AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best A Clarinets (Boehm) for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon Tosca A-Clarinet 19/6 GL ($8,463). Buffet Crampon E-11 A-Clarinet 17/6 gives you the most for the money at $1,863. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 17 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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 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.
49AudioFu
Index↑ 1.5%since Aug 14$8,664 · Aug 14$8,798 now$8,798€7,869 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.
47AudioFu
Index↑ 4.1%since Aug 14$8,272 · Aug 14$8,607 now$8,607€7,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet uses real grenadilla wood for a solid sound. The Eb lever helps you switch keys without changing the whole instrument. It comes with two barrels and a good mouthpiece. It is a high-end choice for players who want a long-lasting tool.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body ensures stable tone and smooth response
- Eb lever allows players to change keys easily
- Evolution system extends the instrument's working life
Cons
- Black chrome plating may show scratches easily
- No weight listed makes balance feel uncertain
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,485 now$8,485€7,589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet uses grenadilla wood for that warm, dark sound soloists love. The silver keys and special bore design keep the action smooth and the tone even. It comes with two barrels and a good case, making it ready to play right out of the box. It suits players who want reliable intonation and a professional feel without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body offers classic dark resonance
- Silver plated mechanism ensures smooth key action
- 6 rings provide precise finger control
Cons
- Eb lever adds complexity for some players
- No weight information listed in description
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,244 now$7,244€6,479 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 ↗ -
This clarinet uses solid grenadilla wood for that classic warm sound you expect. The silver keys and metal tenon make it feel sturdy for daily practice. It comes with extra barrels and a good mouthpiece, so you have options. Great for players who want traditional tone with extra parts included.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body offers warm, traditional tone
- Silver-plated keys ensure smooth response and durability
- Integrated metal tenon prevents key breakage over time
Cons
- Upper joint resin-sealed bore is unusual for some players
- Evolution system specifics are vague without full specs
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,595 now$6,595€5,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗
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 E-13 A-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon50Stable$2,190€1,959$2,190€1,959Check ↗
- 12
Buffet Crampon Gala A-Clarinet 18/6Buffet Crampon50Stable$3,521€3,149$3,521€3,149Check ↗
- 13
Buffet Crampon RC A-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.4%$4,192€3,749$4,192€3,749Check ↗
- 14
Buffet Crampon RC A-Clarinet 18/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.5%$4,650€4,159$4,650€4,159Check ↗
- 15
Buffet Crampon RC Prestige A-Clar 18/6 - NEWBuffet Crampon49↑ 1.6%$6,361€5,689$6,361€5,689Check ↗
- 16
Selmer Présence II A-Clarinet 18/6Selmer45Stable$4,907€4,389$4,907€4,389Check ↗
- 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)
Response & Intonation
Advanced players need immediate, even response across the entire range, not just the comfortable middle register. A clarinet that fights you in the extremes or needs constant adjustment is a frustration, not a tool. We're looking for consistent intonation under varying embouchure pressures.
Tone Color
Forget that bright, almost brittle student clarinet sound. We want complexity - a rich fundamental with interesting overtones, capable of producing a warm, breathy tone or a focused, cutting edge. The ability to shape the tone is key - a dark, woody tone for a classical piece versus a brighter, more focused sound for a jazz gig.
Keywork Ergonomics & Action
Precise, comfortable keywork is non-negotiable. The action needs to be light and responsive without feeling sloppy, allowing for rapid passages and subtle phrasing. A poorly designed mechanism can literally limit your musical expression. Neck profile and thumb rest placement also make a huge difference in comfort and control.
Construction & Materials
While all-wood isn't always the best for gigging (humidity is a real factor), the quality of the wood, the precision of the bore, and the overall craftsmanship have a direct impact on tone and response. Grenadilla wood is the standard, but even within that, there's variance. Metal keys need to be solid and well-fitted, minimizing slop and ensuring consistent action.
Dynamic Range & Headroom
An advanced player demands a wide dynamic range - the ability to whisper a phrase or project with authority. Headroom is crucial; the instrument shouldn't start to 'break up' or sound distorted even at louder volumes. This is especially important when recording or playing with a full band; you need to cut through without sounding harsh.
Buying guide
So, you're pushing past the beginner stuff and needing a serious A clarinet. It's not just about hitting the notes anymore; it's about nuanced articulation, reliable response across the range, and a tone that can cut through a big band or record cleanly. Forget the student models - we're talking about instruments that respond to your idea of the music, not just your fingerings. Let's find you something that'll actually inspire you to practice.
Don't chase the 'expensive' label - a well-maintained, slightly older professional model can often outperform a brand-new, entry-level pro instrument. Pay close attention to the action and keywork - a sloppy mechanism is a deal-breaker, regardless of the brand. Consider the climate you play in; if you gig in humid environments, a hybrid (wood body with metal keys) might be a practical choice to mitigate cracking.
Ultimately, play before you buy if possible - what feels and sounds incredible in one player's hands might be a disaster for another.
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 full Boehm and a standard Boehm?
Full Boehm clarinets have a more complex key system, allowing for easier chromatic playing and greater technical agility. Standard Boehm is more common, but full Boehm offers more flexibility for advanced players, especially in contemporary music.
Are hybrid clarinets (wood body, metal keys) a good compromise?
They can be. They offer some of the tonal benefits of wood while being more resistant to humidity and physical damage, making them good for gigging. However, the tone isn't quite as rich as a full wood instrument - it's a trade-off.
What should I look for in terms of pads?
Modern pads like Pisoni or Straubinger are vastly superior to the older leather pads found on many vintage instruments. They seal better and last longer. If you're buying used, check the pad condition carefully - leaks are a major headache.
I'm concerned about intonation. What can be done?
Intonation is rarely 'perfect' out of the box. Adjustment is almost always necessary. A skilled technician can adjust the bore, keys, and register holes to optimize intonation for your playing. Factor that cost into your budget.
What about pickups? Are they essential?
Not essential, but highly recommended for recording or performing with amplification. Pickup voicing matters - a poorly voiced pickup can make your clarinet sound thin and lifeless. Look for models that accurately capture the clarinet's natural tone, not just add volume.
