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Home » Tutorial » A Guide To The Different Clarinet Types

Clarinet Types

Last updated August 4, 2024

A Guide To The Different Clarinet Types

  • Proudly written by Pro-Clarinetist,
  • Lucy Downer
  • 7 Comments
  • Clarinet | Wind

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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!

Table of Contents

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.

Yamaha Ycl650 Professional Bb Clarinet Review
FOR QUICK RESPONSE AND A FOCUSED TONE

DESIGNED FOR: advancing and professional musicians

FEATURES: Offers a warm, round, and deeply resonant sound

OTHER INFO: Features a carefully selected grenadilla body

Check Price >
9.2/10

YAMAHA YCL650 PROFESSIONAL CLARINET

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • 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
CONS
  • Higher price range (but worth the value!)
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 9.2/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Buffet Crampon E-11 A-Clarinet Review 1
RICH AND FOCUSED SOUND

DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players

FEATURES: Completely made of Grenadilla wood

OTHER INFO: Has silver plated keywork and includes case and accessories

Check Price >
8/10

Buffet Crampon E-11 A-Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Free blowing and a high quality hand finish
  • Powerful in all registers
  • Constructed by traditional methods
CONS
  • A bit expensive
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Yamaha Ycl681Ii Eb Clarinet Review
PROFESSIONAL QUALITY SOPRANO CLARINET

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

Check Price >
8/10

YAMAHA YCL681II Eb CLARINET

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • 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
CONS
  • Higher price range compared to other brands
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Jupiter Jbc1000 Bass Clarinet Review
RELIABLE WITH ADVANCED FEATURES

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

Check Price >
8.5/10

Jupiter JBC1000 Bass Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • 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
CONS
  • Heavier than some other models on the market
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8.5/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Leblanc Vito L7181 Usa Eeb Contra Alto Clarinet Review 1
DURABLE AND WARM-SOUNDING

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

Check Price >
7/10

Leblanc Vito L7181 USA Contra Alto Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Durable ABS Body
  • Perfect for a variety of musical styles and genres
CONS
  • Comes with a higher price point than some other brands
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 7/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Leblanc L7182 Bbb Contrabass Clarinet Review
POWERFUL AND DURABLE

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

Check Price >
7.5/10

Leblanc L7182 Contrabass Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • 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
CONS
  • Very expensive brand of clarinet
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 7.5/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Buffet Prestige Basset Clarinet Review 1
PROFESSIONAL SOUND QUALITY

DESIGNED FOR: advanced players or professionals

FEATURES: Forged keys, copper plated then silver plated

OTHER INFO: Designed with top-notch ergonomics for comfortable playability

Check Price >
7.5/10

Buffet Prestige Basset Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • 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
CONS
  • A little more expensive than other brands
Arrow Down
The TedScore™:  7.5/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Rosedale Intermediate C Clarinet By Gear4Music Review
RELIABLE AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY

DESIGNED FOR: intermediate and advanced players

FEATURES: Made of a hard rubber body and nickel-plated keys

OTHER INFO: Brushed in matte finish

Check Price >
6/10

Rosedale Intermediate C Clarinet by Gear4music

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • 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
CONS
  • The quality may not be up to par with more expensive options
  • Some users have reported issues with the keys and the mouthpiece
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 6/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

F.a. Uebel G-421 G-Clarinet Review 1
FOR A SMOOTH AND VELVETY TONE

DESIGNED FOR: advanced and professional musicians

FEATURES: made of Grenadilla black wood

OTHER INFO: Has silver-plated keywork

Check Price >
6/10

F.A. Uebel G-421 G-Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • With a modern-styled bell and barrel for a great sound
  • Completely handcrafted
  • Comes with a wooden velvet case and cleaning accessories
CONS
  • May be difficult to find in the market
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The TedScore™: 6/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Ycl-631 Alto Clarinet Review
FOR PRECISE PITCH IN ALL REGISTERS

DESIGNED FOR: student to professional clarinettists

FEATURES: Alto clarinet built with durable Grenadilla wood

OTHER INFO: With high-register intonation accuracy

Check Price >
8/10

YCL-631 Alto Clarinet

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Comes with durable and long-lasting nickel silver keys
  • Crafted using advanced metal forming technology
  • Includes a protective case
CONS
  • Very high price point
Arrow Down
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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.

Fun fact:
Mozart even composed his Symphony for Clarinet in Kuchel, in 1791. It is known for its beautiful dialogue between the solo clarinet and the orchestra. Overall, the clarinet has a rich history and continues to be an important part of music for years to come.
AMAZING!

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

What is the most common type of clarinet?

The most common type of clarinet is the Bb clarinet. As a beginner, this is the type of clarinet you will most likely start with, and it’s used in a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz.

What is the difference between EB and BB clarinet?

The main difference between the EB and BB clarinets is their size and pitch. The EB clarinet is is an Eb transposing instrument smaller and plays at a higher pitch than the BB clarinet, which is larger and plays at a lower pitch.

Is C clarinet the same as B flat?

No, the C clarinet is not the same as the Bb clarinet. The C clarinet is pitched one whole step lower than the Bb clarinet and has a brighter and more focused sound.

What type of clarinet is best for beginners?

For beginners, the most common Bb clarinet is the best type. It’s the most common type of clarinet, and plenty of resources are available for learning how to play it.

How big is a bass clarinet?

A bass clarinet is typically around 4 feet long, with a weight of approximately 10-15 pounds. It has a larger and wider bore than a standard clarinet, which gives it a deeper and richer sound.

How does a clarinet look like?

A clarinet typically has a slender, cylindrical body made of wood or plastic, with a flared bell at the bottom. It has a mouthpiece with a reed attached to it, which the player blows into to create sound. The instrument also has a series of keys and holes along the body that the player presses to produce different notes.

How many types of clarinets are there?

There are 11 types of clarinets, including the soprano, alto, bass, and contrabass clarinets, each with its own distinct size and range.

A Guide To The Different Clarinet Types
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  • Lucy Downer
    Lucy Downer

    Lucy plays the clarinet, saxophone and flute, and teaches at all levels from complete beginner to university level. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Lucy has played all around the world, and her favourite concert halls are the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Pantheon in Rome. She has played on BBC TV and Radio, and for recording sessions at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. When not playing music, Lucy can be found canoeing down white water rivers or baking cakes for her friends.

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↓ Click here to leave a comment ↓
  1. ThePhilosopher says:
    March 20, 2025 at 7:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • MelodyChaser says:
      March 28, 2025 at 12:26 pm

      Wow, ThePhilosopher, that’s deep! Never thought of instruments like that. Makes me think about music in a whole new way.

      Reply
  2. ClarinetCait says:
    February 18, 2025 at 4:26 pm

    So many clarinets, so little time to play them all, amirite? 😉

    Reply
  3. dave_mus1c says:
    November 26, 2024 at 12:50 pm

    Cool read! Never knew there were so many types of clarinets. The G clarinet sounds really interesting – got that folk vibe to it maybe?

    Reply
  4. Liz_Brighton says:
    October 21, 2024 at 6:20 am

    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!

    Reply
    • JennyK says:
      March 1, 2025 at 6:00 pm

      Agreed with Martin_T. My son started with a Bb clarinet and loves it.

      Reply
    • Martin_T says:
      January 13, 2025 at 2:33 am

      Hey Liz, but the Bb clarinet might be the best start. It’s standard for beginners and easier to handle for younger students.

      Reply

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