Best Bb Clarinets (Boehm) for Intermediate 2026
Alright, so you're past the student clarinet and feeling the itch for a Bb Boehm - smart move. They open up a whole different world of repertoire and gigging opportunities. But stepping up isn't just about a fancier finish; it's about finding an instrument that'll respond to your growing skill and let you shape your tone. This isn't a beginner's guide - we're talking about clarinets that can handle some serious playing.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
⚡ The best bb clarinets (boehm) in 2026 are Buffet Crampon R13 Bb-Clarinet 17/6 (top pick), RZ Clarinets Allegro Bb-Clarinet 18/6 for tighter budgets, and RZ Clarinets Allegro Bb-Clarinet 17/6 for pros — selected from 15 options across 5 brands, priced $2,142–$4,113, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
6/10
Buffet Crampon R13 Bb-Clarinet 17/6
All Genres
General Performance
Students
Key Feature:
The R13 is a fantastic step-up clarinet for serious students and advancing players. Its Grendilla body delivers a warm, full tone with excellent projection, and the improved keywork makes it a joy to play – a true workhorse instrument built to last.
PROS
- • Exceptional Grendilla wood provides a rich, focused tone.
- • Silver-plated mechanisms offer smooth, responsive action.
- • 17 keys and 5 rings enhance technical capabilities and intonation.
- • Buffet’s renowned craftsmanship ensures long-term durability and reliability.
CONS
- • The Grendilla wood can be susceptible to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- • The silver plating necessitates regular polishing to prevent tarnish.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 233803
$4,113
#2
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
RZ Clarinets Allegro Bb-Clarinet 18/6
by
RZ Clarinets
General Performance
Jazz
All Genres
Key Feature:
The Allegro is a seriously capable instrument, offering a professional feel and sound at a competitive price point. It's ideal for ambitious intermediate to advanced players looking to step up from student models and explore a more nuanced tonal palette. The included barrels are a thoughtful touch, letting you dial in your perfect pitch.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- • 18 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical agility and intonation.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and a bright, responsive feel.
- • Included barrels allow for easy fine-tuning of pitch and timbre.
CONS
- • Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with significant humidity changes.
- • Professional-level instrument demands a skilled player to fully realize its potential.
- • Lack of mouthpiece requires an additional investment for a suitable setup.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 589354
$4,054
#3
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
RZ Clarinets Allegro Bb-Clarinet 17/6
by
RZ Clarinets
Band
General Performance
All Genres
Key Feature:
The RZ Allegro is a seriously capable clarinet, built with quality materials and a thoughtful keywork layout. It's a great step up for advanced students and gigging professionals who want a reliable, responsive instrument with a pleasing, focused tone. It’s a fantastic value for a clarinet of this caliber.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- • 17 keys and 6 rings offer enhanced technical agility and comfortable fingering.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and responsiveness for years.
- • Includes two barrels for subtle intonation adjustments across registers.
CONS
- • Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with improper care and humidity fluctuations.
- • Professional-level clarinet requires dedicated practice and maintenance to realize its potential.
- • Lacks a mouthpiece, necessitating a separate, often premium, purchase.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 589353
$3,938
#4
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Selmer Présence II Bb-Clarinet 18/6
by
Selmer
Band
Orchestra
General Performance
Key Feature:
The Présence II is a solid step up for intermediate to advanced players. Selmer's blended construction – grenadilla and resin – gives a surprisingly focused and powerful sound, while the included barrels offer a good deal of tonal flexibility. It’s a great instrument for those looking for professional quality without the absolute top-tier price tag of their flagship models.
PROS
- • Synthetic resin bore enhances projection and clarity, a noticeable improvement.
- • Silver-plated keys offer smooth, responsive action and a bright feel.
- • Grenadilla wood body provides warmth and tonal complexity; beautifully finished.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning pitch and timbre to suit different playing styles.
CONS
- • The Echo mouthpiece is a basic option; experienced players will likely upgrade.
- • Grenadilla wood, while beautiful, is susceptible to temperature and humidity changes.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many students or hobbyists.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610053
$3,923
Yamaha YCL-CSV R Clarinet
by
Yamaha
All Genres
General Performance
Band
Key Feature:
This clarinet has a warm tone thanks to its grenadilla wood body. The silvered keys and extra keys make it easy to play. It suits players who like a lively sound. It is a solid choice for serious players.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood offers a warm, rich tone.
- • Heavily silvered mechanism resists corrosion well.
- • Conical tone-holes create a lively sound.
- • Extended C# and G# keys add flexibility.
CONS
- • No barrel length is provided in details.
- • Weight is not listed in the specs.
- • Finish type is not explicitly stated.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 362434
$3,822
#6
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Buffet Crampon Gala Bb-Clarinet 18/6
Orchestra
Jazz
General Performance
Key Feature:
The Gala is a fantastic step up for intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional-grade clarinet. It offers the core tonal character of Buffet’s higher-end models, with a comfortable keywork and a versatile response. This is a great choice for students progressing towards a conservatory level or professionals wanting a reliable, excellent-sounding instrument.
PROS
- • Grenadilla body delivers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- • Polycylindrical bore promotes even response across the range.
- • 18 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical agility and comfort.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning intonation and timbre.
CONS
- • The silver-plated mechanism, while durable, requires regular polishing.
- • Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to humidity changes; care is essential.
- • The Gala sits in a premium-priced bracket, a significant investment.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 503348
$3,706
#7
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Selmer Présence II Bb-Clarinet 17/6
by
Selmer
Students
Jazz
All Genres
Key Feature:
This clarinet uses real grenadilla wood for a classic sound, but the upper joint is synthetic resin. It comes with great pads and a nice case, though you can't tell how heavy it is. It fits players who want a solid, traditional feel without the full wood joint.
PROS
- • Natural grenadilla wood offers classic warm tone
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action feel
- • Gore-Tex pads provide excellent airtight seal
- • Two barrel lengths give setup flexibility
CONS
- • Synthetic resin upper joint lacks traditional feel
- • No listed weight for heavy instrument check
- • Price point may limit some budget players
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610054
$3,661
#8
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Buffet Crampon Gala Bb-Clarinet 17/6
Students
Band
All Genres
Key Feature:
The Gala is a fantastic step-up clarinet, offering a significant upgrade in tone and response compared to student models. It nails that sweet spot between professional quality and approachability, making it ideal for serious intermediate to advanced players who want a reliable, expressive instrument without the full price tag of a flagship model. The included barrels give you extra flexibility in adjusting your sound.
PROS
- • Grenadilla body offers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- • Polycylindrical bore provides excellent projection and intonation stability.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and reliable responsiveness.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning pitch and timbre.
CONS
- • The silver plating requires diligent care to prevent tarnish and maintain appearance.
- • Grenadilla, while beautiful, can be susceptible to cracking with extreme temperature changes.
- • The Gala sits in a premium-priced bracket, potentially prohibitive for some students.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 503343
$3,314
#9
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Oscar Adler & Co. 912 Bb-Clarinet Boehm
Students
All Genres
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Oscar Adler 912 is a really solid step-up clarinet. It delivers a surprisingly mature tone for a student model, thanks to the grenadilla body and good quality pads. It's a great choice for serious students and younger players looking for a reliable, well-built instrument that won't break the bank.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood body offers a warm, resonant tone characteristic of professional instruments
- • Pisoni Gore-Tex pads ensure excellent leak resistance and longevity
- • Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and a bright aesthetic
- • BG ligature and Vandoren B45 offer a solid, responsive playing experience out of the box
CONS
- • The unstained finish, while aesthetically pleasing, may require more careful maintenance to prevent stickiness
- • Being a student model, the keywork might not offer the same level of ergonomic refinement as higher-end instruments
- • The 65mm barrel length leans towards a darker tone, which might not suit all playing styles
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 326800
$3,011
#10
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Yamaha YCL-CX-E Clarinet
by
Yamaha
Jazz
Students
Orchestra
Key Feature:
The YCL-CX-E is a seriously solid step-up clarinet. Yamaha’s nailed the open French voicing here, giving it a really professional sound. This is a great choice for intermediate to advanced players who want a refined tone and reliable mechanics without the premium price tag of the absolute top-tier models.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood body provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • Conical tone holes enhance projection and a richer, darker timbre.
- • Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and improved durability over standard nickel.
- • Custom 4CM mouthpiece delivers a responsive and versatile playing experience.
CONS
- • The silver plating can require more frequent polishing to prevent tarnish.
- • Grenadilla wood, while beautiful, is susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- • The open French tone can be challenging for beginners to control intonation initially.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 149527
$2,954
#11
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Yamaha YCL-CX Clarinet
by
Yamaha
Band
Orchestra
Students
Key Feature:
The YCL-CX is a beautifully crafted instrument, perfect for serious intermediate to advanced students and professionals. The grenadilla wood gives it a wonderfully warm and focused sound, and the custom mouthpiece really helps with projection and control. It's a step up from entry-level models, offering a truly refined playing experience.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- • Precisely balanced flaps contribute to exceptional responsiveness and evenness.
- • Silver-plated mechanism ensures smooth action and a bright, clear projection.
- • Custom 4CM mouthpiece offers a focused and controlled tonal palette.
CONS
- • Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- • The silver-plated keys require periodic polishing to prevent tarnish.
- • While versatile, the sound leans towards classical and may lack extreme edge for some genres.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 149526
$2,779
#12
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Oscar Adler & Co. 911 Bb-Clarinet Boehm
Jazz
Students
All Genres
Key Feature:
The Oscar Adler 911 is a solid choice for serious students and intermediate players looking to step up from a basic instrument. The grenadilla body and quality pads contribute to a surprisingly mature sound, and the included mouthpiece gets you playing at a decent level right out of the box. It’s a well-built, reliable clarinet that offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood body offers a warm, resonant tone characteristic of quality instruments
- • Pisoni Gore-Tex pads ensure reliable sealing and consistent response across registers
- • Silver-plated mechanics provide smooth, responsive key action for comfortable playing
- • Included Vandoren B45 mouthpiece delivers a focused, professional-level sound
CONS
- • Student model limits advanced features found on professional-grade clarinets
- • Unstained grenadilla can show minor cosmetic imperfections over time
- • The included gig bag, while functional, may not offer the same protection as a hard case
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 326799
$2,663
#13
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
8/10
RZ Clarinets Conservatory Bb-Clarinet 18/6
by
RZ Clarinets
General Performance
Orchestra
Students
Key Feature:
The RZ Conservatory is a solid choice for serious students and advancing players seeking a well-built, responsive Bb clarinet. The grenadilla body delivers a lovely tone, and the extra keys/rings provide comfortable access to the higher register. It's a great balance of quality and playability without the premium price tag of top-tier brands.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • 18 keys/6 rings offer improved ergonomics and extended range.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and durability.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning response and intonation.
CONS
- • Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
- • Silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish.
- • The included case, while functional, may lack premium protection.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589352
$2,432
#14
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Selmer Prologue II 18/6 Bb-Clarinet
by
Selmer
Jazz
Orchestra
All Genres
Key Feature:
The Prologue II is a fantastic step-up clarinet, offering a noticeably improved sound and feel over student models. The keywork is well-designed for comfortable playing, and the grenadilla body delivers a surprisingly rich tone. This is an excellent choice for intermediate players or those seeking a professional-level instrument without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • 18 keys/6 rings offer enhanced ergonomics and smoother transitions.
- • Valentino pads ensure reliable sealing and consistent response across registers.
- • Silver-plated keys offer durability and a bright, responsive feel.
CONS
- • The polycylindrical bore can feel slightly less flexible than a conical bore.
- • While ergonomically improved, the keywork might still be a challenge for smaller hands.
- • The Selmer Focus mouthpiece is a decent starting point, but upgrading will significantly improve tone.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600614
$2,316
#15
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
8/10
RZ Clarinets Conservatory Bb-Clarinet 17/6
by
RZ Clarinets
All Genres
General Performance
Students
Key Feature:
The RZ Conservatory is a solid choice for serious students and advancing players seeking a well-built, responsive instrument. The grenadilla body delivers a pleasing warmth, and the extra keys make complex passages easier to navigate. It's a great value proposition, offering professional-level features without the truly premium price tag.
PROS
- • Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • 17 keys and 6 rings offer improved ergonomics and technical facility.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and responsiveness for years.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning pitch and response characteristics.
CONS
- • Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with improper care and humidity fluctuations.
- • Silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish and maintain appearance.
- • The included case, while functional, may not offer the ultimate protection for touring professionals.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589351
$2,143
Every bb clarinets (boehm) that matches
83 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
Bb Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 83 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $3,011
from $323 to $8,806
How to Choose the Best Bb Clarinets (Boehm)
1
Response & Intonation
As an intermediate player, you're starting to hear subtle intonation quirks. A good Bb clarinet should offer a more consistent and reliable intonation across the range, especially in the upper registers. We're looking for evenness and minimal need for constant adjustment.
2
Tone Color
You're beyond the 'just making a sound' phase. Now you're chasing that warm, focused core tone with a little bit of edge - not a thin, reedy sound, and not a honky, unfocused mess either. It needs to cut through a band without being harsh.
3
Keywork & Ergonomics
Intermediate players are developing more complex fingerings and techniques. The keywork needs to be smooth, reliable, and comfortable, with a good action that doesn't fight you. A well-designed neck profile also makes a huge difference in overall playability.
4
Durability & Construction
Let's be real, you're gigging now. The clarinet needs to hold up to the bumps and scrapes of regular use. We're looking for solid construction, durable pads, and a mechanism that won't start seizing up after a few months.
5
Dynamic Range & Articulation
You're starting to explore nuanced phrasing. A good clarinet will give you headroom to shape your dynamics - a whisper-quiet passage needs to be just as controllable as a full-blown blast. Clear articulation is crucial for clean, precise playing.
Buying Guide
Don't fall for the shiny lacquer and fancy engraving. At this level, it's about the fundamental response and build quality. A clarinet with a slightly older, but well-maintained, bore will often play better than a brand-new model with flashy features. Pay attention to the pad material and the spring tension on the keys - those are indicators of longevity. It's often worth spending a little more for a reputable brand known for its consistent quality control.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 83 bb clarinets (boehm) from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student models often have simpler key systems, less precise intonation, and a more basic tone. Intermediate instruments have improved keywork, better intonation, and a more developed tonal palette - they're designed to support more advanced playing techniques.
Rolled tone holes are a design feature intended to improve response and intonation, especially in the upper register. While they're not a magic bullet, they're more common on intermediate and professional models and contribute to a more even tone.
Experiment! It really depends on your embouchure and the clarinet's response. Most intermediate players find themselves gravitating towards 2.5 to 3.5 reeds, but don't be afraid to try different strengths to find what works best for your style and the clarinet's voicing.
Silver plating can offer a slightly brighter, more focused tone, but it's often more about aesthetics. The underlying bore and construction are far more important. A well-made, solid polymer clarinet will often outperform a poorly made silver-plated one.
Pickup voicing is crucial - you want something that captures the clarinet's natural tone, not a sterile, electronic sound. Look for systems that focus on a balanced frequency response and minimal coloration. Test it out with your own instrument and playing style before committing.
