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10 Best Student Clarinets 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Buffet R13S Clarinet Silver Plate Keys

The Buffet R13S Clarinet Silver Plate Keys is a professional-grade instrument that stands out due to its high-quality construction and acoustic properties. Crafted from unstained Grenadilla wood, known for its superior sound and aesthetic appeal, this clarinet promises excellent performance. The silver-plated keys add a touch of elegance and durability, enhancing the clarinet's feel and longevity.

Included accessories like the reed, Crampon ligature, mouthpiece, swab, and cork grease are valuable additions, ensuring students have everything they need to start playing right away. Buffet Crampon, the brand behind this clarinet, has a solid reputation in the musical instrument industry, which offers added confidence in the product's reliability and quality.

It is important to note that this clarinet is categorized as a professional instrument, which might be more than necessary for beginners or casual student players. It could also be relatively expensive compared to entry-level models. Additionally, the product dimensions and weight indicate it is portable but may require careful handling. This clarinet is best suited for advanced students or those committed to long-term playing, offering a blend of professional sound quality and durable construction.

#2

Buffet Crampon R13 Professional Bb Clarinet with Nickel Keys

Rating
9.7
Material
Case

Most important from
13 reviews

Material
Durability is generally strong, but there have been instances of multiple repairs needed even on new instruments.
Case
The included deluxe case provides excellent protection, ideal for students transporting their clarinet regularly.

The Buffet Crampon R13 is a professional-level Bb clarinet made from solid wood with nickel keywork, which gives it a rich, warm tone often favored by advanced players and professionals. Its wooden body is a key feature that enhances sound quality compared to plastic student models. The included deluxe naugahyde-covered case with a plush interior offers good protection for the instrument, which is useful for students who need to carry it to lessons or performances.

The R13 is known for its responsive playability and excellent intonation, making it a popular choice among serious clarinetists. The brand Buffet Crampon has a strong reputation for quality and durability, which adds confidence in the instrument’s longevity. However, being a professional clarinet, it may be heavier and more expensive than beginner models, which could be challenging for younger or casual students.

If you’re a student aiming for a long-term investment or preparing for advanced levels, the R13 is a solid option, but absolute beginners might find it more than they need right away.

Rating
9.7
Material
Case

Most important from
13 reviews

Material
Durability is generally strong, but there have been instances of multiple repairs needed even on new instruments.
Case
The included deluxe case provides excellent protection, ideal for students transporting their clarinet regularly.
#3

Yamaha YCL450 Clarinet with Nickel Keys

Rating
9.4
Material
Case
Brand Reputation

Most important from
32 reviews

Material
This clarinet offers excellent playability, with smooth key action and a beautiful wooden finish.
Case
While the clarinet itself meets expectations, there were some concerns about receiving a different, inferior case than advertised.
Brand Reputation
Yamaha's reputation for quality and reliability shines through with this clarinet, making it a trusted choice for students.

The Yamaha YCL450 Clarinet is a strong option for students. It's made with nickel, which makes it durable and resistant to tarnish. The nickel-plated keys add to its sleek modern look and help with smooth playability. The clarinet is in the key of B Flat, which is standard and suitable for a wide range of student music pieces.

One standout feature is its brand reputation; Yamaha is well-regarded for quality and reliability in musical instruments, which is reassuring for students and parents alike. It also comes with a CLC-400EII case, ensuring the instrument is well-protected during transport and storage.

The clarinet is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy for students to handle. This product is a solid, dependable clarinet for students.

Rating
9.4
Material
Case
Brand Reputation

Most important from
32 reviews

Material
This clarinet offers excellent playability, with smooth key action and a beautiful wooden finish.
Case
While the clarinet itself meets expectations, there were some concerns about receiving a different, inferior case than advertised.
Brand Reputation
Yamaha's reputation for quality and reliability shines through with this clarinet, making it a trusted choice for students.

Buying Guide for the Best Student Clarinets

Choosing the right clarinet as a student can be a rewarding experience. It's important to find an instrument that suits your level of play, is comfortable to handle, and produces a good sound. As a student, you want a clarinet that is durable, easy to maintain, and offers good value for your investment. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a student clarinet and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
MaterialClarinets are typically made from either plastic (resin) or wood. Plastic clarinets are more durable and less affected by changes in temperature and humidity, making them ideal for beginners and younger students. Wooden clarinets, usually made from grenadilla wood, offer a richer, warmer sound but require more care and maintenance. For most students, a plastic clarinet is a practical choice due to its resilience and lower maintenance needs.
KeyworkThe keywork of a clarinet refers to the metal keys and rods that cover the tone holes. Nickel-plated keys are common on student clarinets because they are durable and resistant to tarnish. Silver-plated keys are also available and offer a more professional look and feel, but they require more maintenance to keep them shiny. For students, nickel-plated keys are generally sufficient and easier to maintain.
Bore SizeThe bore size of a clarinet affects the instrument's tone and playability. Student clarinets typically have a standard bore size, which provides a balanced tone and is easier to play for beginners. Larger bore sizes can produce a fuller sound but may be more challenging to control. As a student, sticking with a standard bore size will help you develop your playing skills without added difficulty.
MouthpieceThe mouthpiece is a crucial part of the clarinet as it greatly influences the sound and ease of play. Student clarinets usually come with a basic mouthpiece that is designed to be easy to play and produce a good tone. As you progress, you might want to experiment with different mouthpieces to find one that suits your playing style. For beginners, the stock mouthpiece provided with the clarinet is typically adequate.
Reed StrengthReeds come in various strengths, usually ranging from 1 (soft) to 5 (hard). Softer reeds (1.5 to 2.5) are easier to play and produce sound with less effort, making them ideal for beginners. Harder reeds (3 and above) offer more resistance and can produce a richer tone but require more control and embouchure strength. As a student, starting with a softer reed will help you develop your technique and gradually move to harder reeds as you improve.
CaseA good case is essential for protecting your clarinet when not in use. Student clarinets usually come with a hard case that provides adequate protection against bumps and drops. Some cases also have extra compartments for accessories like reeds, cleaning supplies, and sheet music. Ensure the case is sturdy and has a secure closure to keep your instrument safe.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the brand can be an indicator of the quality and reliability of the clarinet. Established brands with a history of producing quality instruments are generally a safer choice for students. Research reviews and ask for recommendations from teachers or experienced players to find a reputable brand. Choosing a well-regarded brand can give you confidence in the durability and performance of your clarinet.

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