Diving into the world of Bb orchestra clarinets for the first time can feel like venturing into a maze. With so many brands, materials, and accessories to ponder, making that first choice can be tricky. Here are some handy tips and hints to help beginner clarinettists pick wisely and buy with ease. Welcome to our **Clarinets For Beginners** guide!
What should I look for in a good starter clarinet?
There are a few factors to consider when looking for a clarinet to buy. Who is the instrument for? What is your budget? Have you had any specific advice or requests from a teacher? There are quite a few budget clarinet brands on the market, and often teachers will have recommendations – this is a really helpful place to start.
Make sure that you know which type of beginners clarinet that you need – the clarinet family is large and varied, and buying the wrong version could be a rather expensive mistake! The vast majority of beginners start on a B flat clarinet.
Think about who will be using the instrument – many young students will benefit from an instrument that is not too heavy, durable, and easy to put together and look after. A good quality plastic clarinet is light but sturdy and would be an excellent choice when buying a starter instrument.
Types of Clarinets
The clarinet family is a large one! Did you know that there are over ten different types of clarinet? These range from the most commonly played B flat clarinet, to the large and low-pitched bass clarinet (the grandfather of the family) and the small and high e flat clarinet.
The vast majority of students start on the B flat clarinet, and it is this instrument that people are referring to when they mention “the clarinet”. Some of the other models of the clarinet can be found in orchestras and bands, especially the bass and e flat clarinets. They are great fun to play, but not the traditional starting point for clarinet lessons!
Plastic vs Wood
The body of clarinets are generally made of two materials – plastic and wood. There are a few points to consider when deciding which material to go for; ease of playing, the age of the student and budget.
Most student instruments are made out of plastic, and they are a fantastic option for the beginner clarinetist. A plastic beginner clarinet is light, easy to produce a sound on, and cheaper than its wooden counterparts.
A student or beginner player can use a plastic clarinet for many years. Models on the market these days are designed for longevity, with a decent mouthpiece, you can produce a good sound on them.
Wooden clarinets are more of an investment than a plastic instrument. They are a brilliant upgrade for an intermediate or advanced student.
A wood clarinet naturally produces a better, more rounded sound. They are generally heavier and significantly more expensive than plastic models, hence the advice to start on a plastic instrument.
A student player can build up their skills and stamina and then upgrade to a beautiful wooden instrument, which, with a bit of TLC and good day-to-day maintenance, will last for years to come. For example, my wooden clarinet is 20 years old and still going strong!
Brief History of the Clarinet
The clarinet is one of the younger members of the woodwind family. Unlike the flute, whose relatives are tens of thousands of years old, the clarinet didn’t appear until the eighteenth century.
An instrument maker in Nuremberg called Johann Christoph Denner started to experiment with an existing instrument called the chalumeau. He added a couple of keys and flared the end to look more like the clarinet bell we know today.
Over time more keys were added, and modifications were made so that musicians could play more notes, play in a variety of registers and move between notes more smoothly. In 1840 the Bohem system was invented and is still used by clarinet manufacturers today.
An instrument with 17 keys which can play gorgeous rich low notes as well as sparkly high ones and everything in-between!
HOW MUCH DOES A CLARINET COST?
The cost of a Bb orchestra clarinet varies hugely. Student instruments can cost as little as £100/$130, whereas professional instruments can cost 80 times as much! It all depends on the quality of the instrument and what the clarinet and keys are made out of. A wooden clarinet with rose gold plated keys will naturally cost a lot more than a student model.
Just make sure that you choose an instrument that is right for your stage of playing, and remember that a lot of music shops have rental or buy-back schemes which can help spread the cost of an instrument.
Parts of the Clarinet
The clarinet is a beautiful instrument, both to play and to look at! It is made up of five main parts, all of which have easy to remember, simple names:
The mouthpiece – the piece at the very top of the instrument where the reed is attached. It’s the piece that goes in your mouth.
The barrel – this sits 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 – the bottom joint – again with keys and tone holes for your fingers.
The bell – this is the flared bit at the bottom of the clarinet – it looks just like a bell!
Reeds
The clarinet is a reed instrument. Unlike some other woodwind instruments, such as the flute or recorder, you can’t just blow down it and produce a sound. A little help is needed from a reed!
A reed is a small piece of cane which is attached to the mouthpiece with a contraption called a ligature. When you blow down the clarinet with the reed in place, the reed vibrates and, hey presto, a sound is produced!
Reeds come in a variety of different strengths from 1 to 5, the higher the number, the “harder” the reed. Make sure you’ve had a chat with your teacher about which one is best to use before making any purchases.
We would recommend Vandoren Traditional clarinet reeds for any player.
COMES WITH: Full Package(Used for all genres of playing)
FEATURES:
Designed to produce a rich, clear sound quality
Juno by Vandouren
B flat Clarinet Reed
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 three or ten
- 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™.
Keys
Different notes on the clarinet are made by opening and closing tone holes and keys. The Bb clarinet has 17 different keys – the is the same on student and professional instruments alike. Most beginner clarinet range on the market have nickel plated keys; they look just as impressive as those on professional-level instruments but are cheaper to produce. Wooden clarinets tend to have silver keys, although some have gold or gold plated keys which look very impressive!
It is important to take good care of your keys – they do a lot of work after all! Gently clean them with a soft cloth, and be careful when putting your clarinet together that you don’t bend them. One top tip is to make sure that you grease your corks regularly so that you aren’t putting lots of pressure on the keys trying to fit together stiff joints
Must Have Clarinet Accessories
Most new beginner clarinets will come complete with all the accessories that you need to get started. These will include a mouthpiece, ligature, a case and some sort of maintenance kit to keep your instrument clean and healthy (usually containing a cleaning cloth and some cork grease). There are a few accessories which are “must-haves” for any clarinettist – they will enhance your playing experience and help keep your clarinets in good working order.
CASE
All beginner clarinets are supplied with a basic carry case. It will accommodate the instrument and little else. Most clarinettists, whether beginner or more experienced players, need to take their instrument back and forth to rehearsals, lessons and concerts, carrying all the music, reeds, stands and many other accessories too!
There are some excellent cases on the market which include storage pockets for sheet music and accessories and have 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.
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
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!
- Strong but lightweight
- Foam interior cradles your instrument, keeping it safe in transit.
- 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™.
Mouthpiece
A good mouthpiece can make a huge difference to a clarinet. All new beginner clarinets come with a basic mouthpiece, but it really is worth investing in an upgrade. You will find that it will improve tone, sound quality, tuning and intonation.
Mouthpiece shopping can take a bit of time – it is important to try a range of mouthpieces and discover what works for you and what you like the sound of. Talk to your teacher and a woodwind specialist at a music store; they will be a brilliant source of advice and recommendations. This blog post has some excellent 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. Their mouthpieces are numerous, and there is something to suit most clarinettists, from the popular B45 model, right up to the Black Diamond mouthpiece, a popular choice with any professional player.
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
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™.
Music Stand
All musicians should own a music stand. After your instrument, it is the piece of kit that you will use most often; in lessons, whilst practising, in concerts. It is worth NOT going for the cheapest option when buying a stand, you don’t want it to collapse mid-piece! The Cahaya is an excellent option – a robust but portable 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
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!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- 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™.
Instrument Stand
Our instruments are precious! Sometimes you’ll want to pop your clarinet down safely so you can turn a page, make some notes, or change pieces. An instrument stand is a much better option than a chair or the floor! Instrument stands are also really useful when you play in an ensemble. We would recommend the K&M 15228 clarinet stand, suitable for both Bb and A clarinets.
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
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!
- Compact but sturdy design
- Portable
- Can be a bit fiddly to assemble in a hurry
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 so many accessories available to level up your good beginner clarinet. Other than the stands and case discussed above, we would also recommend the following; a reed case, a pad dryer, a screwdriver and a combined tuner and metronome.
Reed cases
It is really important to take your reed off your mouthpiece after you have finished playing. This will allow the reed to dry properly and be ready for use next time. Each reed does come with its own plastic reed cover, but a proper reed case is an excellent thing to own. You can store multiple reeds, and the cases are designed to hold the reeds safely, helping to avoid chips, splits and even warping. The Vandoren reed case for Alto Saxophone and/or Clarinet reeds is an excellent choice.
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
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!
- Keeps reeds safe, avoiding unnecessary breakages.
- There are simpler designs 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™.
Pad Dryer
This is a small accessory, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in usefulness! The pad dryer will help clean and maintain the pads on your beginner clarinet, helping to elongate their life. It can also be used to mop up the little bubbles of moisture which can sometimes appear in tone holes, making notes suddenly sound rather gurgly! We would recommend the pad dryers by BG.
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
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!
- Lint-free - it won’t shed fibers onto your instrument.
- Can be machine washed
- It’s quite small and can be easily lost!
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 loads of little screws and springs keeping all their keys in place. Occasionally one of these screws can come loose, or a spring might pop out, needing a little tweak. A small screwdriver is a must-have for just this. Look for a screwdriver with a spring hook. We would recommend the 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
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!
- 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
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™.
Tuner and metronome
There are various tuner and metronome apps available, but smartphones can be a distraction when you are trying to get your practice done! A small digital metronome/tuner is a brilliant accessory to own. It will help with tuning, intonation, pulse and rhythm. We would recommend the Korg Tuner & 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
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 a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- 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™.
How to Choose the Best Clarinet for Beginners
Here are a few tips when it comes to choosing the best clarinet for a beginner (especially if it’s your first clarinet…):
- Do your research – read articles like this one! That way you can go to a music shop with some models in mind.
- Talk to your teacher – teachers are a fountain of knowledge and will be full of top tips and recommendations on makes and models to try.
- Speak to a woodwind specialist. Music shops often have specialists on hand to help you choose an instrument and the relevant accessories. They can help make the whole process less daunting and find the best clarinet for you.
- Go and try some! The best way to pick an instrument is to go and try a few out. Go to a shop, play a few beginner clarinets, get a feel for the weight and size of them, and have some fun!
The 5 Best Beginner Clarinet Reviews
One of the best “entry-level” clarinets is the Elkhart 100CL. This is a fantastic Bb orchestra clarinet designed specifically with music education in mind. It is one of the cheaper models on the market, but this is not reflected in the quality of the instrument; in fact the sound quality is excellent for the money. It is well made and produces a good, rich tone. Recent reviews describe it as “fantastic” and “excellent value for money”.
COMES WITH: Complete with a backpack style case and cleaning accessories
FEATURES:
- Produces a clear, rich sound
Elkhart 100CL
Student 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!
- Light and durable
- Excellent value for money and a quality instrument
- Includes everything that you need to get started
- No adjustable 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™.
A student clarinet which is popular all around the world is the new playLITE Beginner Clarinet. It has a super strong ABS body, but is seriously lightweight for the young beginner. Plus, this instrument 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!
COMES WITH: Red or Blue
FEATURES:
- Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
-Includes everything that you need to get started!
playLITE 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!
- Durable and easy to clean; a big feature of plastic instruments
- Comes in a lightweight backpack style case
- A good price for a starter clarinet
- The keywork is easy to bend, so be careful!
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 student instrument which comes highly recommended is the Jupiter JCL700. It has a sturdy ABS resin body making it an ideal choice for children or more experienced players who play in outside setting such as marching bands. Reviews remarked on the lightness of the instrument and the excellent key work, plus great sound quality.
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
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™.
Two of the best-known and well-respected names in the clarinet world are Yamaha and Buffet. Both companies produce excellent student clarinets, which with good care and a few tweaks to your set-up here and there, such as upgrading the mouthpiece, can last for years.
First, we have the Yamaha YCL255S. This is considered as, and I agree that the best all-rounder student clarinet. It is made from sturdy ABS resin and has silver-plated keys. It is an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players. It has a newly designed bell which helps with projection and is capable of producing a warm, round tone overall registers. Reviews often mention the fabulous tone that it produces and how well the instrument is made.
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
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; a real quality instrument
- 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
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 Yamaha 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. This instrument combines all the advantages of a wooden instrument, but by making it out of plastic (our friend ABS resin!), the price is way more affordable. Reviews from clarinet players are overwhelmingly positive, mentioning how lovely the sound quality is, and how sturdy it is. It makes a great beginner 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
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!
- 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
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™.
Clarinets for beginners
Summary
I hope that you have found this dash through the world of the beginner clarinet useful and can now go and buy that first precious clarinet with confidence! The clarinet is a fantastic instrument to learn for children and adults alike. It is such a versatile and exciting instrument – we hope you enjoy when you found the perfect beginner clarinet!
And don’t forget to leave a comment below!
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
I’ve read elsewhere that investing in a good mouthpiece can sometimes be more important than the clarinet itself for beginners. While your article, Bethan Greenaway, provides comprehensive coverage on selecting a clarinet, I think more emphasis on the importance of a quality mouthpiece from the get-go could really benefit readers who are looking to start on the right foot. Anyone else feel this way, or have experiences they can share?
This article is super helpful! Just started in band and looking for my first clarinet. Thanks for the tips!
Really dig the part about clarinet accessories. Didn’t realize how much gear you need aside from the instrument itself. Makes me appreciate the simplicity of picking up and playing the tuba!
Tuba simplicity? Please, try carrying around a sax all day, then we’ll talk about simplicity 😂
I found the section on plastic vs wood clarinets quite enlightening, Bethan Greenaway. As someone who is just embarking on their musical journey as an adult, I was wondering if the tonal differences between the two materials are significant enough to influence a beginner’s experience. Would a novice like myself be able to discern the tonal qualities, or is it something that becomes apparent with more experience and skill?