Best Eb Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
So, you're looking into an Eb clarinet? Smart move - they're a seriously versatile beast, especially for pit work, klezmer, or just adding a different color to your sound. Forget the Boehm Bb clarinet crowd; this is a different animal, and getting the right one means understanding what you're getting into. Let's break down what makes a good Eb clarinet tick, and how to avoid the usual pitfalls.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026
RZ Clarinets Eb-Clarinet Intermediate 17/6
- • Grenadilla wood body offers a warm, resonant tone characteristic of higher-end instruments.
- • 17 keys and 6 rings provide enhanced facility and intonation compared to simpler models.
- • Silver-plated keywork ensures smooth action and responsiveness for extended playing.
- • Includes two barrels for easy adjustment of pitch and tonal color.
- • Unstained grenadilla may lack the aesthetic appeal of fully finished instruments for some players.
- • Being an intermediate model, it won't match the ultimate responsiveness of a professional-grade clarinet.
- • Leather pads, while good, require more maintenance and occasional retuning compared to synthetic alternatives.
Buffet Crampon E-11 Eb-Clarinet 17/6
- • Grenadilla wood body provides rich, warm tonal color.
- • Silver-plated keys offer responsive, reliable action and durability.
- • Stainless steel springs ensure consistent performance and longevity.
- • 17 keys and 6 rings enhance intonation and technical agility.
- • The African grenadilla body can be susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- • The silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing.
- • Eb clarinets are less versatile than Bb clarinets for orchestral playing.
Selmer Muse 18/6 Eb Clarinet
- • Grenadilla body offers exceptional warmth and projection.
- • Silver-plated keys provide smooth, responsive action and durability.
- • 18 keys/6 rings facilitate complex passages with ease.
- • Included barrels allow for fine-tuning across slightly different pitches.
- • Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to humidity changes requiring careful maintenance.
- • The Muse line, while excellent, isn't quite at the level of Selmer's flagship models.
- • Eb clarinets, generally, have a more restricted repertoire than their Bb counterparts.
Buffet Crampon RC Eb-Clarinet 17/6
- • Grenadilla wood body delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and excellent durability.
- • 17 keys and 6 rings provide enhanced intonation and technical capabilities.
- • Buffet’s renowned craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and longevity.
- • The grenadilla wood can be sensitive to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- • The silver-plating demands periodic polishing to prevent tarnish.
- • Being a high-end instrument, it's a premium-priced investment.
Thomann CL-18EB Eb-Clarinet Boehm
- • Solid grenadilla wood body offers a warm, resonant tone.
- • Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and reliable response.
- • Includes a useful set of accessories for immediate playing.
- • Adjustable thumbrest improves comfort and control for various hand sizes.
- • Grenadilla wood, while beautiful, can be susceptible to cracking with improper care.
- • The included mouthpiece is likely a basic model and may be upgraded later.
- • While well-checked, student-grade instruments sometimes exhibit minor intonation quirks.
- • The silver plating can tarnish, requiring occasional polishing.
Startone SCL-17EB Eb-Clarinet Boehm
- • Durable ABS plastic body withstands student handling well.
- • Silver-plated keys offer a smoother feel and improved durability.
- • 17-key layout provides a functional range for Eb clarinet playing.
- • Includes a basic mouthpiece, making it immediately playable.
- • Plastic construction inherently lacks the tonal richness of wood instruments.
- • Silver plating, while durable, can tarnish with regular use.
- • Basic mouthpiece limits expressive potential and tonal nuance.
- • Keywork might feel slightly stiff compared to higher-end models.
How to Choose the Best Eb Clarinets (Boehm)
Tone
Eb clarinets often have a darker, warmer tone than their Bb counterparts, but the quality varies wildly. You want a core that's solid and resonant, not thin or reedy. It needs to cut through a brass section without sounding harsh - that's a tricky balance to find, and it's hugely dependent on the bore design.
Intonation
Eb clarinets are notorious for intonation quirks. A well-made instrument will have consistent intonation across the range, especially in the upper register where they can get dicey. Check for flatness or sharpness on key notes - don't just trust the salesperson's ear.
Keywork & Action
A smooth, responsive action is critical for fast passages and expressive playing. Look for well-aligned keys, comfortable thumb positions, and a mechanism that doesn't feel sticky or sluggish. A heavy action will kill your stamina, especially in a demanding pit situation.
Bore Design
The bore (the interior shape of the instrument) is a huge factor in tone. Some Eb clarinets have a more cylindrical bore, which can produce a brighter, more focused sound. Others have a more conical bore, which lends a rounder, warmer tone. It's a personal preference, but the bore dictates the fundamental character of the instrument.
Construction Materials
While professional-grade Eb clarinets are almost always made of metal (often nickel silver or silver-plated), cheaper models might use resin or plastic. Metal offers better resonance and projection, but resin is more durable and resistant to dents - a real consideration if you're gigging regularly.
Buying Guide
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or brand names alone. Entry-level Eb clarinets often cut corners on keywork quality and bore finishing, leading to intonation issues and a compromised tone. Spending a little more for a reputable brand with a solid reputation for playability is almost always worth it. And seriously, get it professionally checked before you commit - a good tech can often fix minor intonation problems, but some issues are just baked into the instrument.
Our Methodology
We're not just looking at spec sheets here. Our evaluations involve extended hands-on playing, A/B comparisons against other instruments in similar price ranges, and, crucially, real-world testing - gigs, rehearsals, and studio sessions. We're listening for more than just 'good tone'; we're assessing playability, intonation stability under different conditions, and how the instrument sits in a band mix.
