Beginner's Guides,
Best Clarinets for Beginners
With so many different options out there, it can be a daunting task trying to choose which model to purchase for your first instrument as a beginner. Our expert staff have looked through the range of instruments on offer, and selected our top three starter clarinets in order to help you make your decision. Have a look at our choices below, or click here to view our entire range of clarinets, including popular brands such as Yamaha, Jupiter, Odyssey, and more.
Don't forget also to check out our clarinet accessories, including reeds, cases & bags, instrument stands, and a wide selection of cleaning and maintenance products to keep your instrument in full working order. Finally, once you have made your choice, you will need some music to play! Visit our sheet music department in order to browse and purchase from our catalogue of over 16,000 clarinet titles, including solo & ensemble repertoire, studies, scales & sight-reading, and tuition books.
Our Top Three Starter Clarinets
Yamaha is a well-established brand for producing high-quality clarinets and they have gained a reputation as go-to models. The YCL-255S is ideal for students: the instrument has a lighter bell at the base, as it does not feature the typical metal ring around the tip. This makes no difference to the quality of sound but allows the player to hold the instrument confidently for performance. However, it still presents a strong appearance thanks to the silver-plated nickel used for the keys, which gives the instrument a vivid look and contrasts well with the matt black body. The ABS resin gives a bright and consistent tone and the sliding thumb rest allows the player to change position as they grow and adapt to the instrument.
Although most recognised for their brass instruments, Jupiter is a familiar name to anyone who plays in school wind ensembles. The JCL700SQ is a top choice for the newer learner, offering great value for money with its synthetic ABS resin body which will last for many years and give a consistent tone no matter how regularly it is played. The simple, ergonomically-designed register key will be easy to find when needing to hit those harder to reach higher notes. As with the YCL-255S, this instrument also includes an adjustable thumb rest, and it also comes with a well-designed gig bag so you can easily take the instrument with you anywhere, plus essential acccessories such as cleaning cloths and cork grease.
Buffet Crampon are world-renowned for their clarinets, so it not surprising that their student-level instrument is an excellent model. The Prodige replaces the original B12 student model, even offering a few improvements on its predecessor. As with other entry-level instruments, it is made with ABS resin. However, to give a sound that is closer to the more typical wooden clarinet, the bore through the middle is based on the higher-level E13 model, thereby giving the player the chance to control the intervals precisely whilst also projecting the sound confidently. In addition to the matt black body, it has white leather pads under the silver keys, which are both strong and reliable, as well as a strap ring on its underside. The Prodige is an excellent clarinet which will inspire every young player.
Will Bryce - Senior Despatcher & Sheet Music Specialist
