The clarinet is a great instrument for beginners, intermediate, and professional players. Out of all the various types of clarinets, you’re probably the most familiar with the Bb – this is the most common and is great for newcomers to the instrument.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the best clarinets for beginners, helping you get off to a great start.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three clarinets for beginners and why we like them:
Selmer Paris Prologue Bb Clarinet Outfit | 3 axes thumb rest moves up and down and side to side for the perfect hand positioning. | Check the current price |
playLITE Clarinet by Gear4music | ABS resin body offers the convenience of a lightweight instrument and comfortable playability with the tone of a wooden construction. | Check the current price |
Student Clarinet by Gear4music | Adjustable thumb rest ensures you can play comfortably, and a range of accessories are included. | Check the current price |
The best clarinets for beginners
1. Student Clarinet by Gear4music
Key features
- Adjustable thumb rest
- Bushed resin composite body
- Nickel-plated keywork
Pros
- Includes everything you need to get started straight away
- Easy-blowing response is great for players developing their technique
- Great for practice and longevity
Cons
- Limited to beginner level – it might not be sustainable if you advance in your skills quickly
If you’re a complete novice, the Student Clarinet by Gear4music is a great starting point. This instrument is designed with beginners in mind, producing a clear tone that’s great for practising scales and hearing your progress. It’s also built for comfortable playability, with an adjustable thumb rest that allows you to play for long periods enjoyably.
When it comes to protecting your clarinet, a hard case is included to provide peace of mind during travel to and from lessons. The durable body and nickel-plated keys ensure that this clarinet can withstand the rigours of regular practice. One of the biggest perks is that it’s ready to play straight out of the box, with a reed included.
Whether you’re at home, in the classroom, or preparing for your first performance, this clarinet offers everything you need to get started right away.
2. playLITE Clarinet by Gear4music
Key features
- ABS resin body
- Nickel silver keywork
- Includes a hard foam case, hard rubber mouthpiece, metal ligature, and reed
Pros
- Everything a beginner needs in one package
- Easy pick-up-and-play experience
- ABS body is lightweight, but the sound is similar to that of a wooden clarinet
Cons
- Vibrant colour might not suit everyone
The playLITE Clarinet by Gear4music is great for anyone looking to learn the clarinet. It’s lightweight and designed for ease of use, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. Despite its ABS resin body, the clarinet produces the same tone you’d expect from traditional wooden clarinets.
Its ABS construction, however, is lighter in weight than wood (great for beginners), and is extremely strong and durable, whilst also being resistant to environmental factors. Plus, the clarinet comes in vibrant red and blue finishes.
A hard foam case, hard rubber mouthpiece, metal ligature, and reed are included with the clarinet.
3. Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet
Key features
- Co-polymeric ABS body construction
- Inspired by Buffet’s E13 clarinet bore design
- Blue steel springs and leather pads
Pros
- Great if you’re looking for the quintessential Buffet design
- Robust ABS body for durability
- Easy to play for beginners
Cons
- Higher price point for beginners
The Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet is great for musicians who want a bit more of a premium instrument without the steep price tag. Drawing on nearly two centuries of craftsmanship, Buffet have crafted an instrument that embodies its quintessential design while being accessible to those picking up the clarinet for the first time.
What stands out about the Prodige is its co-polymeric ABS body, which is not only resistant to environmental changes but also durable enough to withstand the knocks and bumps of daily use. This clarinet borrows its bore design from the highly acclaimed E13 model, simplifying playability and ensuring a smooth learning curve for novices.
With premium components like blue steel springs and leather pads, this clarinet is ideal for both beginners and those looking for an upgrade.
4. Selmer Paris Prologue Bb Clarinet Outfit
Key features
- 3 axes thumb rest
- Ergonomic tone hole insert
- Grenadilla wood construction
Pros
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Grenadilla wood delivers a warm tone
- Includes backpack case and mouthpiece
Cons
- Premium price point
The Selmer Paris Prologue Bb Clarinet Outfit is designed for aspiring professionals and students, boasting features typically reserved for more expensive models.
Its 3 axes thumb rest is innovative in its construction as it moves side to side – as well as up and down (most moveable clarinet thumb rests only move up and down). This ensures perfect hand positioning, crucial for developing proper technique from the start.
On top of the ingenious thumb rest, there’s an ergonomic tone hole insert which caters to players with smaller hands, making this clarinet an inclusive option for younger musicians. Additionally, the instrument’s lightweight build reduces fatigue during extended practice sessions or performances.
The Prologue doesn’t just excel in playability; it also offers a rich, warm tone thanks to its grenadilla wood construction and polycylindrical bore. This clarinet is an investment in quality, with a price reflecting its professional-grade features and materials. The outfit includes a backpack case and mouthpiece, ensuring you have everything you need to start playing right away.
5. Leblanc LCL211S Debut Bb Clarinet
Key features
- Lightweight Reso-tone ABS body
- Precision-engineered, silver-plated keywork
- Adjustable thumb rest
Pros
- Consistent tone across playing conditions
- Durable design – ideal for taking to and from gigs and lessons
- Includes case, mouthpiece, and ligature
Cons
- Advanced features might be underused by absolute beginners
Precision-engineered without breaking the bank, the Leblanc LCL211S Debut Bb Clarinet is a fantastic starting point for beginners who want a premium starter instrument. It’s also a stylish high-quality upgrade for those advancing in their playing. Crafted with a lightweight Reso-tone ABS body, it produces a clear, consistent sound and is durable enough to withstand the occasional bumps and knocks.
Silver-plated keywork not only adds to the clarinet’s aesthetic appeal but also guarantees reliable performance and strong intonation. This makes the Debut clarinet a reliable choice for your introduction into the clarinet world, promising to last throughout your student years and beyond.
An adjustable thumb rest adds to the clarinet’s comfortable playability, allowing for optimised hand positioning which is crucial for developing proper technique. Plus, there’s a durable backpack-style case, mouthpiece, and ligature included.
Although the Debut clarinet comes packed with features that might be underutilised by absolute beginners, its design ensures that as your skill level progresses, the instrument will continue to meet your needs without holding you back.
6. Yamaha YCL450 Intermediate Bb Clarinet
Key features
- Adjustable thumb rest
- Barrel design
- Grenadilla wood body
Pros
- A great way to experience professional features at an entry-level price
- 3-month Tomplay Premium subscription
- Includes mouthpiece and lightweight case
Cons
- Price point may be high for absolute beginners
The Yamaha YCL450 Intermediate Bb Clarinet bridges the gap between entry-level and professional instruments, offering advanced features to those progressing past the beginner stage. This clarinet boasts a grenadilla wood body, renowned for producing a rich, full tone that elevates the musical expression of intermediate players.
Like other clarinets on this list, the YCL450 boasts an adjustable thumb rest, ensuring not only comfort but also the development of proper technique. The thoughtfully designed barrel enhances the lower register, allowing for a smoother, more cohesive sound across all ranges.
Additionally, this clarinet comes with a 3-month Tomplay Premium subscription. Through this app, you can access over 40,000 scores with backing tracks, great for clarinettists wanting to build a full and varied repertoire.
Included in the package are a mouthpiece and a lightweight case, ensuring you have everything needed to transport and play your clarinet with ease.
While its price point reflects the advanced features and quality construction, the Yamaha YCL450 is a great investment for students ready to take their playing to the next level, offering professional-quality sound and playability.
7. Buffet E13 Bb Clarinet
Key features
- Tanzanian Grenadilla wood construction
- Bell shared with professional RC clarinet
- Leather pads and blue steel springs
Pros
- Bright sound and fantastic projection
- Durable, silver-plated keywork
- Includes a stylish gig bag
Cons
- May require adjustment due to wood expansion
The Buffet E13 Bb Clarinet is ideal for clarinettists who are progressing in their skills. It’s crafted from Tanzanian grenadilla wood, known for its rich tonal quality, and is assembled meticulously by hand in France to ensure both quality and consistency.
What sets the E13 apart is its use of the same bell found in the professional RC clarinet, offering enhanced projection and brightness to your sound. This feature, along with its leather pads and blue steel springs, guarantees a playing experience that is not only superior in sound but also in responsiveness and durability.
The clarinet is further enhanced by its silver-plated keywork, providing a long-lasting, ergonomic design that facilitates easy playability.
Designed for those who are moving beyond the beginner stages, the Buffet E13 Bb Clarinet is a professional-standard instrument at a value-conscious price.
Things to consider when buying a clarinet
As with any instrument, there are factors to consider before purchasing the right one for you.
Firstly, keep in mind when setting your budget that it should cover both initial purchase and potential maintenance costs. You might want to purchase cleaning tools or a case if your chosen clarinet doesn’t come with one – these will ensure your instrument lasts as long as possible and produces the best possible sound.
Secondly, playability should be a big consideration. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want a lightweight clarinet that’s easy to handle. This will enable you to practise for long periods of time without fatigue. An adjustable thumb rest will also help as it will allow you to find the perfect, most comfortable playing position.
You should also pay attention to the clarinet’s key, which is usually Bb or A. Bb is a popular choice for beginners.
Finally, make sure to go for a reputable brand. Different brands offer different benefits, from high-quality craftsmanship to innovative designs aimed at enhancing playability and tone. If your chosen clarinet is from a brand you’ve not heard of, do some research into the brand and its reviews.
FAQs
How do I choose a clarinet for beginners?
A go-to clarinet for beginners is the Bb clarinet, this is one of the easier types to learn due to its simple layout. It’s also a great crossover instrument and can help you progress onto other clarinet types.
How much should a beginner clarinet cost?
A beginner clarinet can cost anything from £100 to £600, this can depend on the body material, key work materials as well any added accessories such as bags and mouthpieces.
Can I teach myself clarinet?
Whilst it’s not impossible to teach yourself clarinet, we recommend that you learn clarinet with the help of a teacher. This will ensure you learn efficiently and pick up proper technique. However, if you do want to teach yourself clarinet, there are plenty of resources online, such as YouTube videos, to help you do so.
Final thoughts
The best clarinets for beginners are ones that are easy to handle and get to grips with; they should help you on your playing journey and encourage you to practise more. We hope our list has provided you with some good options to choose from!
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