AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Buffet Crampon A Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon Tosca A-Clarinet 19/6 ($8,333). Buffet Crampon E-11 A-Clarinet 17/6 gives you the most for the money at $1,861. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Tosca 19/6 is a seriously refined clarinet—it's got that classic Buffet warmth but with modern conveniences like the Low-F and Eb lever. This is a fantastic step-up instrument for intermediate to advanced players who demand a professional-grade sound and feel, and who are committed to the Boehm system.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body delivers exceptional warmth and projection.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and responsiveness.
- Low-F mechanism expands range and versatility for advanced players.
Cons
- The all-grenadilla construction makes it relatively heavy for extended playing.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many musicians.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,333 now$8,333€7,459 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 17Aug 17$1,861 now$1,861€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 17Aug 17$2,189 now$2,189€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 17Aug 17$3,518 now$3,518€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.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,188 now$4,188€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.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,646 now$4,646€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.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,356 now$6,356€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.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,803 now$6,803€6,089 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Légende is a serious step up in A-clarinet performance—it’s got that classic Buffet warmth and projection, but with modern improvements like the GT pads. This clarinet is perfect for advanced students and professionals who demand a reliable, expressive instrument for orchestral and solo work, and are prepared for the upkeep of a high-quality woodwind.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body delivers a rich, warm, and complex tonal palette.
- 19 keys and 6 rings offer exceptional technical agility and responsiveness.
- GT-pad combination ensures consistent intonation and minimizes pad leaks.
Cons
- The premium-priced tag puts it out of reach for many aspiring players.
- Grenadilla wood requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking and warping.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,600 now$8,600€7,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Divine 19/6 is a serious instrument for the advanced player or seasoned professional. Buffet has really dialed in the response and projection with the new tenon technology and wood selection—it’s a beautifully balanced clarinet with a rich, singing tone that’s ideal for solo work or orchestral playing. Expect a level of refinement and playability you won’t find in lesser models.
Pros
- Hand-selected grenadilla wood yields a remarkably warm, complex, and resonant tone.
- The Gore-Tex and cork tenon combination minimizes air leaks and enhances response.
- 19 keys and 6 rings offer exceptional technical agility and a refined feel.
Cons
- The premium-priced tag makes it inaccessible for many student or intermediate players.
- Grenadilla wood, while beautiful, is susceptible to humidity changes requiring careful maintenance.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,791 now$8,791€7,869 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
A Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $6,356 — half of all A clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best A clarinets (boehm)
Tone
The hallmark of a Buffet Crampon is that warm, centered tone. It's not overly bright or shrill like some other brands; it's got this beautiful core that sits really well in a mix, and it responds beautifully to subtle dynamic shifts - essential for nuanced phrasing. You get a real sense of depth and sustain.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Buffet's keywork is renowned for its smooth action and comfortable feel. The ergonomics are generally excellent, even on older models. A well-maintained Buffet feels like an extension of your hands, allowing for fast passages and complex articulations without fatigue. This is critical when you're playing long sets.
Build Quality & Materials
These are solid instruments, built to last. The wood (usually Grenadilla) is carefully selected and seasoned. While cheaper clarinets might use less durable materials or thinner wood, Buffet's commitment to quality means these instruments can withstand years of hard use - a real investment.
Response & Articulation
Buffet clarinets are incredibly responsive, allowing for a wide range of dynamics and articulations. You can coax a whisper-quiet tone or a powerful, cutting sound with relative ease. The articulation is clean and precise, avoiding that muddy or breathy quality you sometimes find with less expensive instruments.
Heritage & Design
The Buffet Crampon legacy is significant. Their designs have evolved over decades, incorporating lessons learned from countless players. This history translates into an instrument with inherent character and a depth of tone that's hard to replicate - it's got that 'vintage' vibe even in newer models.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Buffet Crampon A clarinets. If you're serious about your playing, whether you're laying down tracks in a studio or blowing a smoky solo in a dimly lit club, you need an instrument that can handle it. Buffet Crampon has consistently been the name for professional players for decades, and for good reason - they nail the balance of tradition and responsiveness that's crucial for expressive playing.
Don't chase the newest model just for the sake of it. A well-maintained older Buffet (like a Prestige or even a vintage Royal) can be a fantastic value. Watch out for cracks - they're the clarinet's worst enemy.
Pay close attention to the pads; leaky pads will ruin your tone and make the instrument unplayable. Spending a bit more on a professional-grade Buffet is almost always worth it; you're getting an instrument that will serve you well for years and actually improve your playing.
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 11 A clarinets (boehm) from the Thomann catalogue (of 18 in the category). 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 Buffet Prestige and a Royal?
The Royal is generally considered the higher-end model, with more hand-finished details and a slightly more refined tone. The Prestige is still a fantastic instrument, offering excellent value and performance, but the Royal is often preferred by top professionals.
Are Buffet clarinets difficult to maintain?
Like any woodwind instrument, they require regular maintenance - pad cleaning, key adjustments, and occasional wood sealing. It's best to find a reputable repair tech for these tasks.
Can I use a Buffet clarinet for all genres of music?
Absolutely. Their versatility is a huge strength. You can dial in a warm, mellow tone for classical, or a brighter, more aggressive sound for jazz or pop - it's all about your embouchure and reed choice.
What's the best reed for a Buffet Crampon?
There's no single 'best' reed - it depends on your personal preference and the desired tone. Vandoren and Rico are popular choices, but experimenting is key to finding what works best for you and the specific clarinet model.
Are Buffet clarinets prone to cracking?
All wooden clarinets are susceptible to cracking, but Buffet's wood selection and seasoning process minimizes the risk. Proper care - avoiding extreme temperature changes and humidity fluctuations - is crucial to prevent cracking.
