AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best A Clarinets (Boehm) for Intermediate 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. 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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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 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 ↗ -
This is a solid A clarinet for players who want a classic sound without the cracking risks of pure wood. The synthetic upper joint stays stable, while the grenadilla body gives that rich tone many love. It comes with two barrels so you can match the instrument perfectly to any room.
Pros
- Synthetic resin upper joint resists cracking and aging.
- Grenadilla wood provides warm, classic A clarinet tone.
- Silver-plated keys ensure smooth, fast response.
Cons
- No stated weight for carry comfort.
- No listed maintenance or repair costs.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,907 now$4,907€4,389 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 ↗ -
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 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 Tosca A-Clarinet 19/6 GLBuffet Crampon · 2 finishes58Stable$8,463€7,569$8,463€7,569Check ↗
- 12
Buffet Crampon Tradition A-Clarinet 19/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.5%$6,808€6,089$6,808€6,089Check ↗
- 13
Buffet Crampon Divine A-Clarinet 19/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.6%$8,798€7,869$8,798€7,869Check ↗
- 14
Buffet Crampon Légende A-Clarinet 19/6Buffet Crampon47↑ 4.1%$8,607€7,698$8,607€7,698Check ↗
- 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)
Playability
This is king. Intermediate players need a clarinet that's forgiving - a comfortable action, a responsive lower register, and a manageable upper register. A stiff action or poor voicing will just breed frustration and bad habits.
Tone Quality
You're beyond the beginner 'squawk' now. Look for a clarinet with a warm, even tone across the range, avoiding that overly bright or thin sound. That 'fat midrange honk' is what you want for blending with other instruments and cutting through a band mix.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Intonation is only as good as your ability to consistently hit the notes. Well-placed, comfortable keywork is essential for accurate fingerings and a relaxed playing experience. Neck profile is surprisingly important too - a neck that's too thick or thin can impact airflow and intonation.
Material & Construction
While full grenadilla isn't necessarily a must, a good quality composite or resin body will be more stable and resistant to temperature and humidity changes - a real plus for gigging. Avoid anything that feels flimsy or poorly assembled.
Intonation
Let's be real, all clarinets need adjustment. But a clarinet that's consistently sharp or flat across the range will be a nightmare to tune. Look for something that's reasonably well-intoned out of the box, minimizing the need for extensive repairs.
Buying guide
So, you've been dabbling with the clarinet, maybe got a feel for the basics, and now you're ready to step up your game. The A clarinet (Boehm system) is a fantastic choice - it's versatile and a real workhorse. But finding the right one at the intermediate level isn't just about price; it's about playability, tone, and a bit of future-proofing. Let's cut through the noise and find something that'll actually inspire you to practice.
At this level, you're trading up from student instruments, so expect to pay more for improvements in tone and playability. Don't chase the highest-end features - a fancy silver key system won't magically make you a better player. Focus on a well-built instrument with a comfortable action and a pleasing tone; a good technician can tweak it to perfection.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true - cheap clarinets often cut corners on materials and workmanship, and those compromises will impact 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 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 composite and a grenadilla clarinet?
Grenadilla is a dense, resonant wood - it's the gold standard for tone. Composites (usually ABS resin) are more durable and less susceptible to environmental changes, but generally have a slightly less complex tone. For gigging, a composite is often a practical choice.
How important is a mouthpiece?
Massively important! The mouthpiece is the heart of the clarinet's tone. A decent mouthpiece will make a much bigger difference than upgrading the clarinet itself. Don't skimp on this - try a few different mouthpieces before committing.
Should I get a clarinet with a B flat adjustment?
It's becoming increasingly common, and it's definitely a useful feature for playing in ensembles that frequently use B flat keys. It's not essential, but it adds versatility.
What about a pickup system for recording?
If you plan on recording, a pickup is a good investment. However, the voicing of the pickup can dramatically alter the clarinet's tone. Try to find one that's known for its natural and accurate reproduction - avoid anything that adds harshness or artificial reverb.
How much should I expect to spend?
For a decent intermediate A clarinet, budget between $800 and $1500. Spending significantly less will likely result in compromises that hinder your progress. Consider used options - you can often find excellent instruments at a discount.
