AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best A Clarinets (Boehm) Under $5,000 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet ($3,687). Thomann CL-18A A-Clarinet Boehm gives you the most for the money at $949. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
The Thomann CL-18A is a surprisingly capable student or intermediate clarinet, offering a solid grenadilla wood body and a well-adjusted mechanism at a very reasonable price point. It's a great option for students building their skills or players looking for a reliable, affordable practice instrument – just plan on upgrading the mouthpiece down the line for a more refined sound.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body provides a warm, resonant tone.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and reliable response.
- Eb lever expands range and facilitates complex passages.
Cons
- Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with drastic humidity changes.
- The included mouthpiece is likely a basic model; an upgrade is recommended.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$949 now$949€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
A Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 9 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,532 — half of all A clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best A clarinets (boehm)
Intonation
A clarinet's intonation is everything. Even a slight waver can drive you crazy in a recording or make you sound out of tune with a band. We're looking for consistent, stable intonation across the range, not just in the middle register.
Response & Articulation
How easily does the horn respond to your breath? A sluggish response means fighting the instrument. Clean, effortless articulation is crucial for clarity and expression - especially when you need to cut through a mix.
Tonal Color
Forget a bright, thin sound. We're after a clarinet with some meat to it - a warm, even tone with a decent low-end thump and a pleasing upper register. That 'fat midrange honk' is a bonus.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Comfortable keywork is a huge deal, especially for longer gigs. Look for a well-designed mechanism with smooth action and a neck profile that suits your hand. A cramped or awkward setup will kill your stamina.
Construction & Durability
Let's be realistic; at this price point, we're not expecting miracles. But the horn should feel solid, with decent plating to resist wear and tear. Cheap plastic keys and a flimsy body won't last long in a gigging environment.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a decent A clarinet without dropping five grand. It's a smart move - you can absolutely get a working, reliable instrument in that range. Forget the student-grade horns; we're aiming for something that'll hold up to gigging, recording, and won't make you want to throw it across the room when you're trying to nail that tricky passage. Let's find you a clarinet that'll actually sound good and feel comfortable.
In this budget, you're making trade-offs. Often, it's between tonal complexity and build quality. Don't expect the ultimate in tonal richness or perfectly consistent intonation; those are found in the higher-priced instruments.
Focus on finding an instrument with good overall ergonomics and a relatively even response across the range. A well-maintained used instrument can often offer better value than a new, entry-level 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 9 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 student model and something in this price range?
Student models prioritize affordability over nuanced tone and reliable intonation. They often have simpler keywork and less refined construction. This list focuses on instruments with better materials and design, aiming for a more professional feel and sound.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is almost always the smarter play. You can often get a higher-quality instrument for the same price, as the initial depreciation hits hard. Just make sure to have it checked by a technician before committing.
What about pickups? Do I need one?
If you plan on recording or amplifying, a pickup is a good idea. The voicing on cheaper pickups can be harsh, so research your options - a decent internal condenser mic is usually better than a piezo. Consider it an additional expense.
What reed strength should I use?
That's entirely personal, but starting around a 2.5 or 3 will give you a good baseline. Experiment to find what works best for your embouchure and the instrument's response.
What should I look for in a technician's inspection?
Ask them to check the pads for leaks, the springs for proper tension, and the overall intonation. A minor adjustment can make a big difference in how the instrument plays.
