AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bb Clarinets (Boehm) Under $800 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. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 6 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
The Thomann CL-18BB is a surprisingly capable clarinet, offering a solid foundation for students and intermediate players. The grenadilla body lends a pleasing warmth, and the included barrels let you fine-tune the tone. It's a well-equipped package for someone looking for a good-sounding, reliable instrument without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body offers a warm, resonant tone and excellent projection
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and a bright, responsive feel
- Includes two barrels for tonal flexibility and easy adjustment
Cons
- Grenadilla, while beautiful, can be susceptible to humidity changes requiring diligent care
- The included mouthpiece is likely a basic model, upgrade recommended for serious players
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$780 now$780€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Bb Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 15 models we track, not a sample.
Median $659 — half of all bb clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best bb clarinets (boehm)
Tone
Forget 'bright' or 'dark'; we're talking about sustain, warmth, and that crucial low-end thump. A clarinet that sounds thin and reedy won't cut it in a jazz combo or a rock band. It needs some body.
Intonation
A clarinet that's consistently out of tune is a headache, plain and simple. We're looking for something that's reasonably in tune straight out of the box, minimizing the tuning adjustments needed on gig.
Action & Keywork
The action shouldn't be too high - it'll kill your speed and articulation. Smooth, responsive keywork is essential for clean, fast playing, especially when you're trying to nail those tricky passages.
Construction & Materials
Resin bodies are the norm at this price point. They're durable, but don't expect the resonance of grenadilla wood. Pad quality is also a tell - cheap pads leak and affect tone and intonation.
Articulation & Dynamics
A good clarinet responds well to your breath control, giving you a full dynamic range. You should be able to whisper a soft phrase and then really project without sounding honky or strained.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a Bb clarinet and you're trying to be smart about it - good on you. Let's be real, dropping serious cash on a horn isn't always practical, especially when you're just starting out or gigging a few times a month. This list isn't about the Selmer Reference 54; it's about getting the most bang for your buck under $800, finding something that won't make your ears bleed and can hold its own in a band setting.
Under $800, you're making compromises. Resin bodies are the standard, which means you won't get the complex overtones of a wood clarinet - expect a more focused, but less nuanced sound. Pad leaks are a common issue - check them carefully before you buy.
Don't chase the 'perfect' tone; focus on something that's reliable, playable, and won't break the bank. A good technician can often improve a decent horn more than a 'better' horn can perform out of the box.
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 15 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 resin bodies really that bad?
They're not inherently bad, just different. You lose some of the warmth and complexity you get from grenadilla, but they're much more durable and less susceptible to cracking, which is a huge plus for gigging.
What about silver-plated keys? Are they worth it?
Silver plating looks nice, but it doesn't drastically improve the sound. It's more of a cosmetic upgrade. Focus on the overall build quality instead.
Can I expect good intonation at this price?
Reasonably good, but don't expect perfection. You'll almost certainly need to tweak the pads and possibly have the bore adjusted by a technician. Budget for that.
What's the difference between a beginner and intermediate clarinet?
An intermediate clarinet will typically have better keywork, more consistent intonation, and a slightly improved tone - but the differences are subtle at this price range. A well-maintained beginner clarinet can often outperform a neglected intermediate one.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is a great option to maximize your budget, but be very careful. Inspect the pads, check for cracks, and have a tech look it over before committing.
