Best Clarinets: From First Instrument to Serious Upgrade

The best clarinet for most buyers is a B-flat model in the right grade for their level: a durable plastic or resin student instrument for beginners, and a wooden intermediate or professional model for advancing players. Check the key work, the bore consistency, and the quality of the pads, then play-test if you can. A well-adjusted mid-priced clarinet beats an expensive one that leaks.

Student, Intermediate, and Professional Grades

Clarinets are commonly grouped by grade. Student models are built to survive classrooms, bands, and bumps. They are usually made from molded resin or plastic composite, which resists cracking from temperature changes and humidity. Intermediate instruments often use better tone holes, upgraded keywork, and sometimes a wooden body. Professional models use carefully seasoned grenadilla wood, precisely finished bores, and refined key mechanisms for control and tonal color. Each step up offers more responsiveness and more nuance, but a beginner may not hear or need those differences yet.

Consider your timeline. A student who joins a school band may do very well with a sturdy plastic instrument for several years. A returning adult player who practices daily may benefit from an intermediate wooden model sooner.

Material: Plastic vs. Wood

Resin clarinets are tough, stable, and need little care. They are ideal for outdoor performances, marching situations, and young players. Wooden clarinets, usually grenadilla, give a warmer, more complex tone to many players but can crack if not broken in and cared for properly. Humidity swings are the main threat to wood, so a case humidifier and gradual warm-up matter. Hybrid or composite bodies exist as a middle path and are designed to mimic wood’s feel with plastic’s durability.

• Plastic: forgiving, affordable, low maintenance.
• Wood: richer tone potential, higher price, needs careful humidity control.
• Composite: stability with a more wood-like response.

Check the Mechanics

Many unbranded or very cheap clarinets look similar to quality instruments but have poor tolerances, so keys leak and pads wear quickly. Look for nickel or silver plating that is evenly applied, springs that feel firm, and keys that move smoothly without wobble. Each tone hole should be level with a pad that closes completely. If you can, ask a teacher or repair technician to check the instrument before you buy. A used clarinet from a reputable brand often outperforms a new, no-name instrument at the same price.

Well-known manufacturers of student and professional clarinets include Yamaha, Buffet Crampon, Selmer, and Jupiter, and their instruments are widely available through music retailers. Always buy from a seller that offers a return policy and technical support.

Quick Comparison

Mouthpiece, Reeds, and Accessories

The mouthpiece and reed have an outsized impact on sound. Many student clarinets arrive with a basic mouthpiece that works well enough for beginners, but upgrading to a better design later can improve tone and control. Reeds come in strengths, and beginners usually start with a softer strength, such as 2 or 2.5, then move up as their embouchure develops. Buy reeds in small boxes and rotate them rather than using one until it dies. You will also need a good ligature, cork grease, a swab, a reed case, and a stand.

If you are comparing starter packages, look at a selection of student B-flat clarinets and check what accessories are included. For maintenance, a basic clarinet maintenance kit covers swabs, cork grease, and screwdrivers.

Care and Break-In

Swab the instrument after every session and wipe the keys with a soft cloth. A new wooden clarinet should be broken in gradually, playing for short periods over the first weeks. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or a cold room, and never force joints together. Oil the keys lightly once or twice a year, and have a technician do an annual check for leaks and spring tension. Replace corks when they dry out and joints start to loosen.

Buying, Renting, and Testing

Rental programs are common through school music suppliers and local shops, and they let you evaluate an instrument for a few months before you commit. Many programs apply a portion of the rent toward a purchase. When you test a clarinet, play a chromatic scale from low E to high C and listen for squeaks, stuffy notes, or hesitation across the break between the chalumeau and clarion registers. Hold the instrument and make sure the thumb rest and key reach feel comfortable, because small hands may struggle with some models.

• Ask if the case is included and whether it offers padding and a humidity-friendly interior.
• Confirm the pitch: B-flat is standard, but A and E-flat clarinets serve orchestral and specialty roles.
• Check for a barrel and bell that fit snugly without wobble.
• Ask about repair policies and shipping for service.

If you are buying online, read the seller’s return terms. Instruments shipped in poor packaging can arrive with bent keys, so inspect everything on arrival and photograph any damage before contacting the seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which clarinet should a beginner buy?

A B-flat clarinet is the standard for school bands. Choose a reputable plastic model with a warranty and consider renting first if the commitment is uncertain.

Is it better to buy new or used?

Used instruments from reputable brands can be excellent value, but have a technician check pads, corks, and cracks before purchasing.

How much does a clarinet cost to maintain?

Routine upkeep is inexpensive: swabs, grease, and reeds. Plan for an occasional professional adjustment, which keeps the instrument playing reliably.