AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Buffet Crampon Other Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
The top pick is Buffet Crampon Tosca Professional Bb Clarinet ($16,089). Buffet Crampon E-11 C-Clarinet 17/6 gives you the most for the money at $2,122. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 4 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 4
Full detail for the 4 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
The Tosca is a serious contender for the discerning bass clarinetist. Buffet’s new bore design and key system really deliver a responsive, focused sound, and the grenadilla body provides a rich, woody tone. This is a top-tier instrument ideal for advanced students and professionals seeking a reliable, high-quality instrument for orchestral, solo, and chamber work.
Pros
- Exceptional grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- Newly designed keywork offers significantly improved ergonomics and response.
- Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and resistance to wear.
Cons
- The instrument's substantial weight can be challenging for younger or smaller players.
- The price point places it firmly in the high-end professional market.
80AudioFu
Index↓ 0.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$16,201 · Aug 14$16,089 now$16,089€14,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Prestige Bass Clarinet is a serious instrument for seasoned professionals and advanced students seeking the pinnacle of Buffet’s craftsmanship. The unstained grenadilla delivers a beautifully warm and complex tone, while the low C extension and G resonance key add incredible versatility for orchestral, solo, and contemporary music. It's a workhorse instrument built to last a career.
Pros
- Unstained grenadilla offers exceptional tonal warmth and projection.
- Silver-plated keys provide a responsive, articulate feel and durability.
- Low C mechanism extends range and adds significant low-end richness.
Cons
- The weight, typical of bass clarinets, can be fatiguing during extended performance.
- The premium-priced tag makes it inaccessible for many students or hobbyists.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 5.6%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$13,371 · Aug 14$12,622 now$12,622€11,289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The E-11 is a fantastic, reliable clarinet for the serious student or advancing player. It provides a remarkably balanced tone, a comfortable feel, and a solid build that will last for years. It’s a great step up from a beginner instrument and offers a taste of what a truly professional Buffet clarinet can deliver.
Pros
- Grenadilla body offers exceptional tonal warmth and projection.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth, responsive action and durability.
- 17 keys and 6 rings enhance intonation and technical capabilities.
Cons
- The African grenadilla can be susceptible to cracking with extreme humidity changes.
- The silver plating requires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,122 now$2,122€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This BC1503-2-0 is a serious instrument for the seasoned clarinetist or orchestral player. The Grenadilla wood provides a gorgeous, dark tone, and the Eb tuning opens up unique voicing options. It’s a beautifully crafted, professional-grade instrument that truly shines in a variety of settings.
Pros
- Grenadilla body delivers exceptional warmth and projection.
- Nickel silver keys offer precise action and durability.
- Silver plating enhances brilliance and responsiveness.
Cons
- The unstained finish can show handling marks more readily.
- Eb alto clarinets aren’t as widely utilized as their Bb counterparts.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$12,073 now$12,073€10,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
How to choose the best other clarinets (boehm)
Tone Color
Buffet's signature 'French' tone isn't a myth. It's a complex blend - a core of warmth, a subtle richness in the midrange, and a clarity that avoids being brittle. Different models emphasize different aspects - some lean towards a darker, more mellow sound, while others have a brighter, more focused articulation.
Mechanical Action
Buffet's known for its reliable keys and smooth action. But even within Buffet, there are variations. Higher-end models often have more refined keywork, better voicing, and a more consistent feel across the register. A sticky action can kill your speed and intonation, plain and simple.
Material and Construction
The wood (or resin) used has a massive impact. Older, seasoned grenadilla wood tends to have a more complex, resonant tone than newer wood or resin. Construction tolerances matter too - a well-fitted clarinet will vibrate more freely and respond better to your breath.
Intonation
Let's be honest, most clarinets need tweaking. But Buffet's generally consistent intonation is a huge plus. Still, the specific model and even the neck profile can influence how easily it plays in tune - especially in the upper register. Expect to have it adjusted by a good tech.
Overall Durability
These aren't disposable instruments. Buffet clarinets are built to last, but even the best can suffer from wear and tear. The finish quality and key plating are indicators of how well it'll hold up to gigging and regular use. Cheap plating will corrode, keys will loosen - it's a trade-off to consider.
Buying guide
So, you're looking beyond the standard Buffet Crampon R13 or Legend? Smart move. Buffet Crampon's got a wider range of Boehm system clarinets than most players realize, and some of them offer serious character - that warm, woody bloom you just don't get from a cookie-cutter instrument. This isn't about chasing the 'best' clarinet, but finding the right one for your ear, your playing style, and your budget.
Don't get blinded by the name. A 'Buffet' doesn't automatically equal 'amazing.' The lower-end models, while still decent, often have simpler construction and less seasoned wood, meaning a more generic tone. Spending a bit more usually gets you better wood, more precise keywork, and that characteristic Buffet warmth.
Have a tech check it over before you commit - intonation is king, and a little adjustment can make a world of difference.
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 6 other clarinets (boehm) from the Thomann catalogue (of 27 in the category). 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 a 'French' and 'German' bore?
The French bore (like on most Buffet models) generally has a more open, resonant sound with a quicker response. German bore clarinets are typically darker, more focused, and might be preferred for orchestral playing where blending is key.
Are Buffet clarinets easy to repair?
Absolutely. They're a common instrument, so finding a qualified tech isn't a problem. Parts are readily available, which is a huge plus if something goes wrong down the line.
I've heard about 'vintage' Buffet clarinets. Are they better?
Vintage models (pre-1960s) can be fantastic, but they often come with their own set of issues - cracks, repairs, and unpredictable intonation. Unless you're experienced or working with a trusted repair tech, stick with newer models.
Can I use a standard mouthpiece on any Buffet clarinet?
Generally, yes. Buffet uses a standard shank. However, the voicing of the clarinet will dramatically affect how a mouthpiece sounds. Experimentation is key to finding the right pairing.
Is resin construction a good option?
Resin clarinets are more durable and resistant to temperature and humidity changes, making them good for beginners or gigging in challenging environments. However, they often lack the complex tonal qualities of grenadilla wood - the 'soul' of a traditional Buffet.
