Best Clarinet
for
Beginners
Players
Student
Clarinet EXCELLENT QUALITY CLARINET
-
Overall: Designed with a lovely wood-grain finish for a traditional appearance
-
Best Feature: Has silver-plated keys for a buttery smooth operation
-
TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best Clarinet
for
Intermediate
Bb Clarinet DURABLE, RELIABLE,
AND FREE-BLOWING
-
Overall: Provides ease of play, reliability, and free blowing
-
Best Feature: Has a stained Grenadilla wood
(African blackwood) body construction -
TedScore™: 9/10
Best Clarinet
for
Professionals
Low C PREMIER, TOP-OF-THE-LINE CLARINET
-
Overall: The best clarinet
for professionals from
Yamaha -
Best Feature: Can operate down to low C using
an advanced configuration -
TedScore™:
8/10
Understanding what you’re likely to spend is crucial whether you’re a novice or an expert player.
Of course, the Clarinet cost is not the only factor to consider when purchasing an instrument, but it’s important to keep in mind.
Clarinet prices vary widely depending on the type and quality of wood in the instrument, as well as the materials used and the level of craftsmanship.
This article is a comprehensive guide to the price ranges of beginner, intermediate, and all levels of professional clarinets to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next instrument.
By understanding the price ranges of the different clarinet models, you can invest in an instrument that will serve your child and you well for years to come.
Factors that Affect a Clarinet Cost
When you are trying to buy a clarinet, there are several factors that will affect the cost of the instrument.
It’s essential to acknowledge these factors when purchasing a clarinet so that you can find a great, high-quality instrument that’s also affordable for you.
Materials Used and Craftmanship
The materials used for a clarinet and the level of craftsmanship involved in its production are two of the most significant factors that affect its cost. Beginner or student models are often made of plastic resin material, whereas professionals utilise wooden clarinets made of premium Grenadilla wood (also known as African blackwood). The level of handcrafting in producing the musical instrument also affects its cost. The more handcrafting involved, the more expensive the clarinet is likely to be.
Type of Clarinet
The type of clarinet is another factor that affects its cost. Bb clarinets, a prevalent type, with warm, rich tones, are typically less expensive than bass clarinets,
Which are larger and require more materials to produce.
Additionally, the cost of an E-flat clarinet, a smaller version of the Bb clarinet, is typically higher than that of a Bb clarinet.
Comes from a Reputable Brand
The manufacturer and brand of the clarinet are also considered significant factors in its cost. Clarinets from well-known and reputable brands, such as Buffet Crampon or Yamaha, are typically more expensive than those from lesser-known brands.
However, these brands are known for producing high-quality clarinets worth the investment.
Investing in a high-quality instrument made from premium materials, crafted with care, and from a reputable brand ensures that you are getting a clarinet that will last for years to come and provide you with an exceptional playing experience.
The Price Of A Clarinet
The price of a clarinet can vary depending on the type and quality of the instrument. Here’s a breakdown of the price range for beginner, intermediate, and professional models:
Beginner Clarinet Price Range
Beginner clarinets are typically less expensive than intermediate or professional models, but the price can still vary depending on the quality of the instrument.
They can range in price from as low as $200/£160 to around $1,100/£900.
The lower end of the price range will typically be for low-end beginner clarinets, while mid-range beginner student clarinets will be closer to the $1,100/£900 mark.
It’s important to remember that while you can find student clarinets for less than $200, these types of musical instruments may not be of the best quality and may not be worth the investment in the long run.
Investing in a higher quality instrument that will last you longer and provide a better playing experience is always better.
When looking for beginner or student clarinets, considering purchasing from a reputable dealer shop or music store is also considered a good idea.
This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a quality instrument and can receive any necessary support or repairs.
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™.
Intermediate Clarinet Price Range
Intermediate clarinets are designed for advanced players, who have outgrown their beginner clarinets and are ready to pay for a higher-quality instrument. These prices can vary depending on the brand, materials, and craftsmanship.
On average, intermediate clarinets cost between $1,000/£800, and most clarinets around $2,800/£2,300.
However, there are some high-end models that can cost upwards of $5,000/£4000.
It’s important to remember that the cost of an intermediate clarinet reflects the quality and construction of the body of the instrument.
Investing in an intermediate clarinet can be a wise decision for serious students who want to improve their playing. These musical instruments offer better sound quality, durability, and playability than beginner models.
Additionally, intermediate clarinets can hold their value over time, making them a good investment for the future.
Buffet E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet
FEATURES: -Has a stained Grenadilla wood (African blackwood) body construction
-With stainless steel springs, bladder pads, fixed thumb rest, and standard keys and rings
- Provides ease of play, reliability, and free blowing
- The clarinet comes equipped with a case, mouthpiece, ligature and reed
- The clarinet comes equipped with a case, mouthpiece, ligature and reed
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™.
Professional Clarinet Price Range
If you’re a professional clarinet player or looking to become one, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to spend on a high-quality instrument. Well, it depends on various factors, such as the brand, materials used, and level of craftsmanship.
However, we can give you a general idea of what to expect. According to our research, most professional clarinets cost above $2,000/£1,600.
But that’s just the starting point.
The price can go up significantly depending on the features you want, such as extra keys, different finishes, and customizations.
The cost of professional clarinets from different reputable brands can vary depending on the manufacturer, specific model, and features you choose to use them.
Professional clarinets are a significant investment but worth it if you’re serious about your craft.
Yamaha YCL622 Bass Clarinet, Low C
FEATURES: Crafted with superb Grenadilla wood, putting a focus on expression and clarity
-With perfectly intonated and responsive individually formed tone holes
-Comes with silver-plated keys and a bell for added projection and stability
-Can operate down to low C using an advanced configuration
- The best clarinet for professionals from Yamaha
- Purchase includes a 3-month trial of Tomplay Premium and a 5-year extended warranty
- Very expensive clarinet
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™.
Should You Rent or Buy a Clarinet?
If you’re just starting out and unsure if the clarinet is the right instrument for you, renting may be the way to go. It allows you to try it out without making a big financial commitment upfront.
Renting gives you flexible options and a lower upfront cost. Plus, you’ll have the ability to upgrade to a better model.
On the other hand, renting this instrument may require a deposit.
However, buying may in fact be the better option if you’re committed to playing the clarinet long-term and have the financial means to do so. It may have a higher upfront cost, but that allows you to own the instrument and potentially save money in the long run.
Unlike renting, you won’t have to worry about deposits and monthly payments.
Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy comes down to your personal circumstances and goals as a musician.
Consider your budget, level of commitment, and long-term goals when making a choice.
Clarinet Cost
Summary
Finding a good clarinet can be daunting, especially for musicians on a budget. But fret not because finding the perfect fit for you is not impossible!
You need to determine your playing level and the type of music you plan to play on your clarinet. It’s also essential to set a budget for your purchase. You can often find quality used clarinets for a lower price than new ones.
Check out local music stores or online retailers, and read reviews to ensure you’re getting a reliable instrument.
Don’t forget to factor in additional costs for accessories, such as reeds and a case. If you can, try out any clarinet you’re interested in before purchasing.
The right clarinet should feel comfortable to hold and should produce a clear sound.
With a little help from this comprehensive guide, determination, and patience, we’re confident you can find the clarinet that fits your needs and budget perfectly.
Best of luck!
And whatever you do…
Don’t forget to look at our guide on What Is The Best Clarinet For Beginners…
Interesting article, Lucy Downer. While I agree with most of your points on the factors affecting clarinet costs, I believe there’s more to discuss regarding craftsmanship. The time and dedication put into handmade clarinets, especially those made by renowned makers, not only affects the cost but also significantly influences the instrument’s quality and sound. I’ve played on several clarinets throughout my career, and those handcrafted pieces have a notable difference in character and depth of sound. Would love to see you expand on this in future articles.
hey, just wanna say i loved readin about the different kinds of clarinets. didn’t know there was so much to it. good stuff.
cool, didn’t know that!
Yeah, it’s pretty similar with saxophones too. A lot of variety out there.
In your section about professional clarinets, you mentioned the price range but didn’t delve into why some professional models are priced significantly higher than others. Material quality and brand are factors, but could you clarify if customization options also play a role in the price? This seems like an oversight worth addressing.
Hey, was really digging the part where you talked about the differences in prices based on the clarinet’s level. I got a young student starting out, and I’m weighing the pros and cons of suggesting they buy or rent. Any chance you could dive a bit deeper on the maintenance costs that could add up for a beginner clarinet? Cheers, Ellie_M.