AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Other Clarinets (Boehm) for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Thomann CL-17C Synthetic C-Clarinet ($301). 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: October 13, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Thomann CL-17C is a solid entry-level option for students or anyone needing a low-maintenance clarinet. Its all-plastic build is a huge plus for marching bands or humid climates, and the included accessories are a real bonus. Don't expect a professional sound, but it's surprisingly capable for the price.
Pros
- Durable, all-plastic construction resists humidity and damage.
- Nickel-plated keys offer decent action for the price point.
- Includes multiple barrels for some tonal flexibility.
Cons
- Plastic body limits tonal resonance compared to wood instruments.
- Key mechanism feels somewhat stiff; requires some break-in.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$301 now$301€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a solid entry-level bass clarinet for students who want a reliable instrument without the weight of wood. The Boehm system and included accessories mean you can start playing right away. While the plastic body makes it durable, you might miss the deep resonance found in higher-end models.
Pros
- Boehm system ensures precise intonation and reliable response.
- Plastic body keeps the instrument lightweight and durable.
- Includes a case and mouthpiece for immediate playability.
Cons
- Plastic construction may lack the resonance of wood.
- No weight specification provided for potential portability issues.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,675 now$1,675€1,498 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 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$2,380 now$2,380€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$2,793 now$2,793€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 14Aug 14$2,626 now$2,626€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
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 Selmer CP 25/II is a serious instrument for the seasoned bass clarinetist—orchestral players and advanced soloists will find it a fantastic workhorse. The grenadilla wood provides a beautiful, full tone, and the black chrome keys feel incredibly responsive. It’s a premium-priced investment, but the build quality and sound are truly top-tier.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body delivers a rich, warm, and resonant tone.
- Black chrome-plated keys offer exceptional durability and a smooth action.
- Eb lever extends range and versatility for complex passages.
Cons
- The instrument’s weight can be fatiguing for extended performance.
- The black chrome finish, while striking, can be prone to fingerprints.
52AudioFu
Index↓ 4.3%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$15,987 · Aug 14$15,306 now$15,306€13,689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Thomann BCL-C is a solid entry point into the world of bass clarinets, especially for students or players needing a reliable, durable instrument. The composite body keeps things consistent and easy to maintain, and the pre-adjustment from Thomann's workshop is a genuine bonus. It's a great option for those needing a workhorse instrument without the premium price tag of a professional-grade model.
Pros
- Composite body offers excellent durability and consistent intonation.
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and a bright, responsive feel.
- Pre-adjusted by Thomann’s workshop ensures playability out of the box.
Cons
- Composite material lacks the tonal complexity of traditional wood.
- The silver plating, while durable, will require occasional polishing.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,074 now$3,074€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$3,352€2,998$3,352€2,998Check ↗
- 12
Thomann BCL-C Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$5,588€4,998$5,588€4,998Check ↗
- 13
RZ Clarinets Bass Clarinet SilverRZ Clarinets46↓ 2.0%$11,170€9,990$11,170€9,990Check ↗
- 14
Buffet Crampon BC1503-2-0 Alto ClarinetBuffet Crampon46Stable$12,073€10,798$12,073€10,798Check ↗
- 15
Yamaha YCL-221 II S Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$3,297€2,949$3,297€2,949Check ↗
- 16
RZ Clarinets Coda Bass ClarinetRZ Clarinets44Stable$6,483€5,798$6,483€5,798Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha YCL-621 II Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$9,592€8,579$9,592€8,579Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha YCL-622 II Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$10,732€9,598$10,732€9,598Check ↗
- 19
Selmer C 28 Contrabass ClarinetSelmer43Stable$33,541€29,998$33,541€29,998Check ↗
- 20
Martin Foag Octocontrabass ClarinetMartin Foag41Stable$80,501€71,998$80,501€71,998Check ↗
- 21
Yamaha YCL-631 II Alto ClarinetYamaha40↑ 7.5%$8,048€7,198$8,048€7,198Check ↗
- 22
Martin Foag G-Clarinet Model 85 "Isa Pini"Martin Foag39↑ 4.8%$4,125€3,689$4,125€3,689Check ↗
- 23
F.A. Uebel Emperior Bb- Bass ClarinetF.A. Uebel39Stable$12,744€11,398$12,744€11,398Check ↗
Other Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 27 models we track, not a sample.
Median $8,048 — 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.
