Every musician wants to go for an instrument brand with a good reputation, and if you’re a budding clarinettist, there is plenty to choose from. Many clarinet brands cover both beginner and professional ability levels, but some are more suited to advanced players than novices, and vice versa. Brands like Yamaha and Buffet are some of the most renowned, known for their high-quality craftsmanship and vast ranges of models that suit all kinds of skill levels.
In this article, you’ll find a list of the best clarinet brands out there that we’ve tried and tested and that have been historically popular among clarinettists. If you’re a first-time clarinet buyer, you’ll probably benefit the most from this guide. We recommend trying different clarinets out before you buy – it’s important to get a good feel for the instrument.
It’s also worth noting that an instrument is only as good as its maintenance. Make sure to clean your clarinet and keep it in good condition – that way, it’ll always sound its best. Many musicians find that they get much better value for money by buying secondhand, but how well the instrument has been maintained is a sticking point. Secondhand clarinets at Gear4music are thoroughly checked by a repairperson to ensure they’re in full working order.
But before you begin to think about a specific model, it can be helpful to have a good understanding of the brands available to you.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three clarinet brands, why they’re so popular, and our clarinet recommendation:
| Brand | What They Offer | Our Clarinet Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Selmer Paris | Selmer Paris produce extremely high-quality clarinets that are built to last through your playing journey. | Selmer Paris Prologue Bb Clarinet Outfit |
| Buffet Crampon | With premium materials, such as grenadilla wood or Reso-tone ABS, Buffet Crampon clarinets offer high-quality sound and excellent durability. | Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet |
| Leblanc | Leblanc clarinets are affordable, but they still boast the features of high-quality instruments, such as specially designed keywork. | Leblanc LCL211S Debut Bb Clarinet |
The best clarinet brands
1. Selmer Paris – a premium, historic brand that cater to all ability levels
Selmer Paris are renowned for their superior quality clarinets that come from a rich heritage and premium craftsmanship.
The company was founded in 1885 by Henri Selmer, initially focusing on reeds and mouthpieces before expanding into clarinets and further saxophones. These instruments gained prominence after being showcased by Henri’s brother, clarinettist Alexandre Selmer, at the 1904 Universal Exhibition. The first clarinet was made in 1900.
Selmer Paris clarinets are known for their exquisite attention to detail and visual appeal, making them pieces of art as well as musical instruments.
In fact, the brand has been endorsed by legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, and Benny Goodman, so if you’re a professional musician who wants to follow in the footsteps of icons in the industry, Selmer Paris clarinets are for you.
These clarinets offer a distinct, rich sound; excellent intonation; superb constructions; and the finest attention to detail. It’s this quality and craftsmanship that makes Selmer Paris highly valued by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
They also feature some innovative designs that enhance playability and sound clarity, for example, the three axes thumb rest of the Prologue Bb Clarinet allows for perfect hand positioning as it can move up, down, left, and right.
The unique aesthetics – hand engravings and beautiful finishes – of Selmer Paris instruments make them stand out. Plus, they cater to a wide range of musicians with products that vary in price, ensuring that both aspiring and professional players can find an instrument that meets their needs.
Our recommendation: Selmer Paris Prologue Bb Clarinet Outfit
2. Buffet Crampon – premium-quality clarinets suited to beginners & professionals
Buffet Crampon showcase the pinnacle of clarinet quality. Established in 1825 in Paris, this historic brand’s clarinets are known for their rich tones and precise intonation, ideal for all ability levels.
Buffet Crampon’s clarinet line includes models from the beginner-friendly E13 and the Prodige to the professional-grade R13, renowned for its dynamic sound.
Higher-end models like the Tosca and Divine feature superior ergonomics and acoustics, favoured for their exceptional sound clarity and playability. Made from select woods and wood alternatives with advanced design elements, each Buffet Crampon clarinet delivers an outstanding musical experience.
Combining tradition with innovation, Buffet Crampon use premium grenadilla wood in most of their clarinets and meticulous engineering to produce their unique engravings.
An exception to the rule is the Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet, which has a Reso-tone ABS construction that is resistant to any changes in temperature, unlike wood which can expand and contract in various climates.
The brand covers a wide price range, ensuring there is a perfect match for every musician’s skill level and budget. In terms of budget, Buffet Crampon clarinets can cost between £500 and nearly £3000, depending on the playing level it’s aimed at and the materials used.
Our recommendations: Buffet E13 Bb Clarinet with Gig Bag Case & Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet
Please note: We only stock various Buffet products but have access to the whole buffet range/catalogue. If there are any products you are interested in, please get in touch with our customer service team.
3. Leblanc – well-made, reliable instruments for intermediate clarinettists
Leblanc is a distinguished name in the clarinet market. Founded in 1750 as a family business called the Noblet Company, the company was sold to Georges Leblanc in 1904 in La Couture-Boussey, France, where it got its name Leblanc.
Leblanc clarinets are known for their easy playability, smooth sound, precise craftsmanship, and reliable performance, making them favourites among students and professional musicians.
The brand offers a diverse range of clarinets, from traditional Bb models to bass and contrabass clarinets, catering to all levels of musicianship.
Something you can expect with Leblanc clarinets is a host of advanced features designed to facilitate easy playability and exceptional sound production.
These include Low E reinforcement bars to maintain key adjustment and specially designed keywork that reduces unnecessary weight and allows for a smooth playing action.
Our recommendation: Leblanc LCL211S Debut Bb Clarinet
4. Yamaha – a fantastic option for beginners
Yamaha are renowned for a range of instruments and amongst them are their high-quality clarinets which offer precise intonation. They’re also adaptable across various musical styles and skill levels.
Yamaha’s range includes clarinets that are suited to solo and ensemble settings, while models like the YCL-255S cater to developing musicians. The YCL-255S is a reliable, ruggedly built clarinet that’s a popular choice for first-time players. Its ABS resin construction is lighter than other more advanced models, and the adjustable thumb rest makes the instrument comfortable to play.
Plus, Yamaha use environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Their clarinets are crafted from selected woods and ABS resin, as mentioned above, and all feature advanced design elements to enhance playability and sound projection.
If you’re looking for an affordable beginner instrument or you’re an advanced clarinettist looking for an upgrade, Yamaha are a great all-rounder.
Our recommendation: Yamaha YCL255S Student Bb Clarinet
5. Jupiter – expertly designed clarinets for students & young musicians
Jupiter, founded in 1979 by KHS Musical Instruments, are a prominent brand in the school band scene.
With a focus on supporting music education and performance, Jupiter offer a range of clarinets that are ideal for educational settings.
Not only are they excellent value, but they’re also designed with the input of teachers and professional players, making them some of the best clarinets for students. Features like adjustable thumb rests, ergonomic key placements, and durable materials make Jupiter clarinets a practical choice for young musicians.
Better still, the brand actively participate in various educational initiatives and aim to get students inspired and excited by music.
So, if you opt for a Jupiter clarinet, not only will you be getting a superb quality instrument, but you’ll also be supporting music education!
Our recommendation: Jupiter JCL-700 Series Beginner Bb Clarinet
6. Stagg – another great option for students & young musicians!
Stagg, originally established in Japan in the 1970s and revitalised in 1995 by Leonardo Baldocci of EMD Music, have grown into a globally recognised brand that offer an extensive range of musical instruments.
Stagg clarinets are well-suited to students and budget-conscious musicians, so they’re great in music education settings. They’re known for their durable ABS bodies and the popular Boehm key system, which makes them able to withstand the rigours and consistency of beginner use.
The WS-CL210S is great for young players as its lightweight design ensures it’s easy to handle. On the other hand, the Stagg CL211S Bb Clarinet caters to both beginner and intermediate players.
Like Jupiter, Stagg are committed to making music accessible, offering affordable instruments that don’t sacrifice quality.
Their clarinets are recognised for their practical features, such as nickel-plated or silver-plated keys, which enhance playability and durability. With Stagg, new musicians can enjoy a smooth, encouraging start on their musical journey.
Our recommendation: Stagg CL211S Bb Clarinet
7. Roy Benson – a superb all-round brand for education & performance
Roy Benson offer a blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and affordability in all their musical instruments, including clarinets. Established to cater to the needs of both aspiring and experienced musicians, Roy Benson have become a go-to brand for those who want an all-round clarinet that balances value and quality.
With a Roy Benson clarinet, you can expect an ergonomic design and durable materials. They suit educational and performance settings, and thanks to their easy playability and consistent intonation, they produce a clear, rich sound across various musical genres.
The price range of Roy Benson clarinets makes them ideal for budget-conscious families and educational programs, offering high-quality instruments without the cost typically associated with professional clarinets.
Each model boasts features such as adjustable thumb rests, undercut tone holes, and high-quality pads that enhance the player’s comfort and the instrument’s response.
Our recommendations: Roy Benson CB217 Bb Clarinet & Roy Benson CG220 Bb Clarinet, German System
8. Grassi – a historic brand that cater to all ability levels
Grassi come from a tradition of artisanal craftsmanship enhanced by modern technology.
Known for their precise intonation, robust build, and exceptional tone quality, Grassi clarinets are tailored to novice and professional musicians.
Each clarinet features an adjustable thumb rest, meticulously machined tone holes, and superior materials.
However, despite their high-end designs, Grassi accommodate budget-conscious students as well as professionals, making them a great versatile brand for any setting.
Opting for a Grassi clarinet means investing in a durable, high-performance instrument that supports a musician’s growth and creative expression, offering excellent value for money and a commitment to quality that musicians trust.
Our recommendation: Grassi CL200 Master Series Clarinet, 17 Keys
9.Gear4music – high-quality, affordable entry-level & intermediate clarinets
Gear4music clarinets cater to both beginners and intermediate players.
They’re recognised for their affordability and reliability, making them an ideal choice for students. And to ensure they’re comfortable to play and last for years to come, the clarinets incorporate features like adjustable thumb rests, durable body materials, and precision-engineered keys.
Priced affordably, Gear4music clarinets are extremely accessible, aiming to provide good value without compromising on the quality of sound or playability. This makes them particularly appealing to schools, music tutors, and parents looking for a clarinet for their child.
If you’re just starting out and you don’t want to make the leap into advanced instruments too soon, Gear4music clarinets are ideal. They promote proper technique thanks to their comfortable, lightweight construction, quick-response keys, and the 17-key Boehm configuration included in their beginner range, which most teachers recommend for students.
Our recommendation: playLITE Clarinet by Gear4music
Our tips for choosing the right clarinet
Before you start sifting through clarinets to find the best one for you, you need to think about your ability level, your budget, and what features of a clarinet mean the most to you, whether it’s the build quality, an ergonomic beginner-friendly design, or manufacturing processes.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Think about your skill level
The first thing to think about is how experienced you are with the instrument. If you’re a beginner, we recommend choosing a Yamaha, Buffet, Jupiter, Stagg, or Gear4music clarinet as these all incorporate design features that cater to budding musicians, such as adjustable thumb rests and ergonomic key placements for comfortable play.
For more advanced clarinets, we suggest one of the more historic brands, such as Selmer Paris or Leblanc, as these have the premium-quality, meticulous manufacturing processes that have been passed down generations, resulting in an instrument perfect for a serious clarinettist.
2. Set a reasonable budget
Your budget will probably be determined by your skill level, but it’s important to be realistic about how much you’re willing to spend on the instrument. £100-£600 is a good range for an entry-level clarinet as it gives you a good-quality instrument to learn with, incorporating durable keys, a great tone, and any added accessories. Speaking of which, it’s important to consider the small extras – things like cleaning tools and a protective case/bag are important to factor into your budget.
Over £600 will get you an intermediate or advanced-level clarinet, with more premium materials and design features. Of course, some clarinets go way beyond these kinds of budgets, with some even reaching £8,000!
3. Consult a teacher or experienced clarinettist
If you’re new to the world of clarinets, it’s a good idea to get advice from someone with a bit more experience. As well as reading clarinet guides on the Gear4music blog, some direct advice from a clarinet teacher can be invaluable. They’ll know what best suits student musicians (we’d say Jupiter is a great place to start here) and the kinds of things that will cater to your individual needs.
FAQs
What makes a good-quality clarinet?
Good clarinets are defined by their construction and features that allow for easy playability and high-quality sound, such as an adjustable thumb rest and a bell that’s shaped to boost projection. Typically, higher quality clarinets are made from a higher quality grade wood, along with other build materials.
What are the best student clarinets?
The best student clarinets are usually Bb clarinets. If you’re a student, you should also look out for lighter materials, such as ABS resin, which makes the clarinet more comfortable to play.
What is the most commonly played clarinet?
The most commonly played clarinet is the Bb clarinet, which tends to be the clarinet that most players start on when learning to play the clarinet. This is due to the versatile nature of the Bb clarinet, as well as the size of the clarinet itself.
Final thoughts
Each clarinet brand, whether it’s the historic Buffet Crampon or the student-focused Jupiter, offers something special. We’ve listed the best of the best clarinet brands here, but remember that the right one for you depends on your playing style and requirements.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or advice for budding clarinettists!
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