AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Schreiber Bb Clarinets (German) 2026
The top pick is Schreiber D-26 t-Edition Bb-Clarinet ($1,679). Schreiber D-51 Bb-Clarinet leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 23, 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 nice special edition clarinet made in Germany to celebrate Schreiber's 80th birthday. It uses premium Grenadilla wood and has two barrels ready to go. The extra hole in the top joint helps the high notes sound straighter. It is a solid choice for players who want a traditional German feel without the cost of a full set.
Pros
- Special 80th anniversary German System build
- Grenadilla wood body with natural finish
- Includes two barrels for easy swapping
Cons
- No mouthpiece included in the box
- Ring plating materials are not fully specified
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,679 now$1,679€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
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,454 now$1,454€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.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,454 now$1,454€1,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-13 is a thoughtfully designed clarinet, clearly aimed at younger or smaller-handed players without sacrificing tonal quality. The German build and refined keywork make it a solid choice for advancing students or professionals seeking a reliable, focused instrument. It's a great step up from a beginner model, offering noticeably improved response and a richer sound.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood provides a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- Optimized bore and key placement enhance response and intonation.
- German craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and durability.
Cons
- The smaller hand design may limit appeal for players with larger hands.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for student musicians.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,566 now$1,566€1,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-27 is a seriously refined clarinet. The updated design offers a really lovely, focused tone and a surprisingly responsive action. It's a great step up for intermediate to advanced players who want a German-system clarinet with Austrian craftsmanship and a traditional feel.
Pros
- Grenadilla body provides a warm, complex tonal palette.
- Advanced tone hole design enhances projection and intonation.
- Optimized bore and bell shape offer a responsive, free-blowing feel.
Cons
- Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for student musicians.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,127 now$2,127€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.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,351 now$2,351€2,098 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-42 is a seriously refined instrument. It’s a step up for intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional-grade sound and responsiveness—the improved bore and tone hole design really make a difference. If you're aiming for a richer, more nuanced tone than you'd find on a student model, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Grenadilla body provides a warm, focused, and rich tonal color.
- Advanced tone hole design yields improved projection and response across registers.
- Optimized bore and new bell shape enhance intonation and tonal complexity.
Cons
- Grenadilla wood requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking and warping.
- The advanced design might feel complex for less experienced clarinetists.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,744 now$2,744€2,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber D-45 Virtuoso is a seriously refined instrument. It’s built for the serious student or professional who wants a responsive, richly-toned clarinet with excellent intonation – a real step up from beginner models. The craftsmanship is superb, and it’ll reward a dedicated player.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood construction delivers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- Advanced tone hole configuration improves intonation and responsiveness across the range.
- Solid nickel silver keywork with silver plating ensures durability and a smooth action.
Cons
- The grenadilla wood, while beautiful, requires diligent care to prevent cracking.
- Being a German system clarinet, it may not be ideal for players accustomed to the American system.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,800 now$2,800€2,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet feels modern and plays easily with less resistance. The grenadilla wood gives a solid sound while the silver keys stay smooth. It is a great choice for players who want a comfortable German instrument without the extra cost of a mouthpiece.
Pros
- German system offers free and homogeneous sound
- Less blowing resistance makes playing easier
- Selected grenadilla wood for rich tone
Cons
- Mouthpiece is not included in the set
- No specific weight listed in the description
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,920 now$3,920€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.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,100 now$4,100€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 40 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,351 — 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 40 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.
