AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Other Clarinets (Boehm) Under $5,000 2026
The top pick is Thomann CL-17C Synthetic C-Clarinet ($299). Martin Foag G-Clarinet Model 85 "Isa Pini" leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 6 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.
-
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
This is a Bb bass clarinet with Boehm fingering that reaches down to low Eb. It is made entirely from Grendilla wood and has a silver-plated key system. It suits you if you want a high-end bass clarinet that comes with a luxury case, a mouthpiece and a set of care accessories, and each one is checked in Thomann's master workshop before sale.
Pros
- Made entirely from Grendilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon) wood, a dense African blackwood
- Boehm fingering system with a range up to low Eb
- Silver-plated key system for the keywork
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,336 now$3,336€2,998 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 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 17Aug 17$3,281 now$3,281€2,949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Foag Isa Pini is a beautifully crafted G clarinet built specifically for the demands of Balkan music. Its rich, focused tone and responsive keywork make it a joy to play, though its unique tuning and the care needed for grenadilla wood will appeal to experienced players seeking a specialized instrument.
Pros
- Grenadilla body delivers a warm, complex tone ideal for Balkan folk music.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and a bright aesthetic.
- Foag’s custom voicing excels in the lower register, crucial for traditional melodies.
Cons
- The G clarinet’s tuning can be challenging, requiring careful embouchure control.
- Grenadilla wood demands careful maintenance to prevent cracking and warping.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,105 now$4,105€3,689 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 ↗
Other Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,614 — half of all other clarinets (boehm) here cost less.
How to choose the best other clarinets (boehm)
Tone Quality
At this price, expect a usable tone, but the 'fat midrange honk' of a Selmer Reserve? Not likely. You'll be looking for evenness across the register, a good balance between warmth and clarity, and a responsive lower joint. Some will lean more towards a bright, focused sound, others a darker, rounder voice - personal preference reigns.
Keywork & Action
Smooth, reliable keywork is crucial for gigging. Look for well-finished keys with a consistent feel. The action - how much force it takes to depress a key - should be comfortable and responsive without feeling sloppy. A lighter action is generally preferred for faster passages, but it's a matter of feel.
Intonation
This is critical. Even a slightly out-of-tune clarinet will drive you nuts in a band setting. Check intonation across the entire range, paying close attention to the problem areas (low C#, high D). Some brands are generally known for better intonation than others, but every horn is different.
Construction & Materials
Don't expect miracles. Most instruments in this range will be made from durable, but not necessarily exotic, materials like grenadilla wood. The quality of the wood and the precision of the bore work will impact the tone and response. Cheap corners often manifest as uneven wood thickness or poorly aligned keys.
Durability
Gigs are brutal on instruments. Look for a horn that feels solid and well-built. Check for any obvious flaws in the finish or keywork, and ask about the manufacturer's reputation for reliability. A horn that falls apart mid-gig is a major headache.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a Boehm clarinet but don't want to drop five figures? Smart move. There's a surprising amount of solid, gig-worthy gear available under $5000, but navigating the options can be tricky. Let's cut through the marketing and talk about what you actually get for your money in this price bracket - and what you might have to compromise on.
Realistically, under $5000, you're buying a workhorse instrument, not a museum piece. Expect some compromises - perhaps a slightly less complex tone or a less refined keywork feel. Don't chase the 'bright, sparkly clean' - aim for a reliable, even response across your range.
Investing in a good mouthpiece and reeds will often yield a bigger sonic improvement than upgrading the horn itself.
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 11 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 'student' and an 'intermediate' clarinet in this price range?
The 'student' models will generally have simpler keywork, less refined finishes, and often a slightly less responsive action. 'Intermediate' models will offer more advanced features, better materials, and generally a more refined playing experience, but the difference isn't always huge - try before you buy.
Is a used clarinet a good option?
Absolutely. You can often find higher-end models in excellent condition for significantly less than new. Just be sure to have a qualified repair tech inspect it before you buy - hidden damage can be costly to fix.
What about clarinets with silver keys?
Silver keys are generally lighter and faster-feeling than nickel-silver keys, but they tarnish. It's a cosmetic issue more than a functional one, and easily remedied with regular cleaning. It often signifies a slightly higher-quality instrument.
Should I consider a wooden clarinet?
Wooden clarinets can offer a richer, more complex tone, but they require more maintenance and are more susceptible to cracking. For a gigging musician, a durable polymer or resin body is often a more practical choice in this budget.
I'm a beginner, should I spend this much?
Not necessarily. A decent student model is perfectly adequate for learning. However, if you're serious about playing and plan to stick with it, investing a little more upfront can prevent frustration and foster a better playing experience.
