Do you need an affordable and valuable student clarinet that you can invest in? If yes, you should consider Jean Baptiste CL290. This is a popular model that most music teachers and technicians recommend.
I have always been eager to learn how to play musical instruments, but the cost of most of them intimidated me. I started taking music lessons during the holidays and was looking forward to buying my first clarinet. Since the nearest music store had very expensive clarinets, I searched for one online and came across Jean Baptiste CL290. Though my priority was the price tag, I loved this musical instrument after purchase since it was more than what I expected. This compelled me to review the clarinet to help other beginners looking for suitable models. Read on!
Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium Student Clarinet breakdown and review
Since Jean Baptiste introduced this clarinet, it has been the go-to model for most students. Rather than using cheap plastic in its making, the manufacturer uses ABS plastic material that enhances its durability and enables it to sound great. It is a professional-looking model that comes in a matte finish.
Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium clarinet is equipped with nickel-plated keys that lead to a nice feel. This is a high-performing clarinet that is designed for students. It comes with an adjustable thumb hook that enhances comfort during use. The barrel and bore of this clarinet deliver impressive intonation, while the blue steel springs give it precise action and prevent rust.
Jean Baptiste CL290 also has other valuable features such as a mouthpiece, protective cap, and ligature.
You will also get a soft case to store this clarinet. This makes the clarinet easy to move around with. You can use this clarinet on your own or in a marching band. If you are not impressed with this model after purchase, you can take advantage of the return policy. The manufacturer gives you 45 days to test the musical instrument and assess whether it is the right fit for you. The purchase also comes with a warranty that you can use if you get a defective instrument.
What we liked
- It has a consistent tone
- The clarinet is easy to play
- Made from quality materials
- It is comfortable to play
- This model is budget-friendly
What we didn’t like
- It comes with limited accessories
Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium Student Clarinet specifications
| Body | ABS plastic |
| Keys | Nickel-plated |
| Mouthpiece | Included |
| Case | Available |
| Thumb hook | Adjustable |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Check price | Check price here |
Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium Student Clarinet features
Build
Plastic clarinets have come a long way. Choosing this model can help you enjoy a lighter musical instrument that is easy to handle. Jean Baptiste CL290 is made using ABS plastic, a long-lasting material that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
You can use this model even outdoors without the worry of getting damaged. The construction of this clarinet also enables it to withstand rigorous playing. This clarinet also comes in a matte finish with an elegant design. This clarinet mimics the captivating look of wood. Its design also enables it to suit players of different age levels.
Keys
Since this clarinet also contains forged nickel-plated keys, it has a nice feel and is comfortable to use. The nickel-plated keys are also durable. You don’t have to experience issues such as sweat soaking through the keys’ finish. The problem with nickel is that it promotes allergies in some people.
Performance
This is a reliable student clarinet that does not disappoint players. The barrel and bore of this clarinet lead to great projection and make it easy to play. Since the barrel of this clarinet does not have tenon rings, it delivers a consistent tone and makes the sound resonate more.
The presence of blue steel springs enables the clarinet to provide precise action. You can also start playing this student clarinet as soon as you purchase it since it does not require a lot of adjustments.
Comfort
Every beginner learning how to play the clarinet should focus on buying a comfortable model. You will enjoy playing Jean Baptiste CL290 even during extended periods since it is designed with comfort in mind.
It has comfortable key work and features an adjustable thumb hook that promotes this. This makes it easy to position the clarinet to your body. Since this feature also makes it convenient for the thumb, you will not start experiencing pain after some time. It also offers room for players with varying hand sizes.
Accessories
Though this clarinet does not have multiple accessories, it comes with basic features available in other affordable models. These include a ligature, cap, and mouthpiece. The manufacturer also offers a soft carrying case for the Jean Baptiste CL290 clarinet to give the instrument ultimate protection.
The case is padded and also offers an extra compartment for storing the instrument. Since this comes in a backpack style, it is more convenient to carry the clarinet. Unfortunately, this clarinet does not include some of the accessories available in other student clarinets, such as cleaning swabs or cork grease.
If you choose this model, you have to buy such items separately. Such items are essential in the maintenance of a clarinet. Keeping it in good condition can enable the clarinet to give you service for a long time. You should also get a good reed that can help enhance the sound and tone that the clarinet produces.
Who is it best suited for?
Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium is an ideal clarinet for a student looking to learn music. You can even buy this for a young player who wants to join a band. If you are also on a low budget, you should pay attention to this model. Intermediate players would be better off with clarinets with more features.
Are there alternatives to Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium Student Clarinet?
Yes. If you feel that this is not the right clarinet for you, you should focus on its alternatives. Some of them include Backun alpha, Buffet Crampon Premium, and Benjamin Adams CL 100. Compare the features of alternative clarinets before choosing one of the models.
Features of alternative student clarinets
| Model | Backun alpha | Buffet Crampon Premium | Benjamin Adams CL 100 |
| Body | Plastic | ABS | ABS |
| Key of | Bb | Bb | Bb |
| Keys | Nickel-plated | Silver-plated | Nickel-plated |
| Thumbrest | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Case | Available | Available | Available |
| Check price | Check price here | Check price here | Check price here |
Verdict: So, should you buy Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium Student Clarinet?
Yes. This student clarinet is worth investing in. It is not only budget-friendly but also durable. Jean Baptiste CL290 Premium also comes with valuable features that make it easy to play and enable it to deliver a consistent tone. You can also enjoy a comfortable feel by choosing this model.
FAQs
Is ABS a good material for this clarinet?
Yes. This material makes it lightweight, easy to play, and long-lasting. The material can also withstand humidity and temperature changes.
Is the Jean Baptiste CL290 clarinet easy to maintain?
Yes. The ABS plastic material makes it easier to maintain compared to most wood clarinets. You can keep it in good condition by cleaning the mouthpiece and oiling the keys from time to time.
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.