AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Eb Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon E-11 Eb-Clarinet 17/6 ($2,122). Startone SCL-17EB Eb-Clarinet Boehm gives you the most for the money at $278. Selmer Muse 18/6 Eb Clarinet leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
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All Eb Clarinets (Boehm)Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The E-11 is a fantastic step-up Eb clarinet. The grenadilla wood gives it a lovely, focused sound that’s great for jazz, klezmer, and other genres that benefit from that brighter, more piercing tone. This model balances affordability with the quality and feel you’d expect from Buffet, making it ideal for serious students and gigging professionals.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- The African grenadilla body can be susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- The silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,122 now$2,122€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This RC Eb clarinet from Buffet Crampon is a serious instrument for the advancing student or seasoned professional. The grenadilla body provides a beautiful, rich tone, and the silver-plated keys offer a comfortable and responsive feel. It’s a workhorse that'll serve you well for years, particularly if you're playing in wind ensembles or needing a reliable Eb for orchestral excerpts.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- The grenadilla wood can be sensitive to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- The silver-plating demands periodic polishing to prevent tarnish.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,969 now$4,969€4,444 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Selmer Muse 18/6 Eb is a beautifully crafted instrument, a real step up from student models. It's ideal for serious intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional-grade Eb clarinet with excellent intonation and a rich, natural tone. This one’s a great choice for orchestral and solo work.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
57AudioFu
Index↓ 6.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$8,552 · Aug 14$8,038 now$8,038€7,189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The RZ 17/6 Eb clarinet is a solid step up for serious students or players looking for a reliable, well-built instrument. The grenadilla body delivers a pleasing tone, and the extra keys make playing more comfortable and accurate. It’s a fantastic option for those wanting a quality Eb clarinet without the premium-priced tag of a professional model.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$2,850 · Aug 14$2,793 now$2,793€2,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Startone SCL-17EB is a solid, budget-friendly option for beginners or players needing a second Eb clarinet. The plastic build makes it surprisingly robust, and the 17-key layout offers a good starting point. It's perfect for school bands or casual players who don't need premium sound quality.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Plastic construction inherently lacks the tonal richness of wood instruments.
- Silver plating, while durable, can tarnish with regular use.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann CL-18EB is a surprisingly well-equipped option for students or players needing a reliable Eb clarinet. The grenadilla body gives it a pleasing tone, and the included accessories are a real bonus. It's a great entry point into the world of Eb clarinets without the premium price tag.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$837 now$837€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet uses solid grenadilla wood for a deep, classic sound. The silver keys feel smooth and durable for daily use. It comes with a case and a mouthpiece ready to play. Great for players who want that traditional Eb tone without extra cost.
Pros
- Premium grenadilla wood offers rich, warm resonance
- Silver-plated keys ensure smooth, responsive action
- Professional grade build for serious players
Cons
- Weight is not listed in the description
- Barrel length information is missing
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,292 now$4,292€3,839 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
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
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.
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.
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 7 eb 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 Eb clarinets hard to play?
They can be. The smaller size means shorter reach, which can be tricky for larger hands. The keywork can also feel a bit cramped compared to a Bb clarinet. Consistent embouchure is key - they're more sensitive to air pressure and angle.
What's the difference between a Boehm and Albert Eb clarinet?
Boehm is the system most players use now, with the standard key layout. Albert systems are older, have a different register key placement, and are less common - they're a niche choice.
Can I use the same mouthpiece on my Bb and Eb clarinet?
While technically possible, it's not ideal. The smaller bore of the Eb clarinet responds better to a smaller-faced mouthpiece. You'll likely get a better tone and more control with a mouthpiece specifically designed for Eb.
Are Eb clarinets good for beginners?
They're not the easiest starting point, but a motivated beginner can certainly learn. The smaller size can be advantageous for younger players. Just be prepared for a steeper learning curve than with a Bb clarinet.
I'm playing in a pit band - is an Eb clarinet a must?
Not necessarily, but it's incredibly useful. The ability to quickly switch to Eb for certain passages or repertoire is a huge asset, especially in shows like Fiddler on the Roof or Chicago. It's a versatile addition to your arsenal.
