Want to start playing the clarinet but don’t know which one to choose, or even where to begin? This guide summarizes the key points for beginners: price ranges, materials, brand differences, and more—explained simply so you can pick your first clarinet with confidence.
1. Types of Clarinets
There are many kinds of clarinets, but the most common first instrument for beginners is the B♭ clarinet.
It’s used in wind ensembles, orchestras, and jazz, with plenty of sheet music and teachers available—making it the easiest model to start with.
When I first joined a wind band, I also started on a B♭ clarinet. Many brass band pieces and even difficult solo contest works are written for this instrument.
主なクラリネットの種類と特徴
There are many kinds of clarinets, but the most common first instrument for beginners is the B♭ clarinet.
It’s used in wind ensembles, orchestras, and jazz, with plenty of sheet music and teachers available—making it the easiest model to start with.
When I first joined a wind band, I also started on a B♭ clarinet. Many brass band pieces and even difficult solo contest works are written for this instrument.
主なクラリネットの種類と特徴
There are many kinds of clarinets, but the most common first instrument for beginners is the B♭ clarinet.
It’s used in wind ensembles, orchestras, and jazz, with plenty of sheet music and teachers available—making it the easiest model to start with.
When I first joined a wind band, I also started on a B♭ clarinet. Many brass band pieces and even difficult solo contest works are written for this instrument.
主なクラリネットの種類と特徴
| Type of Clarinet | Features | Beginner level |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ Clarinet | The most widely used. Abundant learning materials. | ✅ Recommended |
| A (Alto) Clarinet | Half-step lower than B♭. Often used in orchestras. | ❌ Not needed for beginners |
| Bass Clarinet | Deep sound, large size, more expensive.い。 |
❌ Too advanced for beginners (better after B♭) |
2. Price Range
Clarinets range from around 200 USD to over 7,000 USD. .
For beginners, the best range is $350–$3,500.
Features by Price Range
| Price Range | Features | level |
|---|---|---|
| 〜$350 (USD) | Usually plastic, affordable, but weaker durability and tone. | 🟡 Only if on a tight budget |
| $350-$7000 (USD) | Entry-level models, stable quality, good for beginners. | ✅ Recommended |
| Over $7,000 (USD) | Professional wooden clarinets. Excellent tone, but require more care. | ❌ Not for beginners |
✅ Recommendation: Choose something in the $350-$7000 (USD) range.
When I started, I bought a Buffet Crampon clarinet for about $3,000 (USD). Later, as I prepared for music college entrance exams, I upgraded to another model. It’s common to change instruments as your playing level and goals evolve
3. Clarinet Materials: Plastic vs. Wood
Clarinets are made from either plastic (ABS resin) or wood (commonly grenadilla).
Plastic: Affordable, durable, less sensitive to temperature and humidity. Great for beginners or school use.
Wood: Richer, warmer tone, allows more nuanced expression. More expensive and requires care, but ideal if you plan to play seriously.
4. Recommended Brands & Models
When choosing a clarinet, it’s important to go with a trusted brand. Below are some recommended clarinet brands and models for beginners.
| Material | Features | Beginner-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Light and durable. Not affected much by climate. | Good for casual beginners |
| Wood (Grenadilla) | Rich professional sound, but costly and delicate. | ✅ Good if you plan to play long-term |
✅ Conclusion: Start with a student model from Buffet Crampon, or Yamaha’s YCL-255 for balance and reliability.
My first clarinet was a Buffet Crampon R13 ($4,000 USD). Five years later, for music college exams, I upgraded to a Buffet Crampon Tosca (about $10,000 USD), which I still use today. I sometimes still play the R13 too.
R13: Used by professionals. A bit challenging for beginners.
E13: A student model from Buffet Crampon—easier to play, highly recommended for beginners.
| Brand | Model | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffet Crampon | E13 | $3,000〜$3,900 (USD) | Student model. Easy to blow, beginner-friendly.。 |
| Buffet Crampon |
R13 | $3,900 〜$4,800 USD | Professional standard. Demands more skill. |
| YAMAHA | YCL-255 | 10〜20万円 | Stable, balanced, beginner classic. |
5. Where to Buy
Beginner clarinets can be bought at music stores or online shops.
Because it’s an expensive purchase, it’s best to have a clarinet teacher help you with instrument selection (ensuring the instrument suits you).
Dolce Instruments (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) – Authorized dealer for major foreign brands, also produces its own wind instruments.
Online – Amazon, Rakuten, or brand official stores.
6. Final Words
Choosing your first clarinet can feel overwhelming, but once you find the right instrument, playing becomes so much more fun.
Every clarinet has individual differences—even within the same model, some instruments are easier to play than others. Since it’s a big investment, it’s best to ask a teacher to help you select one.
If you’d like to choose by yourself, I’ll share my own “clarinet selection tips” in another blog post soon. Stay tuned!