AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best A Clarinets (Boehm) for Professional 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon Divine A-Clarinet 19/6 ($8,798). Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet gives you the most for the money at $3,532. 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.
-
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 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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗
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 RC A-Clarinet 18/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.5%$4,650€4,159$4,650€4,159Check ↗
- 12
Selmer Présence II A-Clarinet 18/6Selmer45Stable$4,907€4,389$4,907€4,389Check ↗
- 13
Buffet Crampon RC A-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon49↑ 1.4%$4,192€3,749$4,192€3,749Check ↗
- 14
Buffet Crampon Gala A-Clarinet 18/6Buffet Crampon50Stable$3,521€3,149$3,521€3,149Check ↗
- 15
Buffet Crampon E-11 A-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon50Stable$1,863€1,666$1,863€1,666Check ↗
- 16
Buffet Crampon E-13 A-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon50Stable$2,190€1,959$2,190€1,959Check ↗
- 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 & Articulation
A pro needs immediate, consistent response across the register, with clean articulation. Sloppy response leads to muddy passages and limits your expressive range - something you can't afford in a concerto or a tight ensemble. It's about that crisp, defined attack.
Tone Color & Projection
Forget a generic 'warm' tone. We're looking for tonal complexity - a core that's rich and full, but with enough brightness to cut through the mix without sounding brittle. Projection isn't just about volume; it's about carrying your voice clearly, even when buried in a dense arrangement.
Keywork Ergonomics & Action
Comfortable keywork is non-negotiable. A cramped or awkward action will slow you down and introduce unwanted tension, especially during those demanding passages. The feel should be intuitive, allowing for effortless technical facility.
Low-End Thump & High-End Sustain
A balanced frequency response is key. You need that solid low-end thump to anchor your sound, but also the sustain and clarity in the upper register to avoid a thin, reedy quality. It's a delicate balance.
Mechanical Stability & Intonation
Professional instruments need to hold their intonation under varying conditions (temperature, humidity, extended playing). Consistent mechanics are also vital - a clarinet that suddenly develops sticky keys mid-performance is a career killer.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a pro clarinetist and you're looking to upgrade your Boehm A. That's a serious decision - a good A can be a real extension of your voice, but a bad one? Forget about it. We're not talking about student models here; we're diving into instruments that demand nuanced control, incredible projection, and a tone that can cut through a symphony or a smoky jazz club. Let's find you something that'll inspire your playing.
Don't be swayed by fancy finishes or marketing hype. Pay close attention to the neck profile - it's a huge factor in playability and intonation. Many cheaper pro models cut corners on bore design and keywork tolerances, resulting in a less responsive and more frustrating experience.
Spending a little more on a well-maintained used instrument from a reputable maker is often a smarter move than buying a brand-new, budget-focused model.
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 'professional' and a 'student' A clarinet?
Professional models use higher-grade wood (or resin), have more precise keywork, a more refined bore design for better tone, and are built to tighter tolerances. Student models prioritize affordability over nuanced performance; the difference in response and tonal complexity is significant.
Is a wooden clarinet really worth the extra cost?
Generally, yes. Wood offers a warmth and complexity that resin struggles to replicate. However, wooden clarinets require more care - regular pad shaving, occasional re-corking, and humidity control are essential to maintain their performance. A neglected wooden clarinet will quickly deteriorate.
What about silver vs. gold-plated keys?
Silver is standard. Gold plating is primarily for aesthetics and perceived warmth - it's a luxury, not a performance upgrade. The metal itself has minimal impact on the sound; it's the mechanics and bore that matter most.
I'm struggling to get a consistent tone in the upper register. What could be the issue?
Several factors could be at play: register hole placement, the clarinet's bore design, or even your embouchure. It's worth having the instrument checked by a qualified technician, and consider getting a second opinion on your playing technique.
I've heard about 'voicing.' What does that even mean?
'Voicing' refers to the precise shaping and adjustment of the clarinet's internal baffles and tone hole placement. It's a subtle but crucial process that significantly impacts the instrument's tonal color and response. It's something a skilled repair tech can adjust to tailor the clarinet to your playing style.
