AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bb Clarinets (Boehm) Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon E-13 Bb-Clarinet 17/6 Gig Bag ($1,675). Startone SCL- 25 Bb- Clarinet gives you the most for the money at $144. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 25 models across 9 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 E-13 is a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a classic Buffet sound without the premium price tag of their top-tier models. Its 17/6 configuration lends a slightly darker, richer tone, making it ideal for classical, jazz, and even some folk styles. The included gig bag is a nice touch, offering solid protection for your investment.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body offers a warm, focused, and resonant tonal quality.
- Silver-plated keys provide a smooth, responsive action and excellent durability.
- The 17-key, 6-ring design provides a slightly more traditional voicing than modern models.
Cons
- The 17/6 configuration may feel slightly less flexible for advanced players.
- Grenadilla wood requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking and warping.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 12.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,922 · Aug 14$1,675 now$1,675€1,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha YCL-650II Professional Bb Clarinet
YCL-650-E Clarinet · Yamaha
6 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The YCL-650-E is a solid step-up clarinet, offering a noticeably improved sound and feel compared to student models. It’s a great choice for serious intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional-level instrument without the premium price tag of the flagship models. The new barrel design really makes a difference in responsiveness.
Pros
- Grenadilla body offers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- New barrel shape improves response and intonation consistency.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and durability.
Cons
- Grenadilla, while beautiful, can be susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- Yamaha mouthpiece is adequate, but serious players will likely upgrade for personalized voicing.
55AudioFu
Index↑ 1.2%since Aug 14$1,765 · Aug 14$1,787 now$1,787€1,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 E12F is a fantastic step-up clarinet for serious students and advancing players. It offers the renowned Buffet tonal character and reliable mechanics at a more accessible price point than the higher-end models—a solid choice for those seeking professional-level quality without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Grenadilla body delivers a rich, warm, and focused tone.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and a bright aesthetic.
- 17 keys/6 rings enhance intonation and technical facility.
Cons
- Grenadilla, while beautiful, can be susceptible to humidity changes.
- The included mouthpiece is adequate, but an upgrade is often desired.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,452 now$1,452€1,299 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 Buffet Crampon E-11 is a fantastic entry point into the world of serious clarinet playing. It offers a surprisingly rich tone and solid construction for its class, making it ideal for students and advancing players who want a reliable, professional-level instrument without the premium price tag of the higher-end models.
Pros
- Grenadilla body provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Silver-plated keys offer responsive action and a bright aesthetic.
- 17 keys/6 rings enhance intonation and technical capabilities.
Cons
- The African Grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
- The silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish.
38AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 14$1,116 · Aug 14$1,117 now$1,117€999 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 ↗
All 25 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 MR Largo Bb-Clarinet 17/6RZ Clarinets36Stable$780€698$780€698Check ↗
- 12
RZ Clarinets Base Bb-Clarinet 18/6RZ Clarinets36Stable$882€789$882€789Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha YCL-450-02 Bb-Clarinet 17/6Yamaha36Stable$1,195€1,069$1,195€1,069Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha YCL-450M-02 Bb-Clarinet 17/6Yamaha36Stable$1,206€1,079$1,206€1,079Check ↗
- 15
RZ Clarinets Andante Bb-Clarinet 17/6RZ Clarinets36Stable$1,451€1,298$1,451€1,298Check ↗
- 16
Buffet Crampon Prodige Bb-Clarinet 17/6 SetBuffet Crampon · 2 finishes35Stable$688€615$688€615Check ↗
- 17
Selmer Prologue II 17/6 Bb-ClarinetSelmer35Stable$1,967€1,759$1,967€1,759Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha YCL-450E-02 Bb-Clarinet 18/6Yamaha34↑ 4.6%$1,285€1,149$1,285€1,149Check ↗
- 19
Nuvo Band Bb-Clarinet BlackNuvo Band32↓ 3.9%$300€268$300€268Check ↗
- 20
Thomann CL-18BB Bb- Clarinet BoehmThomann32Stable$780€698$780€698Check ↗
- 21
F.A. Uebel Etude Bb-ClarinetF.A. Uebel32Stable$815€729$815€729Check ↗
- 22
F.A. Uebel Classic Bb-ClarinetF.A. Uebel32Stable$1,765€1,579$1,765€1,579Check ↗
- 23
JazzMaxx Winds Vintage Soul Bb-ClarinetJazzMaxx Winds31Stable$893€799$893€799Check ↗
- 24
JazzMaxx Winds Showtime Acryl Bb-ClarinetJazzMaxx Winds31Stable$1,117€999$1,117€999Check ↗
- 25
F.A. Uebel Classic L Bb Clarinet Eb keyF.A. Uebel30↑ 5.4%$1,884€1,685$1,884€1,685Check ↗
Bb Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 36 models we track, not a sample.
Median $938 — half of all bb clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best bb clarinets (boehm)
Tone
In this price range, expect a focused but not necessarily 'warm' tone. You're looking for clarity and projection, something that cuts through a band mix without sounding brittle. A little bit of 'fat midrange honk' is a plus, but avoid anything overly shrill.
Action & Keywork
Smooth, consistent action is crucial. Sticky keys or a high action will kill your articulation and make playing a chore. Look for even spring tension across all keys and a comfortable, responsive feel.
Intonation
Intonation can be a real bear on student-level instruments, but even in this budget, you should find something reasonably well-intoned. Be prepared to tweak the pads and adjust the neck position - it's part of the game.
Construction & Materials
Most will be Grenadilla wood, which is standard. Pay attention to the finish - a thick, uneven finish can deaden the tone. Look for a well-fitted upper joint, as that's where a lot of the tone is generated.
Durability
Gigs aren't gentle. You need something that can handle being bumped around in a gig bag and occasional mishaps. Check for solid keywork, a robust body, and a case that offers decent protection.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a solid Bb clarinet without breaking the bank. $2000 is a decent budget, enough to get something that'll gig reliably and record decently, but you still need to be smart about it. Forget the boutique instruments - we're hunting for value here, something that delivers a good sound and reliable action without the ridiculous markup. Let's find you a workhorse.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect the incredible sustain or dynamic range of a pro-level horn. Pad quality is often the first thing to go in cheaper instruments - budget for a pad replacement down the line.
The neck profile is critical - try before you buy if possible, as it dramatically affects the feel and intonation. Don't be swayed by fancy finishes or unnecessary features; prioritize playability and a consistent tone.
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 36 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 Yamaha clarinets always the best value?
Yamaha makes solid instruments, but they aren't always the absolute best bang-for-your-buck. Other brands offer comparable or even better performance at similar price points. Don't get tunnel vision on one brand.
What's the deal with silver-plated vs. bare wood?
Silver-plating is purely cosmetic and doesn't significantly affect tone. It can be easier to clean, but it's not a performance upgrade. Stick with bare wood to save a few bucks.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is often a great option - you can get a higher-quality instrument for the same price. Just be sure to have it checked by a technician before you commit, especially regarding pad leaks and intonation.
I'm a beginner - does it really matter that much?
Yes, it does. A poorly made clarinet will hinder your progress and make learning more frustrating. A decent instrument will be more responsive and enjoyable to play, encouraging you to practice more.
What about student models advertised as 'professional'?
Be wary of that marketing. 'Professional' in this context often means it has a slightly nicer finish or a few extra keys. It's unlikely to be a truly professional-level instrument within your budget. Read reviews carefully.
