When you are new to the world of clarinets, you may be a bit confused whether this is something you are going to enjoy doing in the long term or its going to bore you midway and you abandon it. This means a very expensive clarinet may not be your best option.
What you need is something that is affordable and that allows you to horn you skills. With so many choices available in the market, the decision for the best clarinet may not be a straightforward one. We have made the decision easier for you be researching on the 10 best clarinets for beginners in 2024.
Best 10 Best Clarinets for Beginners in 2024 – Comparison Table
| Model | Key | Key work | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Paul USA CL-300 | B flat | Nickel | Check Price |
| Yamaha YCL 255 | B flat | Nickel | Check Price |
| EASTROCK Clarinet Bb Flat 17 Nickel | - | Nickel | Check Price |
| Lazarro 150 150-BK-L B-flat Bb | Bb | Nickel or ABS plastic | Check Price |
| Glory B Flat Black Ebonite Clarinet | B flat | Nickel | Check Price |
| Hisonic Signature Series 2610 | B Flat | Nickel Silver | Check Price |
| Herche Superior Bb Clarinet | B Flat | Nickel | Check Price |
| Etude Student Clarinet Model ECL-100 Standard | Low E;B | Nickel | Check Price |
| Jupiter JCL700NA Student ABS Bb | B Flat | Nickel | Check Price |
| Backun Alpha Bp Clarinet | Bp | Nickel Silver | Check Price |
Reviews of the 10 Best Clarinets for Beginners in 2024
Jean Paul USA CL-300 – Best Overall beginner Clarinet
The Jean Paul is a stylish clarinet that allows you practice on the B flat. It is made from durable nickel material and is the perfect instrument for a beginner starting their musical career. Due to the ebonite materials used in its construction, the clarinet is easy to play and has a nice tone to it. The clarinet features a Boehm 17 key system.
Due to the materials for construction of its ebonite body, the clarinet has a richer tone color. The keys are nickel plated and this contributes to their durability. They are also gentle to those who are allergic to silver coatings.
The Jean Paul comes with a host of accessories to get you started like soft carrying case, mouthpiece, cap, ligature, reeds, and basic care kit. Due to its excellent finish the clarinet looks rich in appearance.
What we liked:
- Affordable
- Comes with some beginner accessories
- Elegant matte finish
- 2 different barrel sizes
What we did not like:
- You may need to upgrade as you grow in the craft
View price here
Yamaha YCL 255 Standard B-flat – Best High-end clarinet
Based on the price the Yamaha YCL 255 does not come cheap. This makes it an excellent investment for a beginner student who both wants to start out playing but also wants to do it in the long term. The model is designed by the reputable Yamaha brand, which means nothing has been compromised in terms of quality.
The model key work is made from Nickel silver, which makes it durable and ideal for those with silver allergies while the body work is from ABS resin material. This is some sort of plastic that is quite durable and offers you a warm resonant sound. The clarinet also features tapered undercut tone holes that allow for enhanced intonation and play. You can add a strap neck coutersy of the provided strap ring that rests on the thumb rest. The clarinet comes with various accessories like carrying case, nickel-plated ligature, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and cap.
On the surface the Yamaha YCL is quite elegant with matte finish that resembles a wooden clarinet. This gives the instrument a professional look and fee. Lastly, the clarinet comes with Valentino pads that are capable of withstanding temperature changes.
What we liked:
- Made from durable matte finish
- Nickel plated key work for added durability
- Tapered undercut tone holes
- Valentino pads
What we did not like:
- A bit expensive
View price here
EASTROCK Clarinet Bb Flat 17 Nickel – Best two barrel clarinet
EASTROCK may be lowly priced but it boasts a number of high-end features. The key work and pads are made from some high quality double sheep casing pads and high-carbon steel springs. This enables you to change the intonation with its two barrels. This feature is what makes it ideal for students as it allows for change. The clarinet is quite long lasting and should serve you during your learning stage.
The EASTROCK is made from an ebonite body which helps give it a distinctive nice sound. It comes with various accessories like clarinet stand, mouthpiece, ligature, cap and a lightweight case. The clarinet comes with a polished finish that gives it a classy look.
What we liked:
- Two barrels for intonation change
- High carbon steel springs
- Double sheep casing pads
- Wonderful polished appearance
What we did not like:
- Due to the popularity of the clarinet you may not find it in stores
View price here
Lazarro 150 150-BK-L B-flat Bb – Best multi-purpose clarinet
One thing that impressed us with the Lazarro is that it combines a number of colors which adds to its versatility. The clarinet is inexpensive and this makes it ideal for students and beginners. The key work is either nickel plated or gold colored.
The Lazarro features a bell and barrel frame which helps it create a centered tone. The body is made of either ABS plastic or ebonite. This gives students variety as they can choose a clarinet that goes with their preferences. The clarinet comes with various accessories like hardshell case with fabric plush lining, mouthpiece, cap, ligature, reeds, basic care kit, and gloves.
What we liked:
- Variety of color options
- Affordable price
- Optional ebonite or ABS plastic body
- Two barrel sizes
What we did not like:
- Some complaints about its quality
View price here
Glory B Flat Black Ebonite Clarinet – Best Budget-friendly Clarinet
If you just want to learn how to play a clarinet and do not want to spend large sums of money on it, you can simply get the Glory B Flat that goes for less than $100. The clarinet comes with all the basic accessories and features you will find in most high-end clarinets. It also comes with inline trill keys and is made of a black ebonite and nickel plated keys. This ensures the clarinet will last for long. The clarinet has a polished matte finish that adds to its appearance. In the accessories you will get hard shell carrying case, mouthpiece, cap, ligature, mouthpiece patches, gloves, reeds, and basic care kit.
What we liked:
- Great matte finish
- Made from black ebonite with nickel plated keys
- Inline trill keys
- Adjustable thumbrest
- Affordable
What we did not like:
- Some question the quality of clarinet due to the price
View price here
Hisonic Signature Series 2610 – Best Prestini pads
The Hisonic is a great student clarinet to get your music career started. It is affordable which means you will get a few years of play before you switch to something more pricier. The Hisonic body is made from ebonite which is quite durable with the key work being made of nickel silver. The pads are made in the USA and this offers the clarinet some longevity.
The prestini pads are the highlight of the clarinet as they are designed to provide some level of seal for the keywork. The device comes with a shiny finish but it lacks that classy wooden finish. For your accessories you have a protective plush-lined case, mouthpiece, cap, ligature, and basic care kit.
What we liked:
- High quality prestini pads
- Great accessories
- Nickel silver keys
- Low cost
What we did not like:
- The quality of the device is questionable
View price here
Herche Superior Bb Clarinet – Best Instrument for all levels
The Herche comes with an improved mouthpiece and double barrel that ensures you get an unparalleled tone during practice. It uses CAD/CNC technology for its design and this ensures superior performance. The mouthpiece has been upgraded with more concentrated airflow and this ensures accurate intonation. During purchase you get a one year repair and maintenance free plan.
The Herche is made from high quality resin body that ensures it lasts for a lifetime. The barrels measure 63mm and thumb rest are adjustable. Some other notable features on the clarinet include double bladder pads and blue steel springs. This help increase the durability of the clarinet. You also have undercut tones that help in the instruments intonation. For the finish you have a tasteful matte finish.
What we liked:
- Designed with CAD/CNC technology
- Tasteful matte finish
- Body made from high quality resin
- Undercut tone holes help with the intonation
What we did not like:
- Moderately priced
View price here
Etude Student Clarinet Model ECL-100 Standard – Best Simplistic design clarinet
The Etude is an affordable student clarinet that also serves as a great option for beginners. It does not have many advanced features and this makes it an ideal instrument to start with. The Etude is made from standard ABS plastic with nickel plated keys. It has a matte finish to complement its classy look. For your accessories you have a hard carrying case, cap, ligature, mouthpiece, and other supplementing accessories.
What we liked:
- Great pricing
- Nickel plated keys
- Multiple accessories
- Multicolored with classic matte finish
What we did not like:
- Does not have many features
View price here
Jupiter JCL700NA Student ABS Bb – Best for moisture prevention clarinet
The Jupiter is one of the most expensive clarinet we are reviewing going for as much as $1,000. This means while it is a student clarinet it is a worthwhile investment for someone who wants to practice the craft long term. Part of its expensive pricing is due to the fact that its offset trill keys are made from traditional French configuration which helps eliminate excess moisture accumulation. This leads to a highly optimized clarinet that produces excellent sounds.
The Jupiter is made from ABS resin which makes it quite durable. This body is accompanied with nickel-plated silver keys that offer longevity and great feel when playing. Many of the band directors endorse this product due to its ability to withstand wear and tear.
What we liked:
- Great matte faux wood finish
- Highly recommend by many band directors
- Well built product with plenty of advanced features
- Offset trill keys for prevention of moisture buildup
What we did not like:
- Highly expensive clarinet
View price here
Backun Alpha Bp Clarinet – Best lightweight clarinet
The Backun Alpha is another pricy clarinet for students. It is expertly crafted with lots of care and is made from some unspecified blend of synthetic material. The clarinet is easy to play and comes with impressive intonation.
The Valentino pads used on this clarinet are of the highest quality and are also water resistant. The synthetic material used in the construction of this clarinet is lightweight and this makes it easier to carry it. You also have an expert finish to the device and this gives it a smooth and sleek look.
What we liked:
- Valentino pads are water resistant and offer a distinctive classy look to clarinet
- Made from synthetic material that is lightweight
- Ergonomic key work
- Very easy to play instrument
What we did not like:
- Pricy
View price here
Buying Guide for the 10 Best Clarinets for Beginners in 2022
It can be challenging searching for a clarinet when you are a beginner as you are not sure whether you are going to stick playing the instrument. A budget friendly clarinet allows you to practice on some keys before you make a firm conclusion that this is what you want to be doing. Here are some top factors that you should be considering when purchasing a clarinet.
Fun and easy to play
If you are going to be learning how to play a clarinet it is also important that you have fun while doing it. This means you should look for an instrument that is simple to play and use. In this regards, the rule is to check out clarinets that are highly rated as they will often come with the right amount of features to get you started.
Material construction
The kind of materials used for the construction of the clarinet is very important as it affects how it looks and feels. Clarinets made from sturdy materials are less likely to break down and will last you a lifetime. To keep costs down most of the clarinets are made from wood or plastic. For beginners plastic clarinets are more suitable as they are more durable while the wood clarinets offer better tone and have a professional feel to it. A wooden clarinet requires more care and this can be a challenge to most beginners. ABS plastic is the most used material for clarinets and you will also find it in most toys. The other material is ebonite which is some sort of hard rubber that also resembles ebony wood. Ebonite is made from raw rubber and sulfur and produces a sound that is closer to wood. Higher end clarinets are made from granadilla wood. This is a type of African wood that results in the clarinet producing mellow tones with rich overtones. The material is durable and less susceptible to cracking than others. There are other materials that can be used for clarinets like boxwood, rosewood, or cocobolo. This may be used more in professional clarinets which may contribute to a higher price. You budget will determine what you go for.
Budget
When it comes to clarinet prices they tend to vary a lot from as low as $100 to a high of $1000. Pricier clarinets tend to have more features and accessories but we would not recommend getting one when you are a beginner as you do not want to get into debt too soon in your musical career. Some of the best clarinet brands in the market include Jean Paul, Cecilio, Selmer, Jupiter, and Yamaha.
Soprano clarinets
Another popular question asked by many beginners is whether they should get soprano clarinets with A, C, G, Eb, or D notes. The answer is no as these clarinets are mainly for orchestral settings which you may not be doing at the moment. Most of the composers write with Bb and A clarinets and rarely use the Eb notes. This means you can get a mid prized clarinet that plays Bb and you are sorted. The Bb clarinet is the easiest to get started with and does not require much practice.
FAQ
What body material are clarinets made from?
Most are made from ABS resin material which tends to be lightweight and durable
Should I go for an expensive clarinet as a beginner?
Yes, you can if you plan on using it for the long term.
Conclusion
Our winner for Best Clarinet for Beginners for 2022 is the Jean Paul USA CL-300. We loved this clarinet durable body construction, great price and ease of use. It is important that when choosing a clarinet for use that you go with one that is not too expensive. This is because you are still a beginner and you may end up not liking doing music, however, if you are training for the long term than go ahead for a pricier model.
Charlotte Moore
Charlotte Moore is a Clarinetist by profession and has over time offered lessons on how to play the clarinet among other musical instruments. And while a majority of clarinet players are well versed with the process of settling with a good clarinet among other accompanying features. There is little information about clarinets. The reason why Charlotte prepared comprehensive experts touching on the various facets of the clarinet. The consolidated information will offer more insight on everything clarinets including the best stand to use, and the best plastic clarinet that you can invest in, among other information. Charlotte Moore is a devoted mother of two and a professional clarinet player.