AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Eb Clarinets (Boehm) for Professional 2026
The top pick is Selmer Muse 18/6 Eb Clarinet ($8,038). Startone SCL-17EB Eb-Clarinet Boehm gives you the most for the money at $278. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗
How to choose the best eb clarinets (boehm)
Response & Intonation
Forget a 'even' scale - you need immediate response across the range, especially in the upper register, and consistent intonation under varying dynamic conditions. A sluggish response kills articulation and makes fast passages a nightmare.
Tone Quality
We're looking for a core tone that isn't just bright; it needs warmth and complexity. That 'bright' can easily devolve into an ice-picky top end that's fatiguing to play and unpleasant to listen to. The sweet spot is a core that projects without sounding thin, with enough body to handle a variety of musical contexts.
Keywork Ergonomics & Action
Professional players demand smooth, reliable keywork that doesn't fight you. The action needs to be adjustable to your preference, and the overall layout should feel natural, allowing for effortless transitions between registers and complex fingerings. A stiff action will bleed your stamina.
Construction & Materials
The material - grenadilla, ebonite, or a composite - impacts tone and durability. Grenadilla is generally considered the gold standard for tone, but it's pricier and can be more prone to cracking. Ebonite offers a warmer, more forgiving sound, while composites aim to bridge the gap but often lack the nuanced character of wood.
Projection & Headroom
This isn't about sheer volume; it's about the ability to project your sound clearly in a variety of acoustic environments. Headroom refers to the instrument's ability to handle louder dynamics without collapsing or becoming overly distorted. You need to be heard in a big band, but also have the control for a quiet chamber performance.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at an Eb clarinet, and you're serious about it. Forget the student models - we're talking about instruments that need to handle a wide range of gigs, from orchestral excerpts to smoky jazz joints and everything in between. The Eb clarinet isn't a novelty; it's a workhorse, and you need something that responds, projects, and doesn't leave you fighting the horn all night. Let's break down what separates the good ones from the ones you'll regret buying.
Don't chase the brand name alone. A well-maintained older horn from a respected maker can often outperform a newer, cheaper model. Pay close attention to the neck profile - it's a huge factor in playability and intonation.
Be wary of instruments with overly bright or 'thin' tone; that's often a sign of corners cut in construction or voicing. Ultimately, the best Eb clarinet is the one that feels right in your hands and produces the sound you're after - try before you buy if possible.
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
What's the difference between grenadilla and ebonite?
Grenadilla offers a richer, more complex tone, often described as warmer and darker, but it's more expensive and requires more careful maintenance. Ebonite is more durable, warmer sounding than some composites, and easier on the wallet, but the tonal palette is generally less nuanced.
Is it worth getting a horn with silver keys?
Silver keys can improve the feel and responsiveness, but they're mostly a cosmetic upgrade. The core tone is determined by the bore and voicing, not the key material. It's a luxury, not a necessity.
I'm coming from a Bb clarinet - what should I expect in terms of difficulty?
The smaller bore and altered fingering system will require a significant adjustment. The Eb clarinet demands more precise breath control and articulation. Be prepared for a learning curve, especially in the upper register.
Should I consider a hybrid (Boehm-system/Oehler-system) Eb clarinet?
Hybrid systems offer a different key layout and some unique tonal qualities. They can be beneficial for some players, but they require a complete re-learning of fingerings. Stick with a standard Boehm system unless you have a compelling reason to switch.
What about pickups for recording?
Pickup voicing is crucial; a cheap pickup will muddy the tone and suck away the instrument's character. Look for a reputable brand known for accurate representation of the clarinet's natural sound - you'll want something that captures the low-end thump without adding harshness. Don't expect a pickup to fix a bad horn, though.
