The clarinet is among the most commonly played and taught woodwind instruments due to its dark, earthy sounds and the wide range of notes. If you are a student, or just starting out with one of these beautiful instruments, then you'll find choosing the best clarinets for beginners can be quite tricky considering the multitude of choices existing on the market.
Before purchasing a beginner clarinet, there are a few things you should consider. One of the most important factors is the student's age since some fingerings are difficult for a small hand, while some clarinets have bores too wide for children’s tiny lungs. And there is also the budget.
The guidelines we'll offer here will help you find the most suitable clarinet if you are a beginner, and what you should consider. You'll also find our recommended top five clarinets for beginners available on the market.
Types of Clarinets
Before dive into the best clarinets for beginners, it is important to understand the different types of clarinets available on the market.
The clarinet family includes several types, most of them being either Eb or Bb transposing instruments. The difference between these two major types of clarinets is that when playing C, the sounding is a concert Bb on a Bb instrument. By the same token, with an Eb clarinet, the same note will sound in concert Eb.
Apart from these two major categories, there's also a series of differently pitched clarinets. Some of these are rarely encountered, though (octave clarinets, C clarinets). Few of these instruments became obsolete.
Clarinets all feature the same basic fingerings, although some might have some extra keys, such as the bass clarinet which goes lower than the Bb clarinet. Let’s check the most common clarinet types, some of their traits, and which are good for students.
Bb Clarinet
This is the most common type. Also known as harmony clarinet, it is used in different music types, such as jazz and classical music. This type of clarinet is among the best clarinets for beginners and students alike.
A Clarinet
This is another soprano instrument commonly used. Slightly larger than the standard Bb, the A clarinet has a more delicate sound, and it is suitable for advanced students and professional level players.
Eb Clarinet
This is a smaller instrument with a higher pitch sound, sometimes even a shrill. Used in pieces that require a bright sound, this clarinet often requires re-tuning.
Alto Clarinet
This is larger than other clarinets, and it is known for its distinctive bend shape. This instrument is used in concerts or symphonic bands but rarely in an orchestra.
Bass Clarinet
The bass is much larger than some other types of clarinets and has an unmistakable bend in the barrel. Its rich sound made it popular among classical composers such as Wagner.
Contrabass Clarinet
This is the lowest pitched of the standard clarinets; however, it is not really used nowadays. This instrument is easy to recognize due to its size and particular shape.
Contra-Alto Clarinet
This is another large instrument with a rich deep sound. This instrument appears in clarinet choirs and bands.
A few types of clarinets are not commonly used as they are not pitched in Bb or Eb. Some of them are piccolo clarinet, C clarinet, D clarinet, basset horn, basset clarinet, octo-contrabass, and so on. With that being said, let's see what type of clarinet is the best for a beginner.
What Type of Clarinet is Best for Beginners?
Many students decide to begin their musical journey with a student clarinet, which is a less expensive option. These types of clarinets, specifically designed for beginners, are easy to work with, being both reliable and resistant.
The student clarinets are usually Bb clarinets. Most musical pieces are written for this instrument, and these tones are the easiest for students to pick up. Another argument advocating the use of student clarinets is that the best clarinet brands offer affordable student level instruments. Bb clarinets deliver good quality at a reasonable price. Indeed these are the best clarinets for beginners.
It is essential to mention that a student clarinet is not a long-term option for a dedicated student. Mastering some specific techniques proved to be harder on student instruments. Although these clarinets are affordable and are among the best clarinets for beginners, they are at the bottom of the clarinets’ pyramid and represent only the start of one's musical journey.
Now let's see what to consider when choosing the best clarinets for beginners.
How to Choose the Right Beginners Clarinet
As you most likely already know, deciding upon the best clarinets for beginners is not an easy task. A multitude of types, within a wide price range, are available. Depending on the student’s age and their current level, the best clarinets might prove challenging to find without knowing some basic stuff. We will cover these fundamental aspects and provide you with some guidelines to follow when picking the instrument.
This is essential, since choosing the wrong instrument might demotivate even students who might have great potential. The fewer problems they face in the beginning, the more likely that students will persist and develop their musical skills.
Things to Consider - Clarinets for Beginners
The most important thing to have in mind when purchasing a clarinet is the student experience. Although you can rent a clarinet, it's not actually a good idea. Sure, you can lease an instrument so you could determine if a specific model suits you. However, you should bear in mind that a poorly maintained instrument will ruin the clarinet experience.
1. Size
If the student is very young, the size of the instrument is a decisive factor. The best clarinets are the ones which fit the user's hands, and since their physical length can be great, the standard Bb clarinet might be good for some students, but too challenging to hold for kids, while maintaining the correct posture. Bb is often recommended for children who are 8, or more, and are typically 60 cm / 23.6 in long.
The alternative for smaller children would be an Eb or C clarinet. C clarinet is favored by many as the sheet music for other instruments in the key of C can be used without having to transpose. The C-type is great for children age 5 and up. When it comes to bigger variants, such as bass clarinets, they can be 94 cm / 37 in long.
2. Keys
A standard clarinet will typically have 17 keys, and some have more than one function. An octave key is present on such instruments and will have the role of allowing the player to reach higher notes. These instruments come in different keys, such as in E♭, or A, for example. The best clarinets for beginners should be in A B-flat since they comprise most of the central range of notes.
They are the standard, so to say, and these are great since they allow a student a more diverse experience, rather than limiting them on very high or very low notes. A beginner should always experience this middle range of notes, before deciding where they want to go from there.
3. Mouthpiece
A vital component that determines the quality of the clarinet is the mouthpiece. A high-quality mouthpiece will influence the music tone and help when transitioning from a beginner level to intermediate classes.
Plastic mouthpieces are standard as they come with the clarinet. However, a hard rubber mouthpiece is a better alternative. Although this is an expensive component, it is a good idea to invest in resilience and performance, especially for students.
4. Barrel - Reed
The reeds are equally important. The best clarinets for beginners typically have plastic-coated reeds, as these are more durable and less vulnerable to water damage. This is our recommendation for students or a beginner. The barrel is the component that connects the mouthpiece to the rest of the body.
This tiny object plays an immense role in regards to pitch, sound brightness, and clarity. Both professionals and students will always put the barrel in high regard since it's the equivalent of strings for a guitar or cello. To properly choose the right barrel for your clarinet, you should know that that the interior of the barrel is known as the taper, and it comes into four types: double, standard, straight, and reverse.
The taper directly impacts the quality of sound. You should always check the material, size, and taper of a barrel before purchasing it. Some leading brands in regards to clarinet barrels are Buffet, Selmer, or Clark W Fobes, among many others.
5. Bore Design - Ligature
The ligature in a clarinet, together with the mouthpiece and reed, results in a clarinet's overall sound quality. The ligature directly influences the reed's vibration, and thus, ligatures are used for what type of music a student is playing.
Some ligatures work only on a specific type of clarinet, others are made in such a way that they should fit with specific materials, like plastic or wood clarinets, or a combo of both. If the student is playing in large concert halls, a metal ligature will be the best choice. This also stands true for those who want to play solo.
Ligatures that are made out of fabric are meant for venues that are smaller or/and group performances since they produce a softer sound. Ligatures also come in two variants, inverted and standard. The difference between the two is that inverted ligatures have screws that point away from the player, while the standard variant points towards the public. This is a matter of preference, and one might wish to experiment with both before deciding.
The best clarinets for beginners should have a ligature that suits the player's intention, either as a soloist or in group singing. The traditional ligature is among the best since it covers both areas, and one can use it in either studio or orchestral sessions.
6. Bell
A clarinet's bell is the component located at the end, and it improves the uniformity of its tone for the lowest notes in each register. The larger variants usually have a curved up bell, but the important thing for a student is the material from which it's made out of.
The best clarinets for beginners should have a plastic bell since they are cheap, durable, won't require so much maintenance, and are lightweight. They are the best option for children as well, but they are purchased separately.
Plastic vs Wood Clarinets For Beginners
Typically clarinets are made of wood and plastic materials such as ebonite and abs resin. Both materials carry advantages and downsides so let’s see check them out.
Plastic Clarinets
Plastic clarinets can be made from different materials, but the most common one is hard rubber abs or abs resin. The abs resin clarinets are the best clarinets for beginners due to their resistance to rough handling. Lightweight and resistant to temperature variations, the abs resin clarinets are suitable for traveling and playing outside.
A major disadvantage of plastic clarinets is sound quality. The tone produced by a plastic instrument is of low quality compared to the warm sound made by a wooden clarinet. However, the abs resin woodwind instrument remains the best beginner clarinet due to its durability and versatility.
Wooden Clarinets
Made from exotic wood such as granadilla (African Blackwood) or Honduran Rosewood, the wooden clarinet is better suited for intermediate level students and professionals. Although a wooden clarinet sounds much better than an abs resin instrument, it requires additional care.
Accidental droppings might damage their delicate structure while the moisture can add distortion to the sound. Also, the price can be relatively high, as this material is not cheap.
A wooden clarinet is perfect for the intermediate level and professionals due to its warm sounds. Some clarinets for beginners are made of wood; however, we recommend choosing a plastic instrument as a beginner clarinet.
Key Material
The key material is also crucial as it influences the sound and the instrument’s aesthetics. Clarinet keys are plated with either nickel or silver. Apart from these two metals, Yamaha offers the third option; the Hamilton plated keys.
Nickel keys are used on standard bb clarinets and intermediate-level instruments. The nickel-plated keys are preferred by professional players too.
The silver plate adds a little bit of weight to the instrument; thus, the sound will be darker in tone compared to a nickel-plated instrument. Because silver tarnishes quickly, these keys will require extra care and maintenance.
The Yamaha Hamilton plate consists of a blend of gold and silver. The instrument's sound is more liquid and darker.
What to Look For - Replaceable Parts & Accessories
As stated before, there is a large offer on the musical instruments market. Either plastic or wooden clarinet, they both come in a wide price range, making the decision even harder. But before discussing the different brands and their pros and cons, we should mention that you need to purchase a couple of accessories alongside the clarinet.
These necessary accessories are:
Now let’s talk about brands!
Best Brands and Which to Avoid
Based on the user experience and positive reviews, several brands stood up for student clarinets.
It is hard to say which clarinet brands to avoid when you window shop for woodwind instruments. As stated before, user experience is the most important factor to consider. However, we have some advice for the beginners: spend a bit more on your first clarinet. Cheap instruments are not always the best option.
Many cheap clarinets are hard to assemble, and this can be a show stopper, especially for younger students. They will stop practicing.
Another aspect to consider is the key plate. With the low-quality instruments, the plating on the most used keys will wear off, and the student’s fingers will become sticky. And there is also the unnecessary key noise that might affect the sound. To conclude, buying a new clarinet is a good deal and should be considered an investment. You can always resell it.
How Much is a Good Clarinet?
Depending on the level, beginner, intermediate, or pro, clarinets prices may vary. Usually, you will pay for a GOOD beginner clarinet between $100 and $1,100. Intermediate clarinets range from $1,300 to $2,800, while professional instruments cost above $2,000.
It is important to remember that cheap clarinets are not always a good deal. If you are unsure, ask a professional musician for guidance or rely on the music store personnel.
Top 5 Clarinets for Beginners
With all the above taken into account, we compiled a list of the best clarinets for beginners. Keeping in mind the quality standards and budget considerations, this list aims to help find the best option for you.
1. Jean-Paul USA CL-300 Student
Considered the best budget student clarinet, the CL-300 from Jean-Paul is a bargain. Made from ebonite, this clarinet is more durable than plastic instruments. Combining a standard design with nickel keys, this standard Bb clarinet is a good option for the broadest range of music.
CL-300 features a 17-key Boehm system and is in the key of Bb. It means this clarinet is ideal for a marching band. However, cl-300 has some downsides. The keys are prone to bending, so the model is not suitable for younger students. Also, the thumb rest is not covered and might be uncomfortable during long sessions.
Despite the flaws, the CL-300 makes an excellent choice for beginners. It is an affordable instrument with a better sound than different plastic clarinets in the same price range. Some might even consider Jean-Paul CL the best intermediate clarinet on the market. The package contains several accessories such as a robust carrying case, one 2.5 inch Rico reed, a cleaning cloth, and cork grease.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Very durable | Not suitable for younger students |
Nickel keys - broad range in music | Might get uncomfortable during long sessions |
Quality material | |
Suited for intermediate players | |
Fairly priced |
Considered by many the best clarinet for beginners, Yamaha YCL-255 is made from abs resin and has a matte finish that makes the instrument look like an expensive wooden clarinet.
YCL 255 has silver-plated nickel keys and Valentino pads that tend to be easier to maintain and less sensitive to temperature changes. The newly redesigned model features a 65mm barrel for a focused tone and an adjustable thumb rest with a strap ring that makes it easy to hold even by younger students.
The Yamaha YCL 255 clarinet comes with a CL-4C mouthpiece and a soft case. Compared to other Yamaha YCL clarinets, the YCL 255 comes with a lighter bell, but the resonance chamber has the same functionalities improving the tone.
Delivered by one of the most famous instruments’ producers, Yamaha YCL-255 does not come cheap. Among the best beginner clarinets, Yamaha YCL is perfectly suited for serious students and represents an excellent long-term investment.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Temperature resistant | Might be a bit pricey |
Easy maintenance | Might be hard to assemble and disassemble |
Easy to hold for long sessions - adjustable thumb rest | |
65mm barrel - focused tone |
The reputable clarinet brand offers high-quality clarinets for beginners. Beautifully designed, the Premium Student Clarinet features many high-end elements. Not necessarily a minus, but this instrument will require extra care and more maintenance.
Made from abs resin, this clarinet has a professional and beautiful matte finish. Among its exquisite features, we notice the 17 key system, with 6 rings with silver keys, and double fish skin pads.
The keywork is unique in the student instruments market and features silver-plated keys with black nickel-plated tenon rings. The clarinet has a smoother mechanism and a better feel. However, due to the keys design, the instrument is best suited for playing inside.
The Buffet instrument also features blue steel springs and fixed thumb rest with a neck strap hook. This clarinet comes with a black Urban play mouthpiece and a soft case with backpack straps.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Good quality for the price | Mouthpiece might not be the best |
Great for indoor experiences | Lacks adjustable thumb rest |
Good sound and playability | Might not be durable |
Comes with a soft case | |
Lightweight |
Mendini by Cecilio provides some of the best student clarinets in the market. Available in nine different colors, the clarinet features an abs body with nickel-plated keys. The 60 mm bore neck and the adjustable thumb rest make the instrument easy to use even for younger students.
But the most fantastic thing about this instrument is the high number of accessories you will find in the package. The B flat clarinet comes in a laden box featuring a series of items such as a 4C mouthpiece ligature, cap and a box of 2.5inch 10 reeds, two barrels, a foldable clarinet stand, pocketbook, cork grease, cleaning cloth, a shoulder strap with hooks, a pair of white gloves, and a case. The manufacturer vouches for the high quality by providing a one year warranty.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
One-year warranty | Might be difficult to assemble and then take apart |
Many accessories included | Reed and mouthpiece might not be the best |
Adjustable thumb rest | |
Lightweight and easy air pressure | |
Great quality-price ratio |
If you are looking for a beginner clarinet suitable for kids, Nuvo clarineos make a perfect choice. Designed specifically for smaller hands, this clarinet in C's key is ideal for general music programs.
Made of lightweight abs resin, this clarinet is very sturdy and 100% washable. The instrument is easy to assemble and features a mouthpiece with O-rings seals. Each instrument comes with traditional cane reeds but also synthetic beginner reeds.
Nuvo clarineo requires low maintenance as it has silicone rubber pads, and the springs are integrated with the keys. The package contains spare reeds, a fingering chart, O-ring grease, and a cleaning cloth. Indeed this is the best clarinet for young students.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Lightweight and highly durable | Might not be good for older children |
Specifically made for children | Might be a bit pricey for some |
Easy to maintain | |
Easy to assemble | |
Comes in many colors |
Can you Teach Yourself to Play the Clarinet?
Nowadays, learning how to play a clarinet is no longer difficult. Multiple online courses or tutorials can help you master this instrument playing from the comfort of your home.
However, teaching yourself to play the clarinet might prove difficult, although it is possible to learn the basics. We recommend paying for some ad hoc classes though, as a music teacher might give you valuable advice.
To avoid trips to music studios, you can opt for one-to-one online tutoring. Another option would be to use digital instructional guides, which are now available online. Of course, there is the cheapest alternative: the online “How To” videos on YouTube.com.
Some Tips
Regardless of the method, we will list below some tips to consider when playing this instrument.
Conclusion
Many factors might influence your decision when buying a clarinet, but generally, the best clarinets for beginners are the ones that suit the student's needs. A beginner will always face many challenges in their musical journey, and students typically lose their interest fast, so providing them with the right instrument from the start, will motivate them.
Our recommendation for the best beginner clarinet is Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet. Yamaha, a well-respected company, makes this woodwind instrument. The instrument has all the features required by a beginner to enjoy playing. The other models we presented are equally good, so pick up your favorite and let the music flow!