AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best RZ Clarinets Bb Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
The top pick is RZ Clarinets MR Largo Bb-Clarinet 17/6 ($780). RZ Clarinets Allegro D Bb-Clarinet 18/6 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models, 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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The RZ Largo is a solid choice for beginning clarinetists needing a robust and affordable instrument. The plastic build ensures it can withstand the rigors of student use, and the included barrels offer a bit of intonation tweaking. While it won’t replicate a high-end wooden clarinet’s tone, it’s a surprisingly decent starting point for those just getting into the clarinet family.
Pros
- ABS plastic offers excellent durability for student use.
- RZ bore design aims for a warmer, wood-like tonal character.
- Includes two barrels for slight intonation adjustment flexibility.
Cons
- ABS plastic inherently lacks the complex tonal nuances of grenadilla wood.
- Beginner mouthpiece may limit advanced players' tonal expression.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$780 now$780€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This RZ clarinet is a solid choice for beginners or students on a budget. The ABS body makes it surprisingly robust, and the 'RZ bore' gives it a warmer tone than you'd typically expect from plastic. It’s a great entry point to the clarinet world, offering good value and a decent playing experience.
Pros
- Durable ABS plastic resists damage, ideal for students.
- RZ bore design convincingly emulates grenadilla's warmth.
- Includes multiple barrels for tuning flexibility and experimentation.
Cons
- ABS plastic lacks the tonal complexity of wood clarinets.
- Student mouthpiece is functional but will likely be upgraded soon.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$882 now$882€789 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Andante is a solid choice for serious students and those stepping up from a basic student clarinet. The grenadilla body provides a noticeably richer sound than many plastic alternatives, and the extra keys improve playability. It’s a well-rounded package offering a good balance of quality and affordability.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body delivers a warm, resonant tone characteristic of higher-end instruments.
- 17 keys and 6 rings offer improved ergonomics and comfortable fingerings for varied playing.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and a bright aesthetic, resisting tarnish better than raw nickel.
Cons
- The student mouthpiece, while adequate, won't inspire advanced players to fully explore tonal possibilities.
- Grenadilla wood, while beautiful, can be susceptible to cracking with improper care and humidity fluctuations.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,451 now$1,451€1,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with improper care and humidity fluctuations.
- Silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish and maintain appearance.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,067 now$2,067€1,849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
- Silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,346 now$2,346€2,098 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
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.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,799 now$3,799€3,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with significant humidity changes.
- Professional-level instrument demands a skilled player to fully realize its potential.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,911 now$3,911€3,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Bohema 17/6 is a serious contender for the advancing student or professional seeking a refined sound and improved technical capabilities. The unstained grenadilla provides a naturally rich tone, while the 17-key configuration enhances agility. It’s a fantastic instrument if you value responsiveness and nuanced control, but be prepared for the upkeep that comes with unstained wood.
Pros
- Exceptional grenadilla tone with surprising warmth for unstained wood.
- 17 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical agility and comfortable ergonomics.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and a bright, responsive feel.
Cons
- Unstained finish may require more careful maintenance to prevent stickiness.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,694 now$4,694€4,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Bohema 18/6 is a serious contender for advancing players and professionals. The grenadilla wood provides a beautiful, focused tone, and the extra keys/rings give you the fingerings you need for complex passages. It's a beautifully crafted instrument that's ready to be personalized with your mouthpiece of choice.
Pros
- Excellent grenadilla wood provides warm, resonant tone.
- 18 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical agility and intonation.
- Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and durability.
Cons
- Unstained finish may not appeal to players preferring a lacquered look.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many musicians.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,917 now$4,917€4,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet uses real grenadilla wood and comes with two barrel sizes to fit different players. It has silver keys and a gold post system, plus a thumb rest for comfort. Since it doesn't include a mouthpiece or list the weight, check those details before buying.
Pros
- Uses rare unstained grenadilla wood for body
- Includes two different barrel sizes for fit
- Features adjustable thumb rest for comfort
Cons
- Mouthpiece is not included in the box
- No weight information is provided in text
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,253 now$5,253€4,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 13 bb clarinets (boehm)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
RZ Clarinets Capriccio Bb-Clarinet 18/6RZ Clarinets36Stable$6,147€5,498$6,147€5,498Check ↗
- 12
RZ Clarinets Solo Bb-Clarinet 18/6RZ Clarinets36Stable$8,384€7,498$8,384€7,498Check ↗
- 13
RZ Clarinets Solo D Bb-Clarinet 18/6RZ Clarinets36Stable$8,441€7,549$8,441€7,549Check ↗
Bb Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 84 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,911 — half of all bb clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best bb clarinets (boehm)
Tone
Rz clarinets tend to have a warmer, more focused sound than some of the brighter, more aggressive competitors. It's not a dark, muddy tone, mind you, but it's got a lovely sustain and a pleasing, almost vocal quality that really shines in lyrical passages. It's a tone that blends well, which is a huge plus for gigging.
Action & Response
The action on Rz instruments is generally quite good right out of the box - not requiring a ton of adjustment. They respond well to a lighter touch, giving you good dynamic control, which is crucial for nailing those subtle nuances in jazz or classical playing. The voicing is clean, not overly stuffy.
Build Quality
You're not getting a Selmer Reference here, but Rz consistently uses decent materials and solid construction. The keywork feels reasonably robust, and the pads seem to hold up well under regular use. It's a solid, reliable build - not flashy, but dependable.
Intonation
Like any clarinet, intonation can be a bit finicky. Rz clarinets are generally pretty good, but they do require a bit of careful tuning and potentially some minor adjustments to the keys to get perfectly spot-on, especially in the higher registers. This is where a good tech can really make a difference.
Value
This is the big one. Rz offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio. You're getting a usable, well-sounding clarinet without needing to take out a second mortgage. It's a sweet spot for students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone who wants a reliable instrument without the premium price tag.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at a Bb Boehm clarinet? Good choice, it's the workhorse for a lot of us. But wading through the options can be overwhelming. Rz Clarinets have been quietly building a reputation for solid, reliable instruments that don't break the bank, and offer a surprisingly sweet tone - especially once you dial them in. Let's break down what makes these things tick and whether one might be right for you.
Look, these aren't hand-crafted masterpieces, so don't expect perfection. The finish might not be flawless, and the silver-plating isn't as thick as you'd find on higher-end horns. But for the price, you're getting a clarinet that will gig reliably and sound good.
A good tech for a basic setup is a worthwhile investment to really dial in the intonation and action.
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 13 bb clarinets (boehm) from the Thomann catalogue (of 84 in the category). 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
Are Rz clarinets good for beginners?
Absolutely. They're forgiving to play, the action isn't too stiff, and the tone is encouraging - not harsh or discouraging like some cheaper options. They're a solid starting point.
How do Rz clarinets compare to Yamaha?
Yamahas are known for their bright, precise tone and consistency. Rz are generally warmer and a bit more 'vocal'. Yamaha's tend to cut through a mix better, while Rz blend more easily. It's a matter of preference really.
What kind of reed should I use with a Rz clarinet?
Experiment! But generally, a mid-strength reed (around 2.5 or 3) will work well. You'll want to find something that balances projection with a warm, even tone - avoid anything too bright initially.
Do Rz clarinets need a lot of maintenance?
Like any woodwind, they need regular pad cleaning and occasional oiling of the keys. Don't let them dry out - swab them after every playing session. Basic maintenance goes a long way.
Can I record with an Rz clarinet?
Definitely! The warmer tone can be a real asset in a recording situation, especially for genres like jazz, blues, or folk. Just be mindful of the intonation and make sure you've got a good mic setup.
