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10 Best Clarinets 2025 in the United States

Buffet R13S Clarinet Silver Plate Keys

Material: Wood, Copper, Silver
Key System: B Flat
Mouthpiece: Included
Ligature: Crampon ligature

Yamaha YCL-221II Student Bass Clarinet with Nickel Keys

Material: Abs, Nickel, Silver, Resin
Key System: Standard for bass clarinets
Mouthpiece: Yamaha 4C

Yamaha YCL-450NM Duet+ Intermediate Clarinet with Nickel Keys

Material: grenadilla wood body, nickel keys
Key System: B Flat
Mouthpiece: Yamaha 4C mouthpiece
Ligature: included
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet - Silver-plated Keys

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,150
Material
Key System
Bore Size

Most important from
1 reviews

Material
Crafted from premium African blackwood, the clarinet offers a rich and projecting tone ideal for advancing musicians.
Key System
Silver-plated keys paired with airtight double fishskin pads ensure a smooth and reliable playing experience.
Bore Size
The 64mm barrel promotes balanced sound and smooth airflow, enhancing consistent performance.

The Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet is crafted from premium African blackwood, known for producing a rich and projecting tone, which is ideal for players looking to improve their musical expression. Its 64mm barrel supports a balanced sound and smooth airflow, making it comfortable to play and good for consistent performance. Silver-plated keys with airtight double fishskin pads add to a smooth playing experience, while stainless steel springs ensure fast and reliable key action.

The ergonomic fixed thumb rest enhances comfort during longer play sessions, which is a thoughtful feature for students and advancing musicians. Weighing just over 5 pounds, it’s reasonably manageable for most players. This clarinet fits well as an intermediate instrument, bridging the gap between beginner and professional models with quality materials and reliable mechanics.

Its price and specification might be more than what absolute beginners need, and some players may want to choose their own mouthpiece and reeds to match their style.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,150
Material
Key System
Bore Size

Most important from
1 reviews

Material
Crafted from premium African blackwood, the clarinet offers a rich and projecting tone ideal for advancing musicians.
Key System
Silver-plated keys paired with airtight double fishskin pads ensure a smooth and reliable playing experience.
Bore Size
The 64mm barrel promotes balanced sound and smooth airflow, enhancing consistent performance.
#2

Selmer USA CL211 Bb Wood Clarinet Outfit

Rating
10.0
Material
Key System
Bore Size

Most important from
11 reviews

Material
The unstained grenadilla wood is not only beautiful but also contributes to a great sound.
Key System
The keywork and pads are of outstanding quality, making it a reliable choice.
Bore Size
The smaller bore and undercut keys are perfect for players with smaller hands, though it can be adjusted to by others as well.

The Selmer USA CL211 Bb Wood Clarinet Outfit is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate players looking for a wood clarinet. One of its key strengths is the use of wood and rubber materials, which enhance tonal quality and contribute to a rich sound. The smaller bore design is beneficial for younger players or those with smaller hands, making it easier to handle and produce a clear tone. Additionally, the adjustable thumbrest allows for comfort during long practice sessions, which is a thoughtful feature for those just starting out.

On the technical side, the undercut tone holes help facilitate better intonation, which is crucial for developing musicians who want to play in tune across different registers. The silver-plated keys not only add a touch of elegance but also contribute to smooth action and durability, ensuring that the clarinet can withstand regular use.

There are some limitations to consider. The smaller bore might not provide the depth of sound that more advanced players seek, as it is tailored more towards beginners. Additionally, it might not have the same level of craftsmanship or tonal complexity found in higher-end models. This could be a factor for players who are considering this instrument as they progress in their skills. In terms of portability, the clarinet weighs around 6 pounds, which is manageable but could be slightly heavier compared to plastic alternatives, making it less ideal for those looking for a lightweight option. The Selmer USA CL211 Bb Wood Clarinet Outfit stands out as a commendable choice for new clarinetists, offering a good balance of quality, playability, and comfort.

Rating
10.0
Material
Key System
Bore Size

Most important from
11 reviews

Material
The unstained grenadilla wood is not only beautiful but also contributes to a great sound.
Key System
The keywork and pads are of outstanding quality, making it a reliable choice.
Bore Size
The smaller bore and undercut keys are perfect for players with smaller hands, though it can be adjusted to by others as well.
#3

Yamaha YCL-450N Intermediate Clarinet with Nickel Keys

The Yamaha YCL-450N Intermediate Clarinet is a well-rounded choice for clarinetists looking to advance their skills. Its Grenadilla body offers a rich, warm tone, which is essential for both solo performances and ensemble playing. The nickel-plated keys are durable and provide smooth action, making it user-friendly for intermediate players. The included 4C mouthpiece is known for its comfortable playability and clear sound, which is beneficial for developing embouchure and tone quality.

One of the strengths of this model is its build quality. Yamaha is known for producing reliable instruments, and the YCL-450N is no exception. The clarinet is lightweight for its size, which can be an advantage during long practice sessions. Additionally, the bore size is appropriate for creating a balanced sound that caters to various musical styles, making it versatile for different genres.

The Yamaha YCL-450N stands out as a solid choice for intermediate players seeking a reliable and quality instrument. While it is designed for those advancing from beginner to intermediate levels, its performance and ease of use make it a great option.

Buying Guide for the Best Clarinets

Choosing the right clarinet involves understanding your needs and preferences as a player. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, the right clarinet can make a significant difference in your playing experience. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a clarinet, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
MaterialClarinets are typically made from either plastic or wood. Plastic clarinets are more durable and less expensive, making them ideal for beginners and young students. They are also less affected by changes in temperature and humidity. Wooden clarinets, usually made from grenadilla wood, produce a richer, warmer sound and are preferred by intermediate and advanced players. However, they require more maintenance and are more sensitive to environmental changes. Choose plastic if you are just starting out or need a durable instrument, and consider wood if you are looking for a higher quality sound and are ready to take on the extra care.
Key SystemThe key system of a clarinet refers to the arrangement and mechanism of the keys. The two main systems are the Boehm system and the Oehler system. The Boehm system is more common, especially in the United States and Western Europe, and is known for its ease of play and wide range of available instruments. The Oehler system is more common in Germany and Austria and offers a different fingering technique and sound. If you are a beginner or play in a region where the Boehm system is standard, it is best to start with that. If you are interested in German classical music or play in an area where the Oehler system is prevalent, you might consider that option.
Bore SizeThe bore size of a clarinet affects the instrument's tone and playability. A smaller bore produces a more focused, brighter sound and is often easier for beginners to play. A larger bore offers a fuller, more resonant tone and is preferred by more advanced players for its rich sound. Beginners should start with a smaller bore for ease of play, while intermediate and advanced players might experiment with larger bores to achieve their desired sound quality.
MouthpieceThe mouthpiece is a crucial part of the clarinet that greatly influences the sound and playability. Mouthpieces come in various shapes and sizes, affecting the ease of blowing and the tone produced. Beginners should look for a mouthpiece that is easy to play and produces a clear sound. Intermediate and advanced players might try different mouthpieces to find one that complements their playing style and desired tone. It is often recommended to consult with a teacher or experienced player when selecting a mouthpiece.
Reed StrengthReeds come in different strengths, typically ranging from 1 (soft) to 5 (hard). Softer reeds (1-2) are easier to play and are recommended for beginners as they require less air pressure. Medium reeds (2.5-3.5) offer a balance between ease of play and sound quality, suitable for intermediate players. Harder reeds (4-5) produce a richer, more powerful sound but require more skill and air support, making them ideal for advanced players. Choose a reed strength that matches your skill level and playing comfort.
LigatureThe ligature holds the reed onto the mouthpiece and can affect the instrument's response and tone. Ligatures come in various materials, including metal, leather, and synthetic materials. Metal ligatures tend to provide a brighter sound, while leather and synthetic ligatures offer a warmer tone. Beginners should start with a basic, reliable ligature, while more advanced players might experiment with different materials to find the one that best suits their playing style and sound preference.

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