Best
Clarinet for Beginners Players
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Overall: Professional-sounding clarinet at a reasonable price
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Best Feature: Quintessential Buffet design
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Clarinet for Intermediate
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Overall: New bell has improved response and projection
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Best Feature: Adjustable thumb-rest helps to develop proper technique
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Clarinet for Professionals
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Overall: one of the top models in the RC bore family
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Best Feature: the wood is carefully polished and left in its natural color.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Have you ever been curious about the different types of clarinets out there? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The clarinet is a versatile single-reed instrument in the woodwind family, known for its rich, mellow tones and wide range of musical expression. As part of the woodwind family, the clarinet is a staple in classical, jazz, and contemporary music genres.
In this article, we’ll look at all the different types of clarinets. We’ll talk about these instruments’ different sizes and ranges and their unique features and characteristics. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned musician, we’ve got you covered with all the info you need to know about this amazing instrument.
Let’s get started!
Differences Between Clarinet Types
There are different types of clarinet: Ab clarinet, Eb soprano clarinet, Bb soprano, A harmony, alto clarinet, Basset horn, bass clarinet, D clarinet, contra-alto, and contrabass. The main differences among the different types of clarinet are their size, range, and key system.
The most common type of clarinet is the Bb clarinet, which is used in most genres of music.
The Eb clarinet is smaller and has a higher range, while the bass clarinet is larger and has a lower range. The alto clarinet is less common and has a unique sound, while the contrabass clarinet has the largest and lowest range.
The key system also differs among the different types, with some having additional keys for better intonation and technical facility. Each type of clarinet has its unique sound and characteristics, so it is worth trying out different types of clarinets to find the one that suits you best.
The Top 10 Clarinet Types
The clarinet is a popular woodwind instrument that comes in various types. All types of clarinets are essential members of the woodwind family and are used in various musical genres, from classical to jazz.
1. Bb CLARINET
The Bb clarinet is the most commonly used in the clarinet family! It’s a woodwind instrument with a single reed and is often played in orchestras, military and brass bands, and jazz mucisians ensembles. This instrument is perfect for musicians who want to play a versatile and melodious instrument and a great option for beginners because of its popularity and ease of use.
DESIGNED FOR: advancing and professional musicians
FEATURES: Offers a warm, round, and deeply resonant sound
OTHER INFO: Features a carefully selected grenadilla body
YAMAHA YCL650 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!
- Incorporates silver-plated keys sculpted by master artisans
- Has tapered tone holes to allow superb intonation and tonal balance
- With an adjustable thumb rest to accommodate different hands sizes
- Helps developing players gain a proper playing technique and endurance
- Includes a case, case cover, and mouthpiece
- Higher price range (but worth the value!)
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™.
2. A Clarinet
The A clarinet produces a sound that’s one semitone lower than the Bb clarinet. If a piece of music has a C note, you use the A clarinet instead of the Bb clarinet. This is perfect for pieces of music with sharp notes. With its slightly longer body and deeper pitch, the A clarinet produces a darker tone, making it an excellent choice for orchestral music.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
FEATURES: Completely made of Grenadilla wood
OTHER INFO: Has silver plated keywork and includes case and accessories
Buffet Crampon E-11 A-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!
- Free blowing and a high quality hand finish
- Powerful in all registers
- Constructed by traditional methods
- A bit expensive
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™.
3. Eb CLARINET
The Eb clarinet is a smaller member of the clarinet family, pitched in the key of Eb. It’s unique because it plays significantly higher than the more common B-flat clarinet. It’s known for its excellent response across all registers. Whether you prefer playing legato or staccato, the E-flat clarinet is very flexible and allows you to hit even the highest notes with ease.
DESIGNED FOR: advancing and professional clarinettists
FEATURES: With a 17-key Boehm system for rapid, fluid responsiveness
OTHER INFO: Has a classic Grenadilla construction for a warm and versatile sound
YAMAHA YCL681II Eb 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!
- With inset tone holes with hand-tapered undercuts for perfect intonation
- Traditional barrel and bell shapes provide presence and focus
- A premium option for a first or doubling instrument
- Found in many of the world's finest orchestras
- Higher price range compared to other brands
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™.
4. Bass Clarinet
Like the soprano B♭ clarinet, the bass clarinet is usually pitched in B♭, but it can play a lower range of notes. The bass clarinet is larger than a regular clarinet, standing over a meter tall and having almost half a meter long keys. Its low range goes from D3 to D6, and classical and jazz musicians often use it.
DESIGNED FOR: student to professional players
FEATURES: Made from ABS resin for rich, refined tones with added durability
OTHER INFO: With silver-plated nickel silver neck and keys for protection and a classic tone
Jupiter JBC1000 Bass 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!
- Has expertly-designed undercut tone holes and inline trill keys, as well as leather pads
- Ready for any ensemble, from school bands to professional orchestras
- Includes a wood-frame case
- Heavier than some other models 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™.
5. Contra-Alto Clarinet
The contra-alto clarinet is large and pitched a perfect fifth below the Bb bass clarinet. That means it’s really low-sounding! The modern version of this instrument is pitched in the key of Eb and is a transposing instrument.
DESIGNED FOR: intermediate and advanced players
FEATURES: Has silver-plated keys for a professional look and feel
OTHER INFO: Boasts a deep and resonant sound
Leblanc Vito L7181 USA Contra Alto 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!
- Durable ABS Body
- Perfect for a variety of musical styles and genres
- Comes with a higher price point than some other brands
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™.
6. Contrabass Clarinet
What makes the Contrabass Clarinet stand out is its size – it’s the largest clarinet out there, measuring about 2.70 meters! Because of its low notes, some people even call it the pedal clarinet. Although it’s uncommon, composers often use it to provide the true bass to a clarinet choir.
DESIGNED FOR: students and advancing players
FEATURES: Has a durable ABS resin body that imitates the sound of authentic wood
OTHER INFO: With nickel-plated keywork for rapid response
Leblanc L7182 Contrabass 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!
- Includes Valentino pads that move easily and promote a full-bodied sound
- Nickel-plated Bach brass bell delivers a full-bodied tone and excellent projection
- Designed to meet the needs of teachers, making it popular in school bands
- Mimics the craftsmanship of Leblanc's top-tier professional clarinets
- Very expensive brand of clarinet
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™.
7. Basset Clarinet
Basset clarinets are basically A-clarinets with an extension that goes down either a major third or a perfect fourth. This allows it to encompass a lower “c” than a normal clarinet. It was invented by a clarinettist in the late 18th century and used in orchestras, concert bands and military bands.
DESIGNED FOR: advanced players or professionals
FEATURES: Forged keys, copper plated then silver plated
OTHER INFO: Designed with top-notch ergonomics for comfortable playability
Buffet Prestige Basset 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!
- Produces warm and expressive sound quality, and excellent response
- Made with a stylish finish that provides a durable and elegant look
- Has an unmatched tonal quality
- A little more expensive than other brands
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™.
8. C Clarinet
The C clarinet is slightly smaller than the Bb clarinet and has a higher pitch. It’s a type of clarinet that’s great for advanced players who want a more affordable second instrument to use in folk music or orchestras.
DESIGNED FOR: intermediate and advanced players
FEATURES: Made of a hard rubber body and nickel-plated keys
OTHER INFO: Brushed in matte finish
Rosedale Intermediate C Clarinet by Gear4music
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!
- With undercut tone holes & metal ligature
- Affordable, without sacrificing build quality or sound
- Comes with a nickel-plated mouthpiece cap and a quality hard case
- The quality may not be up to par with more expensive options
- Some users have reported issues with the keys and the mouthpiece
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™.
9. G Clarinet
It’s a type of clarinet perfect for playing music from Eastern Europe, Greece, Turkey, and even Klezmer! The G clarinet uses the Albert System key work, and it’s often associated with countries like Armenia, Turkey, and the Balkan regions. The clarinet has a standard shape and is made of Grenadilla wood. However, there’s also a plastic version available, which comes with adjustable thumb rest and strap ring, nickel-plated keywork, and two barrel joints.
DESIGNED FOR: advanced and professional musicians
FEATURES: made of Grenadilla black wood
OTHER INFO: Has silver-plated keywork
F.A. Uebel G-421 G-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!
- With a modern-styled bell and barrel for a great sound
- Completely handcrafted
- Comes with a wooden velvet case and cleaning accessories
- May be difficult to find in 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™.
10. Alto Clarinet
This large clarinet is pitched a perfect fifth lower than the B♭ soprano clarinet. In other words, it’s about half an octave below the regular clarinet! The sound of the alto clarinet is dark and reedy but not as dark as the lower-pitched bass clarinets. Alto clarinets are known for transposing to either E flat or F, and their design has a characteristic bend.
DESIGNED FOR: student to professional clarinettists
FEATURES: Alto clarinet built with durable Grenadilla wood
OTHER INFO: With high-register intonation accuracy
YCL-631 Alto 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!
- Comes with durable and long-lasting nickel silver keys
- Crafted using advanced metal forming technology
- Includes a protective case
- Very high price point
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™.
Other Types of Clarinets
Here’s a list of other types of clarinet instrument you might be interested in. Each of these woodwind intrument has its own unique features and characteristics that set it apart from the numerous others.
Piccolo Clarinet
A Piccolo Clarinet, also known as an A-flat clarinet, is a small clarinet that plays at a very high pitch. It’s approximately 13 inches long and primarily used in military bands and orchestras. While it’s not as common as the Bb or Eb clarinet, it has been used by famous composers such as Verdi and Bartok.
D Clarinet
The D clarinet is a member of the clarinet family that’s essentially a soprano clarinet but smaller in size and is pitched higher than the standard B flat Clarinet. The D Clarinet is perfect for those who want a brighter and more delicate sound. It’s also great for playing in certain keys that the B flat Clarinet might struggle with.
Clarinet d’Amour
Unlike the B♭ and A soprano clarinets, the clarinet d’amour has a more mellow and romantic tone. It’s also known for its globular bell, the Liebesfuss or pavillon d’amour. When playing this instrument, you’ll notice that the keys on the upper joint are mounted in elegant wooden rings, and the barrel is bulbous to provide a comfortable grip.
The History of Clarinets
The clarinet has a rich and fascinating history. It all began in the late 17th – early 18th centuries when a music master named Johann Christoph Diener invented the first version of the instrument.
Over time, the clarinet evolved into its present form around 1700, thanks to a German instrument maker named Johann Christoph Denner. Since then, the clarinet instrument has become an important instrument in various genres of music, from jazz to classical music.
Clarinet Types
Summary
Clarinet sizes can vary, with the most common ones being the Bb, Eb, and bass clarinets, each offering distinct tonal characteristics and playing ranges. Understanding the differences in clarinet sizes is essential for selecting the right instrument to suit specific musical needs and genres.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced player looking to expand your collection, there’s one for everyone. Each of the clarinet types offer a different range and sound quality for musicians to explore.
We hope you’ve learned something new and interesting about these amazing woodwind instruments!
So go ahead, pick up a clarinet and start playing! Whether you’re playing classical music, jazz, or something in between, the clarinet is a versatile instrument that brings your music joy and beauty.
Happy playing!
FAQ's
An interesting classification indeed, Lucy. However, one might ponder the philosophical implications of categorizing musical instruments so rigidly. Could there indeed be an essence of the clarinet that transcends these physical variations? Each type bringing its own unique interpretation to what it means to be a clarinet. Perhaps it’s the music itself that ultimately defines them, rather than their physical form or range. Your thoughts on this conceptual framework would be most enlightening.
Wow, ThePhilosopher, that’s deep! Never thought of instruments like that. Makes me think about music in a whole new way.
So many clarinets, so little time to play them all, amirite? 😉
Cool read! Never knew there were so many types of clarinets. The G clarinet sounds really interesting – got that folk vibe to it maybe?
Fascinating article, Lucy. I’m particularly intrigued by the range of clarinets you’ve discussed. In my efforts to grow our school’s music program, I’m considering adding more diverse instruments. Could you advise on the suitability of each clarinet type for younger students? Particularly interested in the differences in physical size and handling between them, as well as the learning curve associated with each. Thanks in advance for your insights!
Agreed with Martin_T. My son started with a Bb clarinet and loves it.
Hey Liz, but the Bb clarinet might be the best start. It’s standard for beginners and easier to handle for younger students.