Best Eb Clarinets (Boehm) for Professional Doubling 2026
So, you're a reed player looking to add Eb clarinet to your arsenal? Smart move. It's a surprisingly versatile horn for doubling - think film scores, klezmer, even adding a quirky texture to a rock band. But not all Eb clarinets are created equal, especially when you're needing something reliable for gigs and sessions. Let's break down what to look for in a pro-level Eb clarinet.
Last updated: June 10, 2026 • Next update: June 17, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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)
Tonal Color
Forget 'bright' or 'dark' - we're looking for a horn with a core that cuts through without being brittle. A little warmth in the lower register is a huge plus, especially when doubling with a Bb clarinet, so you don't get that ice-picky high-frequency bite. The ideal Eb has a real singing quality, even when pushed.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Professional doubling means fast changes, and a clunky keywork is a deal-breaker. We're talking smooth, consistent action across all registers, a comfortable neck profile that doesn't induce fatigue after a long gig, and well-placed keys for quick navigation. The less you're thinking about the horn, the more you can focus on the music.
Intonation
An Eb clarinet that's consistently sharp or flat is a nightmare. Professional players need a horn that tracks well across its range, and responds predictably to adjustments. We're looking for minimal tweaking and maximum reliability - a horn that plays in tune right out of the case.
Response & Articulation
A responsive horn allows for nuanced phrasing and quick, clean articulation - crucial for everything from fast runs to delicate melodic lines. It shouldn't feel sluggish or require excessive breath support to produce a sound. A good Eb clarinet rewards a player's dynamic control.
Build Quality & Durability
Let's be honest, gigging instruments take a beating. We're looking for solid construction, durable pads, and a reliable mechanism that can withstand the rigors of regular use. Cheap plastic parts will fail; invest in something built to last.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the 'budget' Eb clarinet. You'll pay for it in frustration and repairs. The sweet spot for a pro doubling clarinet is generally in the $2000-$4000 range, where you're getting a horn with decent silver-plating (or better), a well-regulated mechanism, and a more consistent tonal character. Check the pads - Pisoni or similar are a good sign. And always, always try before you buy; what sounds great to one player might be a disaster for another.
Our Methodology
We're not basing this on marketing brochures. We've spent countless hours playing these horns, A/B'ing them against each other in different environments - everything from smoky jazz clubs to sterile recording studios. Our criteria isn't about 'innovation'; it's about how the horn feels under your fingers, how it responds to your breath, and ultimately, how it sounds in a mix.
