Top clarinets – Guide & Comparison
If you want to find out which is the best student clarinet without wasting too much time on doing unnecessary research, you should definitely check out our buying guide and clarinet reviews, since we deliver a lot of useful information. For example, our findings show that the first product to take into consideration is the Jean Paul USA CL-300, due to its ebonite body that’s extremely good looking as well as the integrated Boehm 17 key system. In addition to this, it comes with a contoured carrying case in order to make transportation a lot easier and many more accessories to help you clean it and use it properly. If this product is unavailable, try the Kaizer B Flat instead, as it would make a great second choice.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
Suitable for beginners and professionals alike, this clarinet is the number one choice of many customers. It comes with a complete set of accessories, including a carrying case, a pair of beautiful gloves, a cleaning cloth, cork grease, and rico reeds. The body is made of ebonite and features a Boehm 17-key system.
Some customers complained about the quality of the case, which is made of plastic and may open while carrying the clarinet. This could easily result in a damaged instrument.
Reliable, sturdy, and beautifully crafted, this product should definitely be on your shopping list.
2nd Best
Why spend a fortune on a practice clarinet when you can purchase this item and still enjoy outstanding quality? It is not only stylish but also made of high-quality materials that will prolong its lifespan. It comes with leatherette pads to optimize the intonation control, making the clarinet suitable for beginner players. It is delivered in a molded case.
The construction of this instrument seems a little flimsy and some of the notes in the upper range may not work. The keys can bend and break if you don’t operate it carefully.
If you just started taking clarinet lessons, this item could prove a good match for your needs.
Also To Consider
Made using high-quality ebonite, this clarinet doesn’t only look good but is also sturdy and will last you many years from now on. You can use it in live concerts and also when practicing. The item is delivered with many accessories, including cork grease, a clarinet swab, and a carrying case with a protective plush line to prevent damage.
According to certain customers, the locks on the case are not reliable and could open during transportation, which may cause damage to your precious instrument.
This clarinet is perfect for beginners and professional players alike, so give it a chance.
10 Best Clarinets in 2021 (Reviews) in 2021
In order to help you make the right decision when searching for a clarinet, we’ve selected some of the finest choices available for sale and reviewed them below. Finding the best affordable clarinet should be no problem at all after reading our advice.
Best beginner’s clarinets
- 1. Jean Paul Student Clarinet with Case
- 2. Kaizer Clarinet B Flat Bb Ebony Black CLE-1000EB
- 2. Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Orchestra Clarinet with Case
- 3. Lazarro 150-BK-L B-Flat Bb Clarinet Black
- 4. Nuvo N100CLBL Clarineo Kit with Case and Accessories
- 5. Yamaha YCL-450 Series Intermediate Clarinet YCL-450N
- 6. Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet
- 7. Jean Paul USA CL-400 Intermediate Clarinet
- 9. Yamaha YCL-CSVR Series Professional Bb Clarinet
- Yearly Guide & Report
- Best clarinet brands
1. Jean Paul Student Clarinet with Case
This pricey but high-quality alternative comes with a transportation case included, in order to help you store it properly when you’re traveling (which might be quite often, considering the fact that this product is dedicated to musicians). In any case, many more accessories are included in order to help you properly take care of the Jean Paul USA clarinet.
Besides the carrying case, a pair of gloves, and Rico reeds, this package also includes a cleaning cloth and cork grease in order to help you clean the instrument as well as use it properly without accidentally damaging it. Its appearance is one of the main features, given that the ebonite body is good-looking and brings a classic touch to any musical band gear.
It also features the Boem 17 key system, making it fit for a beginner musician. The device is in the key of Bb and it’s appropriate to be used by less experienced players trying their hand rather than by professionals.
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2. Kaizer Clarinet B Flat Bb Ebony Black CLE-1000EB
This alternative of Kaizer clarinet is by far one of the most affordable in this list, and it still offers reasonable quality, despite the seemingly low price. The leatherette pads optimize your intonation control, while the steel springs deliver a smooth, responsive action and thus make this instrument easy to play and fit for an amateur.
It can be disassembled quickly and stored safely in the molded case that’s included in the packaging. A complete mouthpiece and ligature are also included, alongside a cleaning cloth, a screwdriver, and a cork joint lubricant in order to help you properly clean the product and extend its lifespan.
For you to feel comfortable while playing, an adjustable thumb rest is featured by this model’s design. Undercut tone holes and nickel-plated keys also contribute to the comfort factor, making it easy to play, even for beginners. A lifetime warranty protects this design, so make sure you keep the proof of purchase in case anything should happen to the clarinet.
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2. Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Orchestra Clarinet with Case
A reasonably priced option, this model from Hisonic manages to incorporate most of the useful functions that you should be looking for in a good clarinet. For example, the body of this Hisonic clarinet is made using ebonite, a fine material that’s not only good looking but also extends the product’s lifespan through its durability.
The nickel-silver keys and bright tone contribute to the overall quality of the instrument, which, despite being a model that’s fit for beginners rather than for professional musicians, is still within professional standards. A clarinet swab, as well as cork grease, are included to help you play the instrument properly.
Aside from these accessories, the packaging also contains a protective plush lined case for easy transport to help you avoid accidents that may damage the product, as well as a mouthpiece with a reed protector. Tuned in Bb Soprano, this device is fit for an orchestra or jazz band.
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3. Lazarro 150-BK-L B-Flat Bb Clarinet Black
If you’re looking for a cheap clarinet, then this is one of the options you definitely should be considering. First of all, it’s suitable for many occasions, including concerts or lessons, and it can be easily transported in between such events using the fabric case included in the packaging of the product.
It’s not just stylish but it also has an extended lifespan due to the quality of the materials used in the manufacturing process. Each and every piece is still hand checked by professionals so that the final result is flawless when it’s delivered to the customers.
Besides having a wide range of colors and keys, these clarinets all offer the same sound quality and work by using the same type of mechanism. Should you need more arguments, you should know that this particular model comes with many useful accessories, such as a second barrel, a soft cleaning cloth for easy maintenance, white gloves, cork grease and more.
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4. Nuvo N100CLBL Clarineo Kit with Case and Accessories
An alternative that’s perfectly fit for most beginners, this clarinet from Nuovo is made using plastic materials, which makes it a lot more resistant to mechanical shock that many other similar products. It’s generally suitable for children aged between four and twelve and wouldn’t be recommended for professional purposes.
Far from being a toy though, this model is tuned in the key of C and offers a smooth and sophisticated tone, unlike other clarinets that target the same age group. It can be washed without any danger, so it’s easy to keep and clean when you’re not using it too often.
What’s interesting when it comes to this type of item is that you have a wide range of colors to choose from when picking out your desired design. It adds playfulness to the mix while still keeping the quality of the final product within the standards.
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Best clarinets for intermediate players
5. Yamaha YCL-450 Series Intermediate Clarinet YCL-450N
A much pricier alternative than the ones in the previous category, this model from Yamaha takes the game to the next level both in terms of looks and quality. Made of an ebony body with nickel plated keys, it’s classy looks will fit perfectly with a jazz band or a prestigious orchestra.
However, it can be used by less experienced players without much difficulty, due to the adjustable finger rest that allows you to play without feeling fatigue. The only problem you should take into account with this Yamaha clarinet is not letting it within a child’s reach since they might damage it unintentionally.
If you’re wondering about transportation issues, you should know that this model comes with a basic hard case to help you properly store it while in between musical events. For an easy maintenance process, the manufacturers have also added wax reeds and cleaning cloth to the packaging, to make sure you have everything you need.
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6. Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet
Another less pricey alternative from Yamaha, this clarinet is modeled after professional models, resembling their looks and high-quality features but managing to maintain an affordable cost. The 65mm barrel helps you achieve a focused tone, which would undoubtedly matter to a seasoned musician.
In order for you to avoid feeling fatigue, an adjustable finger rest is added to the design. Feeling comfortable while playing is the key to the most successful concerts. A Yamaha 4C mouthpiece is also included, along with many other useful accessories that the manufacturer’s added to ensure the satisfaction of their customers.
For example, a hard or semi-hard case also comes with the packaging, depending on the case. They’re extremely useful when it comes to transporting the instrument in between musical events since this is the time when most unwanted damage occurs. Keep it safe by using the storage accessories provided by the brand.
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7. Jean Paul USA CL-400 Intermediate Clarinet
The ABS body construction and silver plated keys are just a few of the characteristics that recommend this product. An affordable option for a classy look and a long lifespan, the Jean Paul USA model is fit for advanced musicians. The quality of the materials ensures its resistance and flawless sound.
The Bari mouthpiece paired with the Rico H Ligature makes for a high-quality final result, one that could easily be mistaken for a professional musical instrument were it not for the affordable cost. In order to help you maintain the appearance of style, a professional carrying case completes the packaging.
Its construction maximizes the quality of the sound while the carrying case makes sure the clarinet is protected while you’re traveling to your next concert. Despite its top features, the target audience for this product is that of intermediate students and early-stage musicians.
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Best professional clarinets
8. Yamaha YCL-650 Bb Clarinet
When it comes to professional musicians, their tastes are hard to satisfy. This model from Yamaha, however, manages to do so, by combining the consistent tone and precise intonation worthy of a professional musical instrument with a natural finish and fine design that makes this product look just as good as it sounds.
The cylindrical bore shape is used in order to give more freedom to the user, and the teacher and student are both likely to enjoy this feature since the clarinet can be tuned with great ease. A Yamaha 4C clarinet mouthpiece is also added to the packaging to complete the mix, along with other useful accessories.
For example, a carrying case and several maintenance tools are also delivered so that you don’t have a hard time keeping the instrument clean and safe while traveling between various locations of events, which we know can be a problem for artists with busy lives.
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9. Yamaha YCL-CSVR Series Professional Bb Clarinet
This pricey model is made using grenadilla wood of superior quality, resulting in both good-looking and shock-resistant body, barrel and bell. Its looks are by far its least important feature, given the fact that its poly-cylindrical bore design manages to offer a precise intonation and desirable clean sound.
The silver-plated keys and rings add classiness to the overall look of the instrument, while also being more resistant than nickel-plated ones and better looking as well. Hand-tapered undercut tone holes added to the mix result in a top quality clarinet, fit for advanced level students or even experienced musicians.
Featuring seventeen keys and six rings, it’s certainly difficult to play this instrument but that shouldn’t be a problem for the right type of owner. If you’re looking for the best clarinet for the money, consider giving this high-end product or others similar to it a little thought.
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Yearly Guide & Report
We all understand how difficult it can be to find the right product for you in a market filled with options. Especially when it comes to your interests and hobbies you need to pay close attention to the decisions you make since you wouldn’t want to invest your money in some instrument you don’t really enjoy or which doesn’t satisfy your needs.
Instead of spending too much of your time reading reviews of beginners’ clarinets or comparing different clarinets, you’d better quickly check out our buying guide and draw the conclusions yourself.
Consider your level
We know it’s hard to appreciate your own worth, but this should be a lot easier if you’re working in an organized environment, perhaps with a teacher guiding your progress. The type of clarinet that you buy, the materials used for it, the price and everything else is should be influenced by your level.
If you’re an expert already, you probably know what you’re looking for and you don’t need much advice anymore, so we’ll refer more to the case of beginners trying to find the perfect instrument to start their path.
The best advice we can give in this area is that you do not rush your decision. You should check the product specifications from the brand, take it home and give it a try if that’s possible. In other words, you do all you can to make sure it fits you and your requirements perfectly because we’re talking about a big financial investment after all.
Strike a balance
Sometimes it may seem as if the products that target beginners and inexperienced musicians kind of look as if they’re made for children. There’s a difference between a toy and a real musical instrument, and you should know the details that can easily fool an inexperienced eye.
For example, the material used to manufacture the body of the clarinet is of great importance. It’s usually ebony wood or other fine quality tonewood, but if it has this sort of plastic, shiny look and it also seems overpriced, then you should stay away from that product since it’s probably not worth its cost.
The wood not only makes it look classy and fit in well with the rest of the musical gear a band regularly has, but it also manages to protect it from mechanical shock more than other types of materials would. Needless to say, its acoustic properties also fit well with the requirements of the model.
However, don’t let yourself fooled by a good-looking design that commands an unreasonably high price. Try to compare more than one alternative and learn to appreciate the real value of the features that it offers. Only this way will you manage to strike a balance between real quality and an affordable price, suitable for your current musical level.
Always think one step ahead, given the fact that if you’re dedicated to this hobby, you’re likely to evolve as time goes by. Therefore, buying a model meant for a musical student of a slightly more advanced level than your own might not be such a bad idea, but make sure you’re motivated to practice and improve your skills.
Technical details
In case you’ve reached this stage, you probably already narrowed your search down to a few choices that are all pretty similar. In finding a clarinet, this is when you need to put your knowledge to the test since small details such as the number of keys and rings can make a big difference if you manage to turn them in your favor.
The designs that use a cheaper version of wood, for example, are less desirable than the ones made using fine essences. This detail is yours to distinguish since the description file might not say much about the exact type of wood used or how durable it is.
The plating of keys is an important issue since they should be made of silver, but a lot more often you will encounter nickel substitutes, due to financial reasons of course. You should pay attention to this small detail since nickel is one of the metals with the highest risk to create allergies.
Therefore, despite its seemingly lower price, a poor quality model can result in a wide range of pretty expensive problems that you need to deal with after purchasing it.
The more complex items have more keys and rings, while the simpler ones have fewer. This simple rule should guide your way when looking for beginner clarinets if you don’t have enough experience to take other issues into consideration.
Accessories
It’s crucial to mention that since this is a big investment on your part, you should make sure that you get your money’s worth and more, and that can be achieved by paying attention to the other items that the packaging also includes, all offered by the manufacturer.
Any basic clarinet kit should include a carrying case for easy transportation and to protect it from mechanical shock while it’s in storage. Apart from this obvious request, many more additional items are needed in order to ensure the complete comfort of the user and the proper functioning of the musical instrument.
When looking for the best clarinet accessories, all you need to do is to basically think about the maintenance tasks you will need to be performing and consider what items will help you in this case. For example, both cork grease and cleaning cloth are needed in order to keep a product clean and functioning properly so it might be a good idea to buy them together.
All in all, when it comes to musical instruments, it’s really what makes your heart happy that you’ll end up buying. However, in the midst of this euphoria that always takes place whenever you’re setting off to buy a new musical instrument, remember to take our advice into account if you want to make sure you end up with the best alternative available for you.
Best clarinet brands
Despite being better known to the world today for their extended line of motorcycles, Yamaha is a Japanese brand that originally got itself noticed by producing musical instruments. It still continues that line of production even today, and with great success, with product quality being recognized by customers worldwide.
The company managed to build up a name in the industry by making use of high-end technology to produce some of the most reliable and yet affordable musical instruments on the market. Not to mention their particular design that brings a note of elegance to any band gear.
An American brand that takes pride in only selling the products that manage to satisfy the producers before they reach the customers, Kaizer specializes in musical instruments for students in training, a niche that needs special attention and an active relationship between the user and the seller, which the brand claims to be very important.
Kaizer claims that serving its customers is a prime concern, and it manages to deliver fine results in the shape of musical instruments that are affordable enough to be purchased by people in training but also have features worthy of professional standards.
Its motto reflects the attitude towards instrument production at large. Jean Paul USA is a brand dedicated to producing high-quality items that will last you a lifetime, as the saying goes. Despite not being quite as well known as other names in the industry, it is catching up fast as more and more people around the world learn how to play using its instruments.
The company does not have a target market, producing instruments for a wide range of levels and budgets. Students and professional musicians alike are likely to find something that will spark their interest in its catalogs.
Bibliography:
1) The Origins of the Clarinet
2) What is the clarinet made of?
3) Development of the Clarinet
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