AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bb Clarinets (Boehm) Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YCL-255 S Bb-Clarinet ($647). Startone SCL- 25 Bb- Clarinet gives you the most for the money at $144. RZ Clarinets Base Bb-Clarinet 18/6 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 13 models across 8 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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The YCL-255 S is a solid, dependable clarinet perfect for students or players needing a reliable, affordable instrument. It offers a bright, clear tone and comfortable ergonomics, making it easy to learn and play for extended periods. It's a great step up from a truly entry-level horn, offering improved build and feel.
Pros
- ABS body provides excellent durability and consistent intonation.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and resist tarnish.
- Improved thumb rest enhances comfort and control during playing.
Cons
- ABS construction lacks the warmth and tonal complexity of wood.
- Silver plating requires occasional polishing to prevent discoloration.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$647 now$647€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Startone SCL-25 is a surprisingly solid entry-level clarinet. It's a great option for beginners, school band programs, or anyone needing a dependable, affordable instrument for practice. While it won’t compete with pro-level horns, it delivers a decent tone and a reliable playing experience.
Pros
- ABS body offers excellent durability and resists cracking.
- Silver-plated nickel silver keys provide smooth action and responsiveness.
- Includes a complete accessory pack – swab, grease, ligature, case.
Cons
- ABS plastic body lacks the tonal complexity of wood.
- Silver-plated mechanism may tarnish and require occasional cleaning.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Startone SCL-65 is a surprisingly solid entry point for aspiring clarinetists. Its durable construction and included accessories make it a great value for students or those wanting a backup instrument. Don't expect a professional sound, but it's well-suited for learning the basics and casual playing.
Pros
- ABS body offers durability, resisting cracks common in wood instruments
- Silver-plated nickel silver keys provide a responsive, relatively smooth action
- Includes multiple barrels for slight tuning adjustments and tonal variation
Cons
- ABS plastic body lacks the tonal complexity of wood, sounding somewhat 'plastic'
- Silver-plated keywork, while decent, won't match the feel of solid silver keys
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Prodige is a fantastic entry-level clarinet, especially for students or players needing a reliable, low-maintenance instrument. Its robust ABS construction and comfortable keywork make it a joy to play, and the bore design delivers a surprisingly full sound. It's a great choice for those wanting a solid-performing instrument without the fragility or upkeep of a wood clarinet.
Pros
- Durable ABS body resists cracking and temperature changes.
- Poly-cylindrical bore offers a responsive, even tone across registers.
- Blue steel springs provide a lighter, faster action for improved agility.
Cons
- ABS body lacks the acoustic richness of traditional wood.
- Included mouthpiece is serviceable but may limit tonal exploration.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$659 now$659€589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Prodige is a fantastic entry-level clarinet—seriously well-made for the price. The ABS body makes it incredibly durable, a huge plus for students, and the tone is surprisingly rich for a synthetic instrument. It's an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for reliability and a good foundation.
Pros
- Durable ABS body resists cracking, ideal for students
- Poly-cylindrical bore offers a surprisingly warm, responsive tone
- Blue steel springs provide a lighter, quicker key action
Cons
- ABS body lacks the tonal complexity of grenadilla wood
- Included mouthpiece is adequate but a significant upgrade is recommended
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$770 now$770€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann CL-17BB is a solid entry-level clarinet, offering a good balance of playability and affordability. The combination of grenadilla and composite gives it a pleasing tone, and the included barrels let you tweak the intonation. It's perfect for students or players looking for a reliable, budget-friendly instrument to get started with.
Pros
- Grenadilla/composite body offers a surprisingly warm and resonant tone.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and a bright aesthetic.
- Two barrel options allow for tuning adjustments and tonal flexibility.
Cons
- Composite construction may not fully replicate the tonal complexity of all-wood instruments.
- The included mouthpiece is functional but likely a limiting factor for advanced players.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$368 now$368€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- Weight0.149 kg
The Prodige is a fantastic entry-level clarinet – a solid choice for students or players needing a reliable, durable instrument. It provides a surprisingly good tone for an ABS body, and the included accessories make it a complete package. It's a great way to get started without a huge investment.
Pros
- Durable ABS body withstands student use and travel well.
- Poly-cylindrical bore delivers a surprisingly rich, focused tone.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and responsiveness.
Cons
- ABS body, while durable, lacks the tonal complexity of wood.
- Basic mouthpiece limits advanced players' tonal exploration.
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$688 now$688€615 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet is super light and tough enough for any weather. It plays softly and comes with everything you need to start. It is perfect for kids or beginners who want something durable without the weight.
Pros
- ABS and polycarbonate body is very light at 420 grams.
- Sturdy design works in rain, snow, or dusty conditions.
- Silicone padding protects fingers on all 14 keys.
Cons
- Plastic construction may lack resonance of wood.
- ABS material can feel less premium than wood.
32AudioFu
Index↓ 3.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$312 · Aug 17$300 now$300€268 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
Thomann CL-18BB Bb- Clarinet BoehmThomann32Stable$780€698$780€698Check ↗
- 12
F.A. Uebel Etude Bb-ClarinetF.A. Uebel32Stable$815€729$815€729Check ↗
- 13
JazzMaxx Winds Vintage Soul Bb-ClarinetJazzMaxx Winds31Stable$893€799$893€799Check ↗
Bb Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 19 models we track, not a sample.
Median $726 — half of all bb clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best bb clarinets (boehm)
Tone
It's gotta be more than just 'pleasant.' We're looking for a core tone that can be shaped, some responsiveness in the upper register, and a decent low end that doesn't just disappear. A clarinet with a thin, reedy tone won't cut through a band, and a dark, muddy one won't sparkle on a recording.
Intonation
Let's be honest, intonation is everything. A clarinet that's consistently sharp or flat is a nightmare to tune and even more frustrating to play. We're looking for instruments that hold their tuning reasonably well across the range, even with minor adjustments.
Keywork & Action
Smooth, reliable keywork is vital, especially for faster passages. Stiff keys or sticky pads will kill your articulation and slow you down. The action - how much force is needed to trigger a key - should be light and responsive without feeling sloppy.
Build Quality & Durability
At this price point, we're not expecting miracles. But we are looking for instruments that feel solid, with decent plating that won't corrode after a few months of gigging. Cheap plastic or flimsy joints are a red flag.
Ergonomics & Neck Profile
A comfortable neck profile can make a huge difference, especially during long rehearsals or gigs. An awkward neck can lead to tension and fatigue, impacting your playing. The overall balance of the instrument matters too; it shouldn't feel front-heavy or unwieldy.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a Bb clarinet, but your wallet's feeling the pinch? Been there, gigged there. Finding a decent Boehm system clarinet that doesn't sound like a strangled goose under $1000 is a challenge, but it's not impossible. This list is about getting you the most usable instrument for your money, whether you're cutting a session or just want to practice without feeling guilty.
Realistically, at this price, you're making trade-offs. Expect slightly thinner tone than a higher-end instrument, and be prepared to deal with some minor intonation quirks. Pad quality is often the first thing to degrade - budget for a repad down the line.
Don't be swayed by fancy finishes or excessive ornamentation; focus on the fundamentals: tone, intonation, and comfortable keywork. A well-maintained student model can often outperform a flashy but poorly-made intermediate horn.
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 19 bb 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
Are student models really that bad?
Some are awful, some are surprisingly decent. The Yamaha YCL-255 is a classic for a reason - it's a solid foundation. But a lot of cheaper student models cut corners on keywork and intonation, so try before you buy.
What about online deals? Are they worth it?
Online deals can be tempting, but be cautious. Returns can be a hassle, and you miss out on the chance to physically check the instrument. If you're not experienced, it's safer to buy from a reputable dealer who can offer setup and advice.
Should I consider a used instrument?
Absolutely. You can often find significantly better instruments for your money on the used market. Just be sure to have it checked out by a technician before committing.
What's the deal with mouthpiece compatibility?
Most Bb clarinets use the standard 175 mouthpiece fitting. However, some cheaper models might use a slightly different size. Double-check before you invest in a mouthpiece.
How important is a professional setup?
Crucially important. Even a good clarinet needs a proper setup - pad adjustment, key alignment, and overall regulation. A good setup can transform an average instrument into something much more playable.
