet brands for intermediate players:
The Buffet Crampon E11 Bb Clarinet has a grenadilla body and silver-plated keys. It produces a warm, clear tone and has been specifically designed for the progressing student. This is a fantastically affordable wooden clarinet and a perfect step up from a plastic instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: advancing student
COMES WITH: Responsive keywork
FEATURES: Comes in a backpack case with a good-quality mouthpiece
Buffet E11 Intermediate Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stainless Steel Springs & Bladder Pads
- Ease of play, reliability, and free blowing
- Comes with case, mouthpiece, ligature and reed
- The key work needs to be treated with care to avoid bending
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 Yamaha YCL450 is one of the best intermediate clarinets on the market. It features similar design and manufacturing processes to professional instruments, the keywork is hand finished, and the quality of the materials used is fantastic. It produces a warm, resonant tone and is an excellent choice for the advancing student.
DESIGNED FOR: Barrel and bell design to enhance the tone quality
COMES WITH: Backpack
FEATURES: - Hand-finished keywork
Yamaha YCL450 Intermediate Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Adjustable thumb rest to accommodate all hand sizes
- Comes in a backpack case with a good quality mouthpiece (the Yamaha 4C)
- Key work needs to be treated with care.
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 Buffet E13 is often described as one of the best advancing clarinet on the market. It is a reliable instrument, hand-made in France using high-quality materials.
It uses the same bell design as the Buffet RC (a professional-level clarinet), which helps produce its gorgeous warm tone, and making it one of the best clarinets in the market.
One drawback of the product may be its relatively higher price point compared to some other intermediate-level clarinets, but its superior craftsmanship and unparalleled performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.
When I play the Buffet E13, I experience a seamless and responsive feel, with its precise keywork and resonant tone giving me a sense of control and artistry that enhances my musical expression.
DESIGNED FOR: Professional features to improve tone quality
COMES WITH: High-quality wooden body and silver-plated key-work
FEATURES: - High-quality wooden body and silver-plated key-work
- Leather pads and blue steel springs
Buffet E13 B Flat Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Adjustable thumb rest to accommodate all hand sizes
- Professional quality materials for an intermediate instrument
- There are cheaper “intermediate” instruments on the market
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 Backun Beta is designed as an intermediate wooden clarinet for those taking the first leap into playing grenadilla. If you’ve been on a plastic instrument all these years, this could be a great next step for you.
The Backun Beta offers really very good tone, uncompromising craftsmanship and an affordable price, all in one brilliant instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: Players who want to take their first leap into playing grenadilla
COMES WITH: Silver plated keywork
FEATURES: - Beta grenadilla barrel
- Backun grenadilla bell
- Moutpiece pack
Backun Beta - Grenadilla with Silver keys
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exceptional tone for the money
- Brilliant craftsmanship and an affordable price
- Keyword feels great
- At some point you'll want to upgrade
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 Professional Clarinets
Buying a professional clarinet takes time and research. Instrument choice is very personal to the individual player, especially at a professional level. There are a number of clarinet brands on the market that manufacture great sound, professional-level clarinets, but Buffet Crampon and Yamaha stand head and shoulders above the rest.
They have decades of experience in manufacture and design, tweaking designs over the years to produce gorgeous, reliable instruments. Below are professional clarinet brands to help start your professional clarinet journey!
The Yamaha YCL650 Pro Bb Clarinet is suited for all styles of playing, from jazz to classical. It is a responsive instrument with high-quality silver keywork. It features undercut tone holes to help produce a clear, focused tone.
DESIGNED FOR: Serious Musicians
COMES WITH: Grenadilla wood body designed for a clear tone quality
FEATURES: Hand-finished to ensure a top-quality instrument
Yamaha YCL650 Pro Bb Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Silver-plated responsive key-work
- Offers a warm, round, and deeply resonant sound
- Static thumb rest
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™.
Buffet Crampon is one of the most respected clarinet brands, and their clarinets are of exceptional quality.
They make a number of professional-level clarinets, but the two that we are recommending here are the R13 and RC models.
These can be found in professional orchestras and ensembles all over the world and are used by respected soloists too.
Both are suited for all styles of music and are reliable instruments. The RC produces a slightly darker, more mellow tone, whereas the R13 is a bit lighter and brighter.
All Buffet Crampon professional clarinets use materials of the highest quality – grenadilla wood, leather and cork pads, silver-plated keys and blue steel springs. The instruments are hand built in France and are a top-notch choice!
DESIGNED FOR: Professional features to improve tone quality
COMES WITH: Leather pads and blue steel springs
FEATURES: Completely hand-made with amazing attention to detail
Buffet R13 Professional B Flat Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Adjustable thumb rest to accommodate all hand sizes
- Metal rings on edges and tenons to help prevent cracking
- No mouthpiece is included
- It is one of the more expensive options
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™.
DESIGNED FOR: Specially designed bell for a focussed, resonant tone quality
COMES WITH: Leather pads and blue steel springs
FEATURES: - High-quality wooden body and silver-plated key-work
Buffet RC B Flat Professional Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Adjustable thumb rest to accommodate all hand sizes
- Precision-built by hand
- Small-bore and egg-shaped bell for resonance and projection
- No mouthpiece is included
- It is one of the more expensive options
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™.
Praised for their great consistency yet still flexibility, the Selmer Privilège clarinets have evolved, with brilliant aesthetics, ergonomics and tuning.
This instrument was ergonomically redesigned to include a new key shape and orientation for the right and left little fingers.
The Privilège clarinets are exceptionally consistent in tuning, blending easily with other instruments; and that’s what makes them a brilliant choice for orchestral playing. Plus, it’s supplied in a slick modern case (that looks really cool) and a premium Selmer accessory pack.
DESIGNED FOR: Pro's who want a Clarinet that is fairly 'pingy'
COMES WITH: Aged Grenadilla wood, and a new erga=onomically redesigned keywork
FEATURES: 2 barrels (65.5mm and 66.5mm)
- Goretex pads
- Tone holes with a special undercut
Selmer Privilege B flat Clarinet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Perfectly balanced throat tone area that really shines
- Beautiful engraving on certain keys and on the black matte chromed body rings looks amazing
- Excellen orchestral clarinet
- The redesigned keyword might not be for everyone
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™.
Beware of Dirt Cheap Options
The cliched phrase “buy cheap, buy twice” is often very true! There are a few very budget instruments on the market, but please don’t be tempted by them! They are often unbranded instruments, cheaply made and not sold by reputable music shops or websites. The materials used are often very shoddy, and you will find that you need to spend time and money getting the instrument into proper working order.
You would be better taking that money, adding it to your budget and choosing one of the brands mentioned above. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Clarinet Best Brands
Summary
There are so many factors to consider when purchasing a clarinet. There are lots of brands to try and new materials to discover. You also need to make decisions about wood body vs plastic clarinets, silver vs nickel, second-hand vs brand new.
Make sure you have a good idea of your budget and know which level of clarinet you need (beginner, intermediate or professional) – this will help you make some of these decisions! We hope this article will help guide you and give you confidence when starting to shop for an instrument.
We hope that you have enjoyed this article and find the information useful. Please enjoy choosing your first or upgraded clarinet. Make sure that you try as many clarinets as you can, have fun and ask lots of questions!
Finally, a best of article worth reading! So often you get the impression that these articles are written by Amazon employees who’ve never touched the instrument in question. A thousand and one thanks for sharing your expertise. This article may help teachers sway parents from making bad decisions on cheaply made instruments.
Thanks Robert, very kind of you to say. We very much try and stay away from the cheap rubbish on certain websites. But having said that, not everyone can afford a brand instrument, and that’s why I think the products made by gear4music are a super starting point. Anyway – thanks for commenting!
I found your article enlightening and informative. Trying to address all aspects of clarinet selection is a bit daunting. Even a brief reference to types of reeds available for beginners as well as various mouthpieces could be an article onto itself. I was surprised that in your manufacturer suggestions, quality clarinet manufacturers like Selmer and Backun were not mentioned. I have played clarinet professionally for well over 40 years and if providing options to new and intermediate musicians, Selmer and Backun should be mentioned even if a specific model is not chosen so as not to offer too many choices. And some of the professional models are now fetching prices in excess of $14,000 US. thanks again for your article.
Hi Ron, that’s an excellent point. You are totally right.
Bethan (the Author) has updated the article, and we now have one instrument from each brand.
Thanks so much for pointing that out.