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10 Best Clarinets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Glory GLY-PBK Professional Ebonite Bb Clarinet with 10 Reeds, Stand, Hard Case, Cleaning Cloth, Cork Grease, Mouthpiece Brush and Pad Brush, Black

The Glory GLY-PBK Professional Ebonite Bb Clarinet is a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players. Made from ebonite, a durable and high-quality material, it offers excellent sound quality and longevity. The B flat key system is standard for most clarinets, making it easy to find sheet music and play with other musicians. The bore size is typical for a professional clarinet, providing a good balance between ease of play and sound projection.

The included mouthpiece is decent, though some more advanced players might prefer to upgrade it for better performance. Having 10 reeds included is a nice bonus, as it allows you to start playing immediately without needing to purchase additional accessories. The ligature is functional but might not hold up under intense use over time. The hard case, stand, cleaning cloth, cork grease, mouthpiece brush, and pad brush are all useful accessories that help maintain the instrument's condition and ease of use.

The item weight of 4 pounds might be slightly heavy for younger players or those needing to transport it frequently. This clarinet provides a comprehensive starter package with good value for money, suitable for students and casual players looking for durability and decent sound quality.

#2

Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet B Flat

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet B Flat is a beginner-friendly instrument designed to help students develop their skills. Made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), the clarinet is highly durable and can withstand frequent use, making it a great choice for school settings. The ABS material also contributes to a focused and clean sound, which is essential for learning proper tone production.

The French Boehm key system is intuitive and offers an extended range, enabling students to explore more complex pieces as they advance. The adjustable thumb rest is another user-friendly feature that accommodates different hand sizes, ensuring comfort during practice and performance sessions. Additionally, the clarinet comes ready to play, with professional setup and play-testing by certified technicians, which is a significant advantage for beginners who may not have the experience to adjust the instrument themselves.

One of its standout features is the precise intonation, which helps students maintain perfect pitch across the entire range of the instrument. This is crucial for developing a good ear and musical accuracy. The Jean Paul USA CL-300 effectively meets the needs of most student clarinet players.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Material
I credit having a GREAT instrument with my progress. Out of the case I was shocked at how heavy this clarinet is. It's heavier than my flute, which is all metal. The key material is also solid and did not require any adjustment in several weeks of playing now.
Mouthpiece
As it came out of the box, it was 1/2 a semitone flat with either barrel in use. Changing the mouth piece solved that problem. You can compensate with your embouchure but as a new player I found it hard to do that AND concentrate on my scales at the same time.
#3

EASTROCK Bb Clarinet 17 Keys ABS Material Wide Range of Tones Particularly Beginner & Students-friendly with Using Tools and 2 Replaceable Barrels

The EASTROCK Bb Clarinet is made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), offering a durable and lightweight construction ideal for beginners and students. The 17-key, 6-ring nickel-plated key system allows for a wide range of tones and easy tone production, which is beneficial for those new to the instrument. The matte finish not only enhances the classic look but also ensures good elasticity, air tightness, and longevity, making it a reliable choice for practice and performance.

Additionally, the memory needle spring made of high-carbon steel provides quick reaction and good elasticity, which means it won't easily deform over time. The clarinet comes with two replaceable barrels, offering some customization for the player's comfort and sound preference.

While the instrument is relatively easy to play with strong and smooth sound characteristics, some might find the material to lack the richer tones of wooden clarinets. However, for a beginner-friendly option with a solid build and responsive playability, the EASTROCK Bb Clarinet stands out as a practical and affordable choice for students.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Mouthpiece
Works well with a better quality mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds, though it wasn't playable right out of the box.
Ligature
Works well with a better quality mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds, though it wasn't playable right out of the box.

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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