AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best A Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet ($3,687). Buffet Crampon E-11 A-Clarinet 17/6 gives you the most for the money at $1,863. Buffet Crampon Tosca A-Clarinet 19/6 GL leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 17 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
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All A Clarinets (Boehm)Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet
YCL-CSV RA Clarinet · Yamaha
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This is a robust A-Boehm clarinet built for players who want a lively, traditional sound. The grenadilla body and silvered keys offer a solid, well-oiled feel right out of the box. It suits both serious students and professionals looking for a reliable workhorse without the extra cost.
Pros
- Made from durable grenadilla wood for solid structure
- Heavily silvered mechanism ensures smooth key action
- Integral conical tone holes provide a lively sound
Cons
- Extended keys may complicate repairs for some
- No specific barrel length is listed in details
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,687 now$3,687€3,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet
YCL-CX A Clarinet · Yamaha
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This clarinet plays a very bright French sound thanks to its conical holes and silver keys. The grenadilla wood body gives it a nice depth that many players love. It comes with a matching mouthpiece and case, so you have everything ready to play right away. It suits players who want that open, lively tone without needing extra parts.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body offers rich, deep tone character
- Inset conical holes produce a bright French sound
- Silvered mechanism ensures smooth, responsive action
Cons
- Undercut design may feel different to players used to standard
- No listed barrel length makes comparison to rivals difficult
73AudioFu
Index↑ 5.4%since Aug 17$3,352 · Aug 17$3,532 now$3,532€3,159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet has a rich body made from greenwood and shiny silver keys. The low-F improvement helps you play deeper notes easily. It comes with a case but needs its own mouthpiece. Great for players who want a solid, classic sound without extra cost.
Pros
- Greenline wood body offers dense, warm tone
- Silver keys ensure smooth, fast response
- Low-F improvement aids low register playing
Cons
- No mouthpiece included for testing
- Weight not listed in description
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,463 now$8,463€7,569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The E-11 is a fantastic step-up clarinet, offering a genuine wood body tone without the premium price tag of the higher-end models. It's a solid choice for serious students and advancing players who want a reliable, responsive instrument with a beautiful sound. The keywork feels excellent, and it's a joy to play.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and a bright aesthetic.
- Valentino pads ensure airtightness and reliable performance over time.
Cons
- Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- The silver-plated keys require occasional polishing to prevent tarnish.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,863 now$1,863€1,666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The E-13 is a fantastic step-up clarinet, offering a professional feel and sound without the absolute top-tier price tag. The grenadilla body provides a lovely warmth, and the keywork is reliable and responsive—ideal for serious students and advancing players looking for a clarinet that will last.
Pros
- Exceptional grenadilla wood body delivers rich, warm tonal character
- Silver-plated keys offer responsive action and durability
- 17 keys/6 rings provide excellent intonation and versatility
Cons
- Can feel a little heavy for younger or smaller players
- The included mouthpiece is decent, but an upgrade is often desired
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,190 now$2,190€1,959 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Gala 18/6 is a fantastic choice for serious intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional-grade clarinet without the top-tier price tag. It provides a remarkably consistent and pleasing tone, and the shared bore design gives it a familiar feel for those upgrading from student models. It's a workhorse instrument that will serve you well for years.
Pros
- Grenadilla body delivers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- Shared bore with inTraditionin/inLégendein models offers excellent projection.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and reliable response.
Cons
- The polycylindrical bore might lack the extreme flexibility of a cylindrical design for advanced players.
- The silver plating, while durable, will require occasional polishing to prevent tarnish.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,521 now$3,521€3,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The RC 17/6 is a fantastic step-up clarinet, offering a professional feel and sound without the extreme cost of the top-tier models. It's beautifully crafted with grenadilla wood, delivering a warm, resonant tone ideal for students and advancing players who want a reliable and expressive instrument.
Pros
- Grenadilla body provides exceptional warmth and projection.
- 17 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical agility.
- Silver-plated mechanism ensures smooth, responsive action.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
- Lack of mouthpiece limits immediate playability; requires separate purchase.
49AudioFu
Index↑ 1.4%since Aug 14$4,135 · Aug 14$4,192 now$4,192€3,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Buffet Crampon RC 18/6 is a fantastic step-up clarinet for serious students and advancing players. Its robust build, improved keywork, and refined tone offer a professional feel without the top-tier price tag of the Legacy models. It’s a workhorse instrument built to last and deliver a consistent, reliable performance for years to come.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body provides rich, warm tonal color.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth, responsive action and durability.
- 18 keys/6 rings enhance technical capabilities and intonation.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
- Requires a skilled player to truly unlock its potential.
49AudioFu
Index↑ 1.5%since Aug 14$4,582 · Aug 14$4,650 now$4,650€4,159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The RC Prestige 18/6 is a serious step up for the advanced clarinetist. Its projection and clarity are outstanding, and the included barrels offer a surprising level of tonal customization. This is a superb instrument for professionals and dedicated students seeking a refined, expressive sound – it's a workhorse that will last a lifetime.
Pros
- Exceptional grenadilla wood tone – rich, complex, and responsive.
- Polycylindrical bore provides a remarkably even scale across registers.
- Silver-plated keys offer a smooth, precise action with minimal resistance.
Cons
- The natural finish requires diligent care to prevent cracking or warping.
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most players.
49AudioFu
Index↑ 1.6%since Aug 14$6,259 · Aug 14$6,361 now$6,361€5,689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Tradition 19/6 is a beautifully crafted clarinet offering a warm, focused tone – a real step up for serious students and professionals. Its construction and keywork are top-notch, and the inclusion of two barrels allows for subtle intonation adjustments to suit different playing environments. This clarinet excels in classical and orchestral settings where a refined, traditional sound is paramount.
Pros
- Exceptional grenadilla wood tone, rich and complex.
- Robust silver-plated mechanism ensures reliable action.
- GT pads offer excellent resonance and responsiveness.
Cons
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for most players.
- Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
49AudioFu
Index↑ 1.5%since Aug 14$6,706 · Aug 14$6,808 now$6,808€6,089 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 17 A clarinets (boehm)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Buffet Crampon Divine A-Clarinet 19/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.6%$8,798€7,869$8,798€7,869Check ↗
- 12
Buffet Crampon Légende A-Clarinet 19/6Buffet Crampon47↑ 4.1%$8,607€7,698$8,607€7,698Check ↗
- 13
Selmer Présence II A-Clarinet 18/6Selmer45Stable$4,907€4,389$4,907€4,389Check ↗
- 14
Selmer Privilege Evo A-Clarinet 18/6Selmer45Stable$6,595€5,898$6,595€5,898Check ↗
- 15
Selmer Muse 19/6 A ClarinetSelmer45Stable$7,244€6,479$7,244€6,479Check ↗
- 16
Selmer Privilege A-Clarinet 18/6 BKSelmer45Stable$8,485€7,589$8,485€7,589Check ↗
- 17
Thomann CL-18A A-Clarinet BoehmThomann41Stable$949€849$949€849Check ↗
A Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $6,361 — half of all A clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best A clarinets (boehm)
Tone
It's not just about being 'nice.' You want a core that's rich and focused, not thin and reedy. An A clarinet needs to have a warmth that contrasts well with the brighter Bb clarinet sound, and a sustain that doesn't collapse under pressure - especially if you're playing in a larger ensemble.
Intonation
A clarinet's intonation is notoriously finicky. Look for consistent intonation across the range, especially in the upper register where things can get sharp quickly. A slight adjustment to the facing can sometimes fix issues, but a horn that's fundamentally out is a headache.
Action & Response
The action shouldn't be too light (sluggish response) or too heavy (fatiguing to play). A responsive action means quicker articulation and more control over dynamics - vital for everything from classical to jazz. A good horn will 'speak' easily, even at lower dynamic levels.
Keywork & Ergonomics
This is about comfort and reliability. Check for smooth, well-placed keys that don't feel cramped or awkward. The neck profile matters too - a neck that's too thick or thin can negatively impact your playing and contribute to fatigue over longer gigs.
Construction & Materials
Grenadilla wood is the gold standard, but it's expensive. Cheaper horns often use African Blackwood which can be a bit softer and prone to cracking if not cared for properly. Resin or composite bodies are an option for durability, but they often lack the tonal complexity of wood - a trade-off for longevity.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for an A clarinet, eh? It's a demanding instrument - the jump from Bb to A can be brutal if your horn isn't up to snuff. Forget those beginner models your school band used; we're talking about instruments that can handle a gig, cut through a chamber ensemble, or lay down a solid track in the studio. Let's get you set up right.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or marketing hype. A well-made A clarinet isn't cheap, but it's an investment. Corners get cut with cheaper wood, less precise keywork, and a rushed finish - all of which translate to a less enjoyable playing experience and potential headaches down the line.
Prioritize intonation and response over aesthetics; a beautiful horn that plays poorly is just a conversation piece.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 18 A clarinets (boehm) from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Boehm and a simple system A clarinet?
Boehm is the standard now. Simple system is archaic and difficult to play - you almost certainly want a Boehm. It's more ergonomic and has a wider range.
I'm a beginner. Should I get an A clarinet?
It's a steep learning curve. Master your Bb first. The A clarinet demands a lot more control and embouchure strength.
What about composite or resin A clarinets?
They're durable and resistant to temperature/humidity changes, good for students or gigging in tough conditions, but generally lack the tonal depth of wood. Expect a slightly 'plastic' feel and less complexity in the higher registers.
Can I repair a cracked clarinet myself?
Generally no. Cracks in the body are serious and require a skilled repair technician. Attempting a DIY fix can easily make the damage worse.
What mouthpiece should I use?
That's the million-dollar question! Experiment. A brighter mouthpiece can help cut through a band, while a darker one adds warmth. It's a very personal choice, but start with something in the middle range - a 1.5 or 2.0 facing - and work from there.
