AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Other Clarinets (Boehm) for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Thomann BCL-C Bass Clarinet Synthetic ($3,074). RZ Clarinets Bass Clarinet Silver 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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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 ↗ -
This Thomann BCL-EB is a surprisingly solid entry into the bass clarinet world, particularly for clarinetists looking to expand their range. The Grendilla body delivers a pleasingly dark and resonant tone, and the silver keys feel quite nice. It's a great option for student ensembles, hobbyists, or anyone needing a reliable, premium-priced bass clarinet.
Pros
- Grendilla body offers rich, warm tone and excellent resonance
- Silver-plated keys provide smooth action and bright visual appeal
- Boehm fingering familiar to clarinetists, easing the learning curve
Cons
- Grendilla wood can be susceptible to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance
- Bass clarinets are inherently heavy; this one will be a workout
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,352 now$3,352€2,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Thomann BCL-C is a solid entry point into the world of bass clarinets, offering a surprisingly refined sound and build quality for its class. It's a great option for advanced students and semi-professional players looking for a reliable and resonant instrument without the premium-priced tag of established brands. Expect a dark, woody tone ideal for classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Pros
- Blackwood body provides rich, warm, and complex tonal character
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and responsive feel
- Thorough workshop adjustment ensures consistent intonation and playability
Cons
- Bass clarinets are inherently heavy; this one will demand a strong player
- Blackwood can be susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$5,588 now$5,588€4,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
RZ has really delivered a top-tier bass clarinet here. The grenadilla body provides a rich, dark tone that's characteristic of the instrument, while the silver keys offer a snappy feel. This is an excellent choice for professional players and advanced students seeking a high-quality, reliable instrument for orchestral work or solo performance.
Pros
- Unstained grenadilla wood offers exceptional tonal warmth and projection.
- Silver-plated keys provide a responsive, quick action and attractive aesthetics.
- Fully automatic mechanism simplifies playing, especially for advanced students.
Cons
- The heft of a silver bass clarinet can be tiring for extended performances.
- Limited versatility; best suited for orchestral and solo performance.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$11,402 · Aug 14$11,170 now$11,170€9,990 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 YCL-221 II S is a fantastic entry point into bass clarinet playing, especially for students and those needing portability. The ABS body makes it significantly lighter than traditional wood models, and the silver-plated keys offer a bright, responsive sound. It's a solid, reliable instrument that delivers a good playing experience without the premium price tag of professional models.
Pros
- Silver-plating enhances tone and offers corrosion resistance.
- ABS body provides durability and ease of transport compared to wood.
- Leather pads ensure reliable response and good sealing for consistent tone.
Cons
- ABS body, while durable, lacks the tonal complexity of a wood instrument.
- 4C mouthpiece is adequate but limits tonal possibilities for advanced players.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,297 now$3,297€2,949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a great choice if you need a durable, low C instrument for big bands. The ABS body stays strong in freezing weather, and the silver keys play very smoothly. Just remember you have to buy your own mouthpiece. It suits players who want reliability without the weight of wood.
Pros
- Solid ABS body resists cracking in cold stages
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth, consistent action
- Adjustable thumb rest fits every player's hand
Cons
- No mouthpiece means you must buy one separately
- ABS plastic lacks the resonance of wood
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,483 now$6,483€5,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This instrument plays a rich, low Bb note thanks to its solid Grenadilla wood body. The silver keys move smoothly, and the adjustable peg makes it easier to fit on different players. It comes with a case and a 4C mouthpiece ready to play. Great for students needing a professional tool or pros wanting a reliable backup.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood body offers deep, warm bass response
- Silver-plated mechanism ensures smooth key action
- Height adjustable peg fits various player sizes
Cons
- Heavy instrument may be difficult for small hands
- No weight specification listed in the description
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,592 now$9,592€8,579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The YCL-622 II is a seriously well-built professional bass clarinet – Yamaha’s flagship model for a reason. It delivers a beautiful, focused tone and a comfortable, reliable mechanism, making it ideal for orchestral players and serious soloists who demand high performance without the absolute top-tier price tag.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and reliable response.
- Height-adjustable peg enhances playing comfort and ergonomics.
Cons
- The instrument’s weight can be fatiguing during extended performances.
- The included 4C mouthpiece is adequate, but a higher-end option is preferable.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$10,732 now$10,732€9,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The YCL-631 II is a seriously well-built instrument, offering a professional-level experience without the absolute top-tier price tag. Its warm tone and responsive keys make it ideal for advanced students and semi-professional players looking for a reliable, versatile Eb clarinet. It’s a fantastic upgrade from student models, opening up a wider range of musical possibilities.
Pros
- Grenadilla wood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tonal palette.
- Silver-plated keys offer exceptional responsiveness and a bright, articulate feel.
- Yamaha's meticulous key-sealing ensures consistent intonation across the range.
Cons
- The Eb key can feel slightly stiff initially, requiring some adjustment and practice.
- Grenadilla wood is susceptible to cracking if not properly cared for and humidity-controlled.
40AudioFu
Index↑ 7.5%since Aug 14$7,489 · Aug 14$8,048 now$8,048€7,198 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
Martin Foag G-Clarinet Model 85 "Isa Pini"Martin Foag39↑ 4.8%$4,125€3,689$4,125€3,689Check ↗
- 12
RZ Clarinets C-Clarinet Professional 17/6RZ Clarinets44Stable$2,380€2,129$2,380€2,129Check ↗
- 13
Jupiter JBC1000S Bass ClarinetJupiter39Stable$2,626€2,349$2,626€2,349Check ↗
- 14
Buffet Crampon Tosca Professional Bb ClarinetTosca Bb-Bass Clarinet · Buffet Crampon80↓ 0.7%$16,089€14,390$16,089€14,390Check ↗
- 15
Buffet Crampon E-11 C-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon46Stable$2,122€1,898$2,122€1,898Check ↗
- 16
Thomann BCL-1000 Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$1,675€1,498$1,675€1,498Check ↗
- 17
Buffet Crampon Prestige Bass low CBuffet Crampon · 3 finishes61↓ 5.6%$12,622€11,289$12,622€11,289Check ↗
- 18
Thomann CL-17C C-Clarinet BoehmThomann · 2 finishes53Stable$636€569$636€569Check ↗
- 19
Selmer CP 25/II Bass Clarinet, blackSelmer · 2 finishes52↓ 4.3%$15,306€13,689$15,306€13,689Check ↗
- 20
Buffet Crampon BC1503-2-0 Alto ClarinetBuffet Crampon46Stable$12,073€10,798$12,073€10,798Check ↗
- 21
Selmer C 28 Contrabass ClarinetSelmer43Stable$33,541€29,998$33,541€29,998Check ↗
- 22
Martin Foag Octocontrabass ClarinetMartin Foag41Stable$80,501€71,998$80,501€71,998Check ↗
- 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)
Action & Response
As an intermediate player, you need an action that's consistent and reliable, allowing for clean articulation and a responsive feel. A sticky action will kill your dynamics and make complex passages a chore; a too-light action can feel vague and uncontrolled. Look for something that's adjustable but forgiving.
Tone Color
The cheap student horns often have a fairly generic, bright sound. Intermediate horns start to offer more nuanced tonal palettes - a warmer core, a more focused projection, maybe even a touch of that desirable 'fat midrange honk'. It's about finding something that complements your style and cuts through the mix.
Keywork Ergonomics
Intermediate players are developing their technique; uncomfortable keywork will only slow progress. Look for a comfortable key layout, well-placed thumb rests, and generally ergonomic design. This isn't just about comfort; it's about efficiency.
Intonation
Let's be honest, student horns are often a nightmare for intonation. A good intermediate clarinet should be noticeably better, but even then, minor adjustments might be needed. Consistent intonation across the range is crucial for playing in ensemble settings.
Build Quality & Materials
You're moving beyond plastic. Intermediate horns often incorporate more durable materials like harder rubber or even some metal components. This translates to better overall durability and a slightly richer, more complex tone - although it's a trade-off; more metal can sometimes lead to a brighter, less focused sound.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're past the student clarinet and starting to actually want something with a bit more character. The Boehm system other clarinets - the Bb, A, Eb - open up a whole new world of possibilities, but jumping in without knowing what you need can be frustrating. This isn't about beginner horns; it's about finding that sweet spot where playability meets a bit of sonic personality without completely emptying your bank account. Let's find you a clarinet that'll actually inspire you to play.
Don't chase the flashiest lacquer or the most bells and whistles. Focus on playability and a tone that you genuinely connect with. Many intermediate horns will still require some minor adjustments (pad seating, spring tension) - factor that into your budget or be prepared to have a tech look at it.
And remember, a slightly used, well-cared-for horn from a reputable brand is almost always a better value than a brand-new, budget-oriented model.
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 an 'Albert' system clarinet?
Boehm is what most players are familiar with - the modern, straight key design. Albert systems have a slightly different key layout and are often associated with a darker, more 'vintage' sound, but they can be trickier to play and are less common.
Should I get an A, Bb, or Eb clarinet?
Bb is the most versatile and common; it's a good starting point. An A clarinet offers a slightly darker, richer tone. Eb clarinets are higher pitched and less common, used for specific repertoire and solo work.
How much should I expect to spend?
Realistically, you're looking at $800 - $2000 for a decent intermediate model. Spending less might mean significant compromises in playability or tone, while spending more doesn't always guarantee a huge leap in quality.
What about pickups? Do I need one?
If you're recording or playing amplified, a pickup can be useful. The voicing of the pickup is important - avoid anything that sounds overly harsh or artificial. Consider a professional setup to optimize the pickup's placement and tone.
My clarinet needs adjustment after I buy it - is that normal?
Absolutely. Even good instruments often need a little tweaking to play their best. Pad seating, spring tension - these are common adjustments. Budget for a basic setup by a qualified technician.
