AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Other Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon Tosca Professional Bb Clarinet ($16,012). Thomann CL-17C Synthetic C-Clarinet gives you the most for the money at $299. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
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All Other Clarinets (Boehm)Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Buffet Crampon Tosca Professional Bb Clarinet
Tosca Bb-Bass Clarinet · Buffet Crampon
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This is a Bb bass clarinet with a Böhm key system that reaches down to low C. Its body is made entirely of selected grenadilla wood, and it comes with a case and accessories. It suits you if you want a bass clarinet with a new bore and a newly designed key system.
Pros
- Body is made entirely of selected grenadilla wood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
- Features a newly designed key system and a new bore
- Silver-plated mechanism, bell and bow give it a finished look
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$16,012 now$16,012€14,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a Bb bass clarinet with a low C extension, a G resonance key and an Eb/Ab lever. It is made from unstained African grenadilla wood with a silver-plated key system, and it comes with a mouthpiece, case and accessories. You might like this if you want a bass clarinet with a full set of extra keys and a case to carry it in.
Pros
- Made from unstained African grenadilla wood, a traditional material for clarinets
- Silver-plated key system gives you a metal finish on the keywork
- Includes a mouthpiece, case and accessories, so you have what you need to start playing
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,561 now$12,561€11,289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a C clarinet made entirely of plastic, with Boehm fingering, 17 keys and 6 rings. It comes with two barrels, a mouthpiece, a ligature, a case and basic care supplies, and each one is checked and adjusted in the maker's woodwind workshop before sale. This could suit you if you want a ready-to-play C clarinet with everything you need to start.
Pros
- Made entirely of plastic, so the body is synthetic rather than wood
- Boehm fingering with 17 keys and 6 rings
- Nickel-plated key system with a thumb rest that has a ring for the strap
Cons
- Sold as a C clarinet, so it is not a Bb or A instrument for players who need those keys
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$299 now$299€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a bass clarinet that reaches down to low C, with an unstained blackwood body and a silver-plated key system. It comes with a Selmer Focus mouthpiece, accessories and a case, so you get everything you need in one box. It suits you if you want a bass clarinet with a full low range and a complete setup from the start.
Pros
- Unstained blackwood body (Dalbergia melanoxylon) in a Boehm system design
- Silver-plated key system with 22 keys reaching down to low C
- Includes a Selmer Focus mouthpiece, accessories and a case
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,460 now$12,460€11,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a Bb bass clarinet with a Boehm key system, and it reaches down to low C. It has a plastic body and a silver-plated key system, and it comes with a case and mouthpiece. If you want a bass clarinet that comes with a case and mouthpiece in the box, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Boehm system keys give a consistent fingering layout across the range
- Range extends down to low C for deep bass parts
- Silver-plated key system gives the keys a finished look
Cons
- Plastic body is a different material from the wood used on many bass clarinets
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,667 now$1,667€1,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a C clarinet built on the Boehm system, with a grenadilla body and 17 keys. It comes with a case and accessories, so you have what you need to get going. It suits a player who wants a C clarinet with a standard key layout and a lacquered grenadilla body.
Pros
- Made of African grenadilla, a dense hardwood long used for clarinets
- Body is treated and lacquered for a finished surface
- Silver-plated key system with stainless steel springs
Cons
- Tuned to 442 Hz, so it will not match 440 Hz ensembles without adjustment
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,112 now$2,112€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a Bb bass clarinet with a Boehm key system, a composite wood-resin body and silver-plated keys. It reaches down to low C and comes with a mouthpiece, case and care items. It suits you if you want a synthetic bass clarinet that is adjusted in the maker's workshop before it ships.
Pros
- Body is made from a composite wood-resin material instead of solid wood
- Boehm key system with silver-plated keys
- Every instrument is examined in the maker's master workshop and adjusted before sale
Cons
- Stand is not included, so you will need to buy one separately
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,059 now$3,059€2,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a Bb bass clarinet with Boehm fingering that reaches down to low Eb. It is made entirely from Grendilla wood and has a silver-plated key system. It suits you if you want a high-end bass clarinet that comes with a luxury case, a mouthpiece and a set of care accessories, and each one is checked in Thomann's master workshop before sale.
Pros
- Made entirely from Grendilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon) wood, a dense African blackwood
- Boehm fingering system with a range up to low Eb
- Silver-plated key system for the keywork
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,336 now$3,336€2,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a bass clarinet made completely from blackwood, with silver-plated mechanisms and a range down to low C. Each one is examined and adjusted in Thomann's master woodwind workshop before it is sold. It suits you if you want a deep-voiced clarinet with a Boehm key system and a full set of accessories, including a luxury case.
Pros
- Made completely from blackwood, giving the body one wood throughout
- Silver-plated mechanisms on a Boehm system instrument
- Tone range down to low C for deep bass parts
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,561 now$5,561€4,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is an alto clarinet in Eb with a body of unstained Grenadilla wood, and its mouthpiece, keys and bell are made from nickel silver. It has a silver-plated finish and comes with accessories and cases. It suits you if you want an alto clarinet with a range down to low Eb and a complete set of accessories in one package.
Pros
- Body is made from unstained Grenadilla wood, a classic clarinet material
- Mouthpiece, keys and bell are made from nickel silver
- Silver-plated finish on the instrument
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,015 now$12,015€10,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 other clarinets (boehm)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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RZ Clarinets C-Clarinet Professional 17/6RZ Clarinets44Stable$2,369€2,129$2,369€2,129Check ↗
- 12
RZ Clarinets G-Clarinet Professional BoehmRZ Clarinets44Stable$2,780€2,498$2,780€2,498Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha YCL-221 II S Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$3,281€2,949$3,281€2,949Check ↗
- 14
RZ Clarinets Coda Bass ClarinetRZ Clarinets44Stable$6,451€5,798$6,451€5,798Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha YCL-631-03 Alto ClarinetYamaha44Stable$8,009€7,198$8,009€7,198Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha YCL-621 II Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$9,546€8,579$9,546€8,579Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha YCL-622 II Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$10,680€9,598$10,680€9,598Check ↗
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RZ Clarinets Bass Clarinet SilverRZ Clarinets44Stable$11,116€9,990$11,116€9,990Check ↗
- 19
Selmer C 28 Contrabass ClarinetSelmer43Stable$33,379€29,998$33,379€29,998Check ↗
- 20
Martin Foag G-Clarinet Model 85 "Isa Pini"Martin Foag41Stable$4,105€3,689$4,105€3,689Check ↗
- 21
Martin Foag Octocontrabass ClarinetMartin Foag41Stable$80,112€71,998$80,112€71,998Check ↗
- 22
Jupiter JBC1000S Bass ClarinetJupiter39Stable$2,614€2,349$2,614€2,349Check ↗
- 23
F.A. Uebel Emperior Bb- Bass ClarinetF.A. Uebel39Stable$12,683€11,398$12,683€11,398Check ↗
Other Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 27 models we track, not a sample.
Median $8,009 — half of all other clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best other clarinets (boehm)
Material (Wood vs. Plastic)
Wood (usually grenadilla) offers a warmer, more complex tone with better projection and sustain, but requires more care. Plastic (ABS resin) is durable and consistent, great for beginners or gigging where you don't want to worry about humidity, but generally lacks the tonal depth of wood.
Keywork and Action
A well-designed keywork should be ergonomic and responsive. Watch for sloppy mechanics, sticky keys, and uneven action across the register - these will kill your articulation and speed. A light, even action is vital for quick passages and expressive dynamics.
Bore Size and Taper
This dramatically impacts the clarinet's tone. A wider bore tends to produce a darker, more mellow sound, while a narrower bore can create a brighter, more focused tone. It's a major factor in how the instrument projects and cuts through a mix.
Neck Profile and Adjustment
The neck is the critical link between the upper and lower registers. A comfortable neck profile is essential for consistent intonation and ease of playing. Proper adjustment is crucial - a neck that's too tight or loose will wreak havoc on your tuning.
Tonal Character (Dark vs. Bright)
This isn't just about 'good' or 'bad' - it's about what suits your style and the music you play. A darker tone can be fantastic for jazz and classical, offering a rich, velvety sound. A brighter tone might be better for klezmer or pop where you need to cut through a louder ensemble.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're looking beyond the Yamaha and Buffet standard Boehm clarinets? Smart move. There's a whole world of options out there - from student models trying to punch above their weight, to boutique instruments aiming for a specific tonal character. This isn't just about getting a clarinet; it's about finding one that feels like an extension of your musical voice, whether you're cutting through a big band or laying down a soulful solo in the studio.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or inflated price tags. A cheap plastic clarinet might be fine for a beginner, but expect compromises in tone and build quality. If you're stepping up to a wooden instrument, have it checked by a technician before you buy it - cracks and uneven action are common.
Ultimately, the best clarinet is the one that feels and sounds right to you - play before you buy, and don't be afraid to walk away.
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 27 other 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 plastic clarinets really suitable for serious playing?
They can be, but you'll likely hit a tonal ceiling. They're great for gigging and travel, but if you're striving for a truly nuanced tone, wood is the way to go.
What's the deal with 'student model' clarinets? Are they just bad?
Not necessarily. Many student models are well-built and reliable, but they often use cheaper wood and simpler keywork to keep costs down. They're a good starting point, but you'll likely want to upgrade as your playing progresses.
I'm hearing a lot about 'voicing' - what does that even mean?
It refers to the clarinet's tonal color and character. A well-voiced clarinet will have a balanced response across the registers and avoid any harsh or unpleasant overtones. It's subtle, but it makes a big difference.
How important is humidity control for a wooden clarinet?
Extremely important. Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, which can lead to cracks and intonation problems. A good case humidifier is a must.
Can I realistically expect a sub-$1000 wooden clarinet to sound as good as a $3000 one?
Realistically, no. You'll notice differences in tonal complexity, projection, and responsiveness. The more expensive instruments often have more refined keywork and better wood selection, but a skilled player can still make a less expensive clarinet sound great.
