AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Schreiber Bb Clarinets (German) 2026
The top pick is Schreiber D-26 t-Edition Bb-Clarinet ($1,667). Schreiber D-51 Bb-Clarinet leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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This is a German-system Bb clarinet made from grenadilla wood, with 20 keys and four trill keys. It comes with two barrels, a mouthpiece case with backpack straps, and a 5-year guarantee on the body and key system. It suits you if you want a well-equipped German-system clarinet, since it is a special edition marking Schreiber's 80th anniversary.
Pros
- Made in Germany, with a body of Grenadilla wood in natural finish
- Silver-plated rings and black-nickel-plated tapered rings
- Additional resonance hole on the upper joint helps the high forked Bb
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,667 now$1,667€1,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-12 is a solid, well-built clarinet that’s a great option for students and advancing players. It offers a warm, focused tone and a comfortable key system, making it surprisingly easy to play while still providing a professional feel. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable German-made instrument without the premium price tag of some top-tier brands.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body provides a warm, resonant tone characteristic of German clarinets
- Narrower key system simplifies fingering, especially beneficial for younger or smaller hands
- Optimized bore and tone hole design enhance projection and intonation accuracy
Cons
- The silver plating, while durable, may require occasional polishing to prevent tarnish
- Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to cracking with extreme temperature or humidity changes
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,444 now$1,444€1,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-16 is a solid step-up instrument, well-suited for serious student and intermediate clarinetists looking for a German-made horn with improved ergonomics and a refined sound. The adjustments to the bore and key placement make it surprisingly responsive, and the included barrels offer some flexibility in tuning and tonal character. It's a well-built instrument that balances affordability with quality craftsmanship.
Pros
- Grenadilla body provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Tight keywork enhances responsiveness and precision for advanced players.
- Optimized bore and tone hole design improve intonation and projection.
Cons
- The W5A mouthpiece may not suit all players and might require upgrading.
- Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,444 now$1,444€1,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-13 is a Bb clarinet made 100% in Germany from grenadilla wood. Its keys are set for smaller hands, so it suits you if your hands are on the small side. It comes with a mouthpiece, ligature and a lightweight backpack case, and it has a 5-year warranty against cracking.
Pros
- Made of carefully selected grenadilla wood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
- Keys adjusted in position for smaller hands
- Advanced tone hole configuration, optimised inner bore and new bell shape
Cons
- Keys are set for smaller hands, so larger hands may find it less comfortable
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,556 now$1,556€1,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a new Bb clarinet with a German fingering system, made in Germany and built from grenadilla wood. You get 20 keys, 6 rings, two barrels, a mouthpiece and a case, plus a 5-year warranty on the body and keywork. It suits you if you want a clarinet with a German fingering system and a full set of parts in one package.
Pros
- Made in Germany, based on an Austrian model design
- Made of grenadilla wood, Dalbergia melanoxylon
- German fingering system with 20 keys and 6 rings
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,112 now$2,112€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-41 is a seriously well-made German clarinet, offering a level of refinement often found in much pricier instruments. Its improved bore and keywork really make it sing – a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional-grade instrument without the absolute top-tier price tag. It’s a solid step up for those outgrowing student models.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood provides a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- Advanced tone hole design enhances projection and intonation accuracy.
- Optimized bore and bell shape offer improved response and a richer sound.
Cons
- The grenadilla body can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
- Premium-priced, potentially prohibitive for student or beginner clarinetists.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,334 now$2,334€2,098 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a Bb clarinet from Austria with German fingering and a body made of grenadilla wood. It comes with two barrels, a mouthpiece and a case, and has a 5-year warranty on the body and keywork. It suits you if you want a German-system clarinet with a newer design and accessories included.
Pros
- Made of grenadilla wood (Dalbergia melanoxylon), a dense hardwood
- New generation 2.0 model with an advanced tone hole configuration
- Optimised inner bore and a new bell shape for this model
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,725 now$2,725€2,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you want a German-system clarinet made of grenadilla wood, this one is worth a look. It has 22 keys, a 5-year warranty on wood cracking, and it comes with a case, two barrels and an ESM mouthpiece. It suits you if you want a full setup in one box.
Pros
- Body, barrel and bell are made of grenadilla wood, treated to resist moisture and cracking
- Comes with a 5-year warranty on wood cracking
- Has 22 keys, a forked F, a forked Bb and C double key and a high E key
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,781 now$2,781€2,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a German-system Bb clarinet made in Germany, with selected grenadilla wood and 22 keys. It comes with two barrels, an accessory set with a reed case, and a compact case with backpack straps. Since the mouthpiece is sold separately, you will need to buy one before you play.
Pros
- Selected grenadilla wood body
- Carbon rings and silver-plated key system
- Metal rollers on the lower joint for B-C# and C-Eb
Cons
- Mouthpiece is not included, so you must buy one separately
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,892 now$3,892€3,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-51 is a serious step up for intermediate to advanced clarinetists seeking a refined German sound. The Oehler system provides exceptional control and a rich, dark tone, making it ideal for classical and orchestral players who appreciate a traditional feel and excellent projection. It’s a well-built instrument, but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you're new to the Oehler system.
Pros
- Grenadilla body provides a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- Oehler system offers excellent intonation and a comfortable playing feel.
- Improved tone hole design enhances projection and clarity across registers.
Cons
- The heavier grenadilla construction might be tiring for younger or smaller players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many students.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,071 now$4,071€3,659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 bb clarinets (german)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Bb Clarinets (German) by the numbers
Measured across all 42 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,334 — half of all bb clarinets (german) here cost less.
How to choose the best bb clarinets (german)
Tone
Schreiber clarinets tend to have a darker, more focused tone than their French counterparts. It's not a bright, sparkly clean - more of a warm, woody resonance. This really shines in a chamber ensemble or when you're laying down a mellow solo; it's got that soulful quality.
Articulation
The keywork on Schreiber instruments is generally very responsive. You get clean, precise articulation - important for fast passages and intricate ornamentation. It's not effortless like some modern designs, but the feel is direct and predictable, something I appreciate for recording.
Build Quality
They're built solid, no question. The nickel silver keys are durable and the body blanks are consistently well-finished. You won't find the super-high-end fancy stuff like hand-filed tone holes on the entry-level models, but they hold up to gigging - I've seen plenty of well-worn Schreiber clarinets still sounding great.
Neck Profile
The neck profile is a bit more substantial than some other brands. This gives a good sense of control and stability, and helps to manage the clarinet's resonance. It's a subtle thing, but it contributes to the overall feel and responsiveness.
Price-to-Performance
This is where Schreiber really excels. You get a lot of what makes a great German clarinet - the tone, the build - without the premium price tag of Selmer or Yamaha. It's a sweet spot for working musicians.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at a Schreiber Bb clarinet? Smart move. They've quietly become a go-to for serious players who want that classic German voicing without breaking the bank like a Selmer. They're not as flashy as some brands, but they deliver a dependable, focused sound that'll cut through a big band or record cleanly - if you know what to listen for.
Don't expect a Schreiber to be a 'plug and play' instrument. They often benefit from a little bit of adjustment - maybe a pad job or a slight adjustment to the action. The lower register can sometimes be a little 'wooly' out of the box, but it's usually fixable.
The higher end models offer hand-filed tone holes which improve the intonation and response, but the difference isn't huge for most players - prioritize a good setup over the fancy features if you're on a budget.
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 (german) from the Thomann catalogue (of 42 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
How do Schreiber clarinets compare to Selmer?
Selmers are generally brighter and more immediate, while Schrieber offer a darker, more complex tone. Selmer's are often considered more 'versatile' but Schrieber are fantastic for players who prefer that classic German warmth.
Are Schreiber clarinets easy to find?
They're not as common as Selmer or Yamaha, but they're becoming increasingly available online and through reputable dealers. Be prepared to do a little searching.
What's the difference between a 'student' and 'professional' Schreiber?
The professional models typically have hand-filed tone holes, better keywork mechanics, and a more refined finish. The student models are still very well-made, but they're built for durability and ease of play for younger players.
Do I need to worry about intonation issues?
Like any clarinet, intonation can be a challenge. Schrieber clarinets tend to be a little flatter in the lower register, so a good setup is crucial. Don't be afraid to have a tech adjust it.
What kind of mouthpiece should I use with a Schreiber?
A darker, more focused mouthpiece will complement the clarinet's tone. Avoid overly bright or airy mouthpieces - you'll muddy up the sound. Something in the Vandoren B45 or Rico Royal range is a good starting point.
