AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Other Clarinets (Boehm) for Professional 2026
The top pick is Martin Foag Octocontrabass Clarinet ($80,501). Buffet Crampon Tosca Professional Bb Clarinet gives you the most for the money at $16,089. 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 is the world's lowest-pitched clarinet, playing an octave below the standard contrabass. Its brass body gives it a unique metallic sound that no other woodwind matches. The simplified key system makes it surprisingly easy to play, but the massive case makes moving it a real challenge. It suits players who need that deep C note and don't mind the bulk. You'll need a strong case, but the sound is truly one-of-a-kind.
Pros
- World's lowest pitch on C for unique range
- Simplified Boehm system with single fingering per note
- Brass body offers a distinct metallic resonance
Cons
- Extremely long case makes storage and transport difficult
- No weight listed makes shipping and handling unclear
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$80,501 now$80,501€71,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Selmer C 28 is a serious instrument for seasoned professionals needing that deep, foundational low-end. The rosewood gives it a gorgeous, dark tone that blends beautifully in orchestral or experimental settings – it’s built to last and project, but be prepared for a workout!
Pros
- Rosewood body provides a warm, resonant, and complex tonal character
- Silver-plated keys offer excellent durability and a smooth, responsive action
- Leather upholstery enhances the instrument's projection and overall tone quality
Cons
- The sheer size and weight (approximately 18 lbs) makes it physically demanding to play
- Limited repertoire compared to more common clarinet sizes restricts its versatility
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$33,541 now$33,541€29,998 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 ↗ -
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 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 ↗ -
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 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 ↗ -
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 Uebel Emperior is a serious instrument, built for the professional or dedicated advanced student. The grenadilla body delivers a beautifully focused and resonant tone, and the adjustable neck is a game-changer for intonation. It’s a workhorse bass clarinet that will serve you well for years, offering exceptional projection and a refined feel.
Pros
- Exceptional grenadilla wood provides a rich, warm tonal foundation.
- Tuneable neck allows for precise intonation adjustments across registers.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and excellent durability.
Cons
- The weight can be fatiguing for extended performances, especially for younger players.
- The premium-priced nature limits accessibility for many aspiring bass clarinetists.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$12,744 now$12,744€11,398 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 ↗
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
Yamaha YCL-631 II Alto ClarinetYamaha40↑ 7.5%$8,048€7,198$8,048€7,198Check ↗
- 12
RZ Clarinets Coda Bass ClarinetRZ Clarinets44Stable$6,483€5,798$6,483€5,798Check ↗
- 13
Thomann BCL-C Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$5,588€4,998$5,588€4,998Check ↗
- 14
Thomann BCL-EB Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$3,352€2,998$3,352€2,998Check ↗
- 15
Thomann BCL-C Bass Clarinet SyntheticThomann46Stable$3,074€2,749$3,074€2,749Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha YCL-221 II S Bass ClarinetYamaha44Stable$3,297€2,949$3,297€2,949Check ↗
- 17
RZ Clarinets G-Clarinet Professional BoehmRZ Clarinets44Stable$2,793€2,498$2,793€2,498Check ↗
- 18
Martin Foag G-Clarinet Model 85 "Isa Pini"Martin Foag39↑ 4.8%$4,125€3,689$4,125€3,689Check ↗
- 19
Thomann CL-17C Synthetic C-ClarinetThomann · 2 finishes53Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 20
Thomann BCL-1000 Bass ClarinetThomann46Stable$1,675€1,498$1,675€1,498Check ↗
- 21
Buffet Crampon E-11 C-Clarinet 17/6Buffet Crampon46Stable$2,122€1,898$2,122€1,898Check ↗
- 22
RZ Clarinets C-Clarinet Professional 17/6RZ Clarinets44Stable$2,380€2,129$2,380€2,129Check ↗
- 23
Jupiter JBC1000S Bass ClarinetJupiter39Stable$2,626€2,349$2,626€2,349Check ↗
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)
Response & Articulation
A pro needs immediate, even response across the register, especially in the chalumeau. Sloppy articulation is a killer in fast passages, so we're looking for clean, precise attacks and a consistent tonal color - not a muddy low end or a shrill upper register.
Material & Construction
Plastic (like V15) is durable, but often lacks the resonance of wood (grenadilla or rosewood). Metal bodies (like those on some Selmer Signature models) can offer a focused, almost aggressive tone, which can be useful for cutting through a band, but also more fatiguing over long gigs.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Pro players need keywork that's reliable and comfortable, even after hours of playing. Sticky keys, awkward lever placement, or a neck profile that fights your embouchure are dealbreakers.
Tonal Character
We're not talking 'good' or 'bad' tone; we're talking about what tone. Is it warm and woody, bright and cutting, or something else entirely? This dictates its suitability for different genres - a darker tone might shine in a classical setting, while a brighter one might be better for jazz or pop.
Intonation Stability
Consistent intonation across all registers is critical. Small intonation drifts are manageable with adjustments, but significant issues are a sign of poor design or construction, and a real headache when you're trying to nail a tight ensemble passage.
Buying guide
So, you're a pro clarinetist looking beyond the standard Yamaha or Buffet? Smart move. The 'other' Boehm clarinets - the ones not always in the spotlight - can unlock a different voice, a different feel, especially when you're chasing that specific timbre for a session or a particularly demanding gig. Let's dive into what's out there and what'll actually work for you, because a beautiful instrument on paper doesn't always translate to the stage or studio.
Don't chase the 'exotic' just for the sake of it. A clarinet that sounds amazing in a vacuum might be a disaster in a band. Factor in your playing style and typical gigging environment - a recording studio demands different qualities than a smoky jazz club.
Be wary of instruments claiming 'professional' status at bargain prices; corners will be cut, usually in the wood quality, keywork mechanics, or intonation stability.
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 suitable for professional use?
Absolutely. V15 and similar models offer incredible durability and consistent performance, though they generally lack the tonal complexity of wood. They're great for students and pros alike, especially if you gig a lot and need something low-maintenance.
What's the difference between grenadilla and rosewood?
Grenadilla is the gold standard for clarinet bodies - it offers a rich, complex tone with good projection. Rosewood is a cheaper alternative, often sounding a bit brighter and less focused. Both are wood, and both are susceptible to cracking if not cared for properly.
What's the learning curve like switching to a less common clarinet?
It varies. Some models might feel immediately familiar, while others require adjustments to your embouchure and fingerings to account for differences in response and keywork layout. Be prepared to spend some time adapting.
How important is the mouthpiece?
Critically important. A fantastic clarinet can be held back by a mediocre mouthpiece, and vice versa. Don't skimp on the mouthpiece - experiment with different facings and materials to find what complements the clarinet's tonal character and your playing style.
