AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Other Clarinets (Boehm) for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Thomann CL-17C Synthetic C-Clarinet ($299). Buffet Crampon Tosca Professional Bb Clarinet leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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 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 ↗ -
This is a solid professional clarinet made from unstained grenadilla wood. It comes with two barrels so you can swap sizes easily. The silver keys and adjustable rest look built to last. It is a great choice for players who want a reliable instrument without a mouthpiece.
Pros
- Professional grade grenadilla wood body
- Includes two barrel size options
- Features adjustable thumb rest
Cons
- Mouthpiece is not included
- Weight is not specified
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,369 now$2,369€2,129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This clarinet uses solid grenadilla wood and comes with two barrel sizes. It has a silver-plated key system and an adjustable thumb rest. You will need to buy a mouthpiece separately. It is a solid professional tool for players who want standard size options.
Pros
- Uses durable grenadilla wood for the body
- Includes two barrel options for size adjustment
- Features adjustable thumb rest for comfort
Cons
- Does not include a mouthpiece in the box
- Lacks a stated weight measurement in the text
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,780 now$2,780€2,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Jupiter JBC1000S is a solid choice for serious students and advancing players. It offers a surprisingly good tone and a reliable, easy-to-maintain build. This is a great instrument for those needing a dependable bass clarinet without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Silver-plated neck enhances tone and response significantly.
- ABS body with metal ring offers surprising durability for the price.
- Low Eb key expands range and offers greater versatility.
Cons
- ABS body, while durable, lacks the resonance of a wood body.
- Silver plating requires regular cleaning to prevent tarnish.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,614 now$2,614€2,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗
All 23 other clarinets (boehm)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann BCL-EB Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$3,336€2,998$3,336€2,998Check ↗
- 12
Thomann BCL-C Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$5,561€4,998$5,561€4,998Check ↗
- 13
Buffet Crampon BC1503-2-0 Alto ClarinetBuffet Crampon46Stable$12,015€10,798$12,015€10,798Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha YCL-221 II S Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$3,281€2,949$3,281€2,949Check ↗
- 15
RZ Clarinets Coda Bass ClarinetRZ Clarinets44Stable$6,451€5,798$6,451€5,798Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha YCL-631-03 Alto ClarinetYamaha44Stable$8,009€7,198$8,009€7,198Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha YCL-621 II Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$9,546€8,579$9,546€8,579Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha YCL-622 II Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$10,680€9,598$10,680€9,598Check ↗
- 19
RZ Clarinets Bass Clarinet SilverRZ Clarinets44Stable$11,116€9,990$11,116€9,990Check ↗
- 20
Selmer C 28 Contrabass ClarinetSelmer43Stable$33,379€29,998$33,379€29,998Check ↗
- 21
Martin Foag G-Clarinet Model 85 "Isa Pini"Martin Foag41Stable$4,105€3,689$4,105€3,689Check ↗
- 22
Martin Foag Octocontrabass ClarinetMartin Foag41Stable$80,112€71,998$80,112€71,998Check ↗
- 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)
Playability
A forgiving action and comfortable keywork are paramount. A stiff action will fight you every step of the way, hindering articulation and making it tough to develop a consistent embouchure. We're talking about a clarinet you can actually play, not one you admire from afar.
Tone
Beginners need a clarinet that produces a relatively even tone across the range, without too much of that ice-picky harshness. A darker, warmer tone is generally easier on the ear and more encouraging for a developing player. We're looking for something that breathes, not chokes.
Keywork Ergonomics
The layout and feel of the keys matter. Smaller hands will appreciate a more compact design, while others might prefer a more traditional layout. Unnecessary levers or awkward key placements just add to the learning curve.
Material
Plastic (Resonite or similar) is the most common and beginner-friendly material. While wood offers a potentially richer tone, it's more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and requires more maintenance - a big hassle when you're just starting out.
Durability
Let's be honest, student instruments take a beating. Gigs, band practice, the occasional drop... you need something that can handle the abuse without falling apart. A robust build and quality plastic construction are key for longevity.
Buying guide
So you're looking at a Boehm clarinet, not a standard student model. That's a cool move - they offer a different feel and tonal possibility. But jumping into a non-standard clarinet as a beginner can be tricky. Let's break down which ones will actually help you learn, and which ones will just frustrate you with unnecessary complexity.
Don't chase the 'pro' feel right away. Many 'other' Boehm clarinets are built for intermediate to advanced players, and the increased complexity will slow your progress. Look for models marketed as 'step-up' or 'intermediate' - these often strike a good balance between features and playability.
And yes, you'll pay a bit more than a standard student model, but that's an investment in a better learning experience. Avoid anything with a ton of extra keys or unusual voicing unless you're specifically seeking a niche sound; those are just distractions.
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
What's the difference between a Boehm and a Albert system clarinet?
Boehm is the more common system now, with the register key on the front. Albert has it on the back, and it's a different key layout - not something a beginner should mess with.
Is a wooden clarinet better than a plastic one?
For a beginner? Absolutely not. Plastic is more durable and less prone to cracking. Wood offers a potentially better tone, but it's a long-term investment when you have good embouchure control and proper maintenance routines.
I've heard about 'voicing'. What does that even mean?
It refers to how the clarinet's tone is shaped - the balance of overtones. A well-voiced clarinet will have a more even tone across its range. Beginners are better off with something relatively neutral; don't chase a specific 'color' just yet.
What about a clarinet with a pickup?
A pickup is fine if you plan to record or play amplified, but it's not essential for learning. Focus on getting a good sound acoustically first. The pickup voicing is often a compromise anyway, and cheap ones sound terrible.
How much should I spend?
Realistically, $500-$1200 will get you a decent 'step-up' Boehm clarinet that won't hold you back. Spending less means cutting corners - and those corners will be felt in playability and tone.
