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Whether you’re considering buying a student clarinet for you or someone else, the number of choices available is scary.
And there’s a lot to consider when deciding which clarinet to buy.
But I’m going to help you make the most informed decision for YOU, based on what I know from 30 years of experience owning and playing clarinet.
Here I’ll cover the features, pros and cons of 15 beginner Bb (b-flat) clarinets as well as tell you specifically what you should be considering when buying a clarinet. But before we get into the details, here’s a quick summary of our top 5 favorites:
Ranking of Best Beginner Clarinets by Value
You’ll find the following list of clarinets ranked by their overall “value rating” score, rather than by cost, quality or some other more specific factor. We’ve done this because overall value should generally be the top priority for most people buying any beginner-level instrument.
But feel free to jump to any specific model from the contents.
1. Eastar ECL-300 B Flat Student Clarinet
Value rating: 5/5
Quality rating: 3.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: Bakelite
- Accessories included: Extra barrel, swabs, clarinet stand, 2 practice reads (size 2.5″), black resin reeds (size 2.5″), cork grease, cloth, gloves, hard-shell case
- Warranty: 1-year product warranty
Eastar is a newer brand without an established reputation. Still, this is a great budget choice with high value for money.
The ECL-300 has a durable Bakelite body with a pleasing faux wood finish and Italian felt pads for the keys. It has a surprisingly rich sound for a non-wooden model. This clarinet also boasts a full set of accessories, including two barrels for easier tuning.
Eastar offers a full year warranty on this model and has been known to offer quality customer service relative to some of the other brands listed here.
On the negative side, expect the possibility that this model will be hard to assemble new. Some customers have reported needing to buy better quality cork grease and reeds from the start before playing the instrument. There’s also a chance this model will arrive out of tune or with problematic keys.
But you may be able to get a replacement instrument in such cases if you contact support.
Pros
- Full set of accessories included
- Great customer service
- Bright sound that projects well
- 2 barrels for tuning
Cons
- Some tuning issues or keys not working
- Difficult to assemble and disassemble
Who is this model ideal for?
The Eastar ECL-300 is a great starter clarinet for any new player, young or adult, with a relatively small budget. This model has a good tone for such an inexpensive instrument. Its affordable price, 1-year warranty and good customer service make this a low-risk purchase.
I wouldn’t recommend this one for professional or more experienced players because they’re often willing to spend more for better.
2. Buffet B12 Student Clarinet
Value rating: 4.5/5
Quality rating: 5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: ABS resin
- Accessories included: None
- Warranty: 2-year warranty against manufacturing and material defects
Buffet Crampon is a respected and established brand in the musical instrument industry. Established in Paris in 1825, this is top brand for woodwinds and clarinets, in particular.
The Buffet B12 student clarinet is another ABS resin model. But it still has a great sound that stays rich across registers.
This model uses top-notch metalwork in manufacturing, leading to durable keys and smooth finger play. You won’t need to worry about accidentally bending keys, as long as you’re properly handing the instrument.
The pads included are double fish skin, which leads to a better seal. Apart from the occasional pad replacement and adjustment, this instrument should last you several years with care.
The mouthpiece included isn’t the best on the market. But it’s decent enough that it won’t inhibit play for a beginner.
On top of these benefits, all clarinets come with a 2-year warranty for original buyers that protects against manufacturing and material defects.
The only major drawback to the B12 is its price—this clarinet is priced toward the higher end. But you should be able to find a used model in good condition for around half the price of new either on Amazon or elsewhere (many include accessories as well).
Pros
- Rich, consistent sound
- Quality metalwork
- Smooth fingering
- Decent mouthpiece
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited accessories included
Who is this model ideal for?
The Buffet B12 is, without a doubt, a great clarinet for any student musician. But the price tag for a new model makes it impractical for most first-time clarinetists.
This model is ideal for someone with prior music experience who’s confident they’ll play the clarinet for at least a couple years (related: be sure to check out our in-depth review of this model for more info).
This is not an ideal model for students younger than high-school age or those less committed to playing long term. There are many less expensive options in our list that would be a better fit in these cases.
3. Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb
Value rating: 4/5
Quality rating: 5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated silver
- Body material: ABS resin
- Accessories included: Carrying case
- Warranty: 5-year warranty (United States)
Few other brands are as prestigious and well regarded in the musical instruments industry than Yamaha. A company founded in 1887 in Japan, Yamaha manufactures all kinds of instruments from beginner to professional grade.
Yamaha’s YCL-255 is rated as one of the best student clarinets available and is priced at the higher end of those listed here. Modeled after Yamaha’s own professional wooden clarinets, it offers the durability of an ABS resin model without a major sacrifice to sound quality.
This model includes Valentino pads, which are relatively durable, easy to repair and are commonly included in professional-grade instruments.
And while some musicians recommend upgrading to the 6C Yamaha mouthpiece, the 4C mouthpiece included is perfectly decent for the beginner clarinetist.
Another plus is that Yamaha instruments sold in the U.S. include a 5-year warranty (other warranties apply to instruments sold in other countries). Check that you’re buying from an authorized dealer beforehand to ensure your clarinet qualifies.
The YCL-255 regularly lasts musicians several years or more with proper care. It’s no wonder this model is one of the student clarinets which music instructors most often recommend.
However, such quality doesn’t come cheap. The YCL-255 is the most expensive beginner clarinet in our list by far. The clarinet also doesn’t come with many accessories. So plan on spending another $10-50 upfront for those if you don’t already have them.
Pros
- Rich, warm sound
- Great tone and responsiveness
- Durable keys
- Decent mouthpiece
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited accessories included
Who is this model ideal for?
The YCL-255 is a student clarinet best suited for those who are committed to playing clarinet for at least the next couple years.
Some clarinets in this list sell for a fraction of the price but are also poorly constructed, difficult to play well and hard or impossible to repair. Though an expensive instrument, this model has lasted some players decades and can even be handed down later to younger players.
Whether an enthusiastic young beginner or an experienced player who needs a non-wood clarinet for outdoor play, you can’t go wrong with this model, if you can afford it (related: check out our in-depth review of this model for more info).
4. Jupiter JCL-700N Student Clarinet
Value rating: 4/5
Quality rating 4.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated, nickel silver
- Body material: ABS resin
- Accessories included: Hard-shell carrying case with shoulder strap
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty included (United States)
Jupiter is a reputable Taiwanese brand that makes good quality instruments. Founded in 1980, Jupiter also manufactures and distributes other woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
The JCL-700N model runs on the more expensive side of the spectrum—7x the price of some of the others mentioned here. But much of this higher price comes with a commensurate quality standard.
For starters, you’ll find this student clarinet sounds great and is quite durable. Jupiter offers various product warranties for different regions, including a 10-year limited warranty for instruments sold in the United States.
Unlike many of the other models here the JCL-700N comes with solid components. You shouldn’t have much trouble with assembly or need to replace any parts before you can comfortably play.
This clarinet also comes with a G/C key riser, which can make it easier to reach these keys for people with different sized hands.
The one glaring downside to this clarinet is its price, which is quite high given the limited accessories included with this model. The JCL-700N is an undeniably great instrument and a good-value beginner clarinet.
Pros
- Strong tone with good projection
- Uniquely designed G/C key riser
- Durable construction
- Good quality corks and ligature included
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited accessories included
Who is this model ideal for?
This is a reliable instrument and a good choice for an adult or young beginner who’s committed to progressing with the clarinet. Even experienced players might want one of these clarinets to have as a backup.
The JCL-700N probably isn’t right for anyone just dabbling with clarinet for the first time. This model’s high price tag also makes it a less-than-ideal choice for anyone with a small budget.
5. Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet
Value rating: 4/5
Quality rating: 4/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: Ebonite
- Accessories included: Carrying case with shoulder strap, extra barrel, cork grease, gloves, screwdriver
- Warranty: 1-year parts and labor warranty included
Jean Paul is one of the better brands of budget student clarinets. Based in the United States, this brand is known for its brass and woodwind instruments and accessories.
The CL-300 model is priced in the middle range among those on our list and is a solid value overall. The instrument is easy to play and sounds good right out of the box. And the included mouthpiece is actually pretty decent. Though you may want to invest in a better one, such as the Vandoren 5JB 88.
This student clarinet has pleasantly surprised many musicians at its low price. Some have compared it to the Yamaha YCL-250, which typically costs $200-300 more.
The customer service from Jean Paul is also among the best in class. If you have problems with the instrument, either on arrival or within a year of playing, the company will generally replace or repair it free of charge. They’ve also been known to cover the cost of return shipping.
There are some minor quality issues reported. The keys can occasionally bend, which is typical of the metalwork of these budget student clarinets. And you may find that the ligature included is too loose, in which case you may want to buy a replacement separately.
But this is generally a good choice for a beginner clarinet.
Pros
- Strong tone with good projection
- Decent set of accessories
- 2 barrels for tuning
- Excellent customer service from manufacturer
Cons
- Keys are slightly delicate
- Ligature included may be loose-fitting
Who is this model ideal for?
Jean Paul’s CL-300 is a great choice for a younger player or anyone with a relatively small budget. This probably isn’t an appropriate model for professional venues. But it’s a totally acceptable option for playing in a high school band and even at the intermediate level.
Many experienced musicians that haven’t played for several years or more have been pleasantly surprised when picking up this instrument.
Learn more: The Jean Paul USA CL-300: A Musician’s Review.
6. Eastrock Clarinet
Value rating: 4/5
Quality rating: 3.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: ABS resin
- Accessories included: Extra barrel, swabs, clarinet stand, cork grease, cloth, gloves, soft case with shoulder strap, 2 alcohol wipes, screwdriver
- Warranty: 1-year money-back guarantee
Eastrock is another brand with a limited reputation among clarinetists. But they certainly appear to be up and coming not only in woodwinds but in a wide range of instrument categories.
Eastrock’s clarinet has a surprisingly good tone and is more durable than others in its price range. As one of the lowest-priced beginner clarinets on our list, it’s also a bargain. This model is available in several bright colors. But a subtle wood grain and the keys’ matte finish give the instrument a more expensive look and feel.
The only real drawback to choosing this model is you may have difficulties with some of the accessories provided. The mouthpiece included is not one you’ll want to use for long—it may be best to replace it upfront.
And this clarinet includes just one reed, which isn’t a good one for a new student. I’d suggest buying some 2.5” reeds separately, such as Rico brand reeds.
Pros
- Decent set of accessories
- Strong projection and full-bodied tone
- No-questions-asked manufacturer guarantee
- 2 barrels for tuning
Cons
- Substandard mouthpiece and reed included
- Some problems with missing accessories
Who is this model ideal for?
This Eastrock model would be a good choice for anyone looking to play clarinet for the first time. Its durable body and low price also make it ideal for young children and any student who may not yet be fully committed to playing clarinet long term.
This model could also serve as a great marching instrument for a high school student who doesn’t want to take their wooden instrument outside.
7. Mendini by Cecilio
Value rating: 3.5/5
Quality rating: 3.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: Ebonite
- Accessories included: Extra barrel, carrying case, 10 extra reeds (size 2.5”), cleaning cloth, clarinet stand, white gloves, cork grease, pocketbook
- Warranty: 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects
Cecilio Musical Instruments is a fairly well-known American brand that sells woodwind, brass and stringed instruments and accessories. Established in 2004, Cecilio claim to test their products before they leave the factory and then again at their Los Angeles distribution center.
The Mendini student clarinet comes in several colors to choose from and is reasonably priced at the lower end of those here.
This model comes with one of the most complete sets of accessories of the instruments we reviewed. Included are two barrels for tuning, a stand and even a pocketbook of clarinet fingering charts and lessons.
Despite its bargain price and cheaper construction, this clarinet has a fairly rich sound.
For all its high points, the Mendini is not without its lows. One of the most common complaints is that the corks are too tight, making it difficult to assemble and disassemble the instrument, even with the help of cork grease.
Some musicians have resorted to sanding down the corks a bit for a smoother fit. Then again, some others have reported air leaks because the corks don’t provide for an adequate seal.
And as is often the case with beginner clarinets, the mouthpiece and reeds included aren’t great. The reeds are rather flimsy and it may take some extra force to get air through the mouthpiece. You may want to replace both.
Some musicians have found it difficult to properly fit a new mouthpiece. But this clarinet fortunately comes with a warranty of one year that should protect against this and similar defects.
Pros
- 2 barrels for tuning
- Full set of accessories included
- Decent sound and even tone
Cons
- Corks are too tight even with cork grease
- Substandard reeds and cork grease included
Who is this model ideal for?
This Mendini beginner clarinet is ideal for an inexperienced player who wants to try out clarinet. Its low price makes it an attractive alternative to renting an instrument. And the included warranty helps make this a lower-risk purchase for those more budget-conscious buyers.
Learn more: The Mendini Clarinet by Cecilio: A Buyer’s Review.
8. Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Orchestra Clarinet
Value rating: 3.5/5
Quality rating: 3.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-silver
- Body material: Ebonite
- Accessories included: Hard-shell case, extra barrel, cork grease, cleaning swab
- Warranty: N/A
Hisonic is a U.S.-based company that has been around for about 20 years. Better known for PA systems and microphones, Hisonic also sells some percussion and wind instruments, including clarinets.
Their Signature Series 2610 model is a student clarinet priced at the lower-mid range among those listed here. It’s generally well regarded for having good sound projection.
The extra barrel included makes tuning easier. And quality pads made in the USA by Prestini brand help ensure you won’t experience air leaks with this model. Several musicians have even compared it to a Buffet E11, a high-end professional clarinet.
However, understand that this is a still a beginner clarinet. It has the somewhat “plastic” sound characteristic of these Ebonite and ABS models.
There are also parts of this instrument that aren’t great quality.
You’ll probably want to replace the mouthpiece included with a better one (a Fobes Debut is a reliable alternative). There’s a good chance you’ll want to replace the ligature too. The one included is often poorly fit and slides around a bit.
Some musicians have reported that the handle falls off the carrying case within a few months. And others have noticed some discoloration with the keys. But all in all, you can expect this clarinet to last 1.5 to 2 years on average with daily use.
Pros
- Good sound projection and volume
- High quality Prestini pads made in the USA
- 2 barrels for tuning
- Decent set of accessories included
Cons
- Substandard mouthpiece, ligature and reed
- Some quality problems with keys and case
Who is this model ideal for?
This Signature Series 2610 is an ideal student clarinet for first-time musicians and for children playing in elementary or middle school band.
This is a decent choice for those with a smaller budget. But I wouldn’t recommend this model for anyone playing in high school band or at higher levels. Anyone with that much experience playing is probably ready for a nicer model.
9. Lazarro Clarinet
Value rating: 3/5
Quality rating: 2.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel
- Body material: Ebonite / ABS resin
- Accessories included: Extra barrel, fabric carrying case, 10 extra reeds (size 2.5”) with reed holder, cleaning cloth, white gloves, cork grease, screwdriver
- Warranty: N/A
Lazarro is not a well-known brand but claims to be a USA company established in 2007 with quality control staff in New York.
Lazarro’s clarinet is priced near the lowest among the student clarinets listed here. But its decent quality overall make it an OK value for money.
Another model that’s available in several different colors, Lazarro’s clarinet comes with a good set of accessories. You’ll find an extra barrel included for easier tuning, as well as 10 extra reeds to get you started.
Still, don’t expect top quality for these accessories. Many musicians report needing to replace the reeds with a name-brand alternative.
And the shape of the relatively cheap mouthpiece included can make playing difficult. You may want to invest in a better mouthpiece, otherwise it may take more air than usual to produce a sound with this clarinet.
If handled with care, this instrument could last you a year or more of regular play. But like many clarinets at this price, this one also has fragile keys that can bend easily. And you could run into problems within weeks.
All in all this model is a decent value but loses points for being a risky purchase for lack of a warranty.
Pros
- Decent set of accessories included
- 2 barrels for tuning
Cons
- Substandard mouthpiece and reeds
- Rigid sound
- Fragile keys
Who is this model ideal for?
This beginner clarinet is probably best suited for a young beginner in elementary or middle school who may or may not continue with the instrument. Its availability in multiple colors make it a fun novelty gift.
But being a budget model, this instrument is fragile and likely to have quality problems following regular use.
I’d recommend anyone committed to playing for more than a year or playing in an ensemble to look for a better model.
10. Aileen Lexington
Value rating: 3/5
Quality rating: 2.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: Bakelite
- Accessories included: Screwdriver, cleaning cloth with rope, cork grease, gloves, hard foam-shell case
- Warranty: N/A
Aileen Music is not a well-known brand among musicians. A Chinese company founded in 1993, Aileen manufactures a wide range of instruments, including brass and woodwinds, strings, pianos and keyboards and more.
A few buyers have reported inconsistent pad coverage or difficulty blowing into the instrument in the higher register. But buyers are generally satisfied with the quality and durability of this model.
The Lexington is priced toward the lower-end of those models on this list, making it a decent starter instrument for those with a tight budget. But since Aileen is a lesser-known brand, this clarinet can be hard to find in stores and online.
Pros
- Decent set of accessories included
- Good sound
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
Cons
- Thin sounding at upper registers
- Air leaks
Who is this model ideal for?
This model may be a good choice for a beginner. Don’t expect it to be durable enough to last throughout a student’s playing career.
Value-priced clarinets like this one are not appropriate for experienced players. But if you’re a parent looking to get your child interested in music, this may be a way to experiment without paying a high upfront cost.
11. Kaizer CLE-1000EB
Value rating: 3/5
Quality rating: 2/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: Ebonite / ABS resin
- Accessories included: Carrying case, two reeds, clarinet stand, cleaning cloth, cork grease, screwdriver
- Warranty: 45-day free trial, lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects
Kaizer is an American company that offers woodwind and brass instruments in a wide range of prices and at various quality levels.
The CLE-1000EB is a beginner clarinet model from Kaizer’s 1000 Series. These are priced at the lower end and come in several different colors. They have a durable plastic body and come with a decent set of accessories.
Kaizer provides a 45-day window to try this instrument and return it for a full refund if you aren’t happy with it. And this model also comes with a lifetime warranty for any manufacturing defects.
Now let’s talk about the product quality.
Many customers have been happy with this beginner clarinet overall. But others have reported issues ranging from a smudged or worn logo to fragile and flimsy keys and pads that don’t seal properly. Tuning problems also seem to be fairly common with this model.
There are certainly better student clarinets available at a similar or slightly higher price. This model’s low price and generous return policy do help to make it a low-risk option, however.
Pros
- 45-day free trial period included
- Decent set of accessories included
Cons
- Keys are fragile and flimsy
- Tone holes not properly cut
- Air leaks and keys do not close properly
- Tuning problems
Who is this model ideal for?
Young students may especially enjoy playing this instrument. And the fun colors seem ideal for use in a high school marching band.
But this instrument doesn’t have the strength to stand up to demanding playing conditions. And experienced players will more likely be disappointed with the quality.
I wouldn’t suggest this model to anyone planning to play clarinet for more than a few months. But the risk-free trial and warranty included make this an OK option for someone who would just like to try clarinet.
Just keep in mind that lower quality instruments can often be frustrating to play. And working with such an instrument can discourage new musicians from taking their clarinet playing further.
12. Cecilio CT-380
Value rating: 2.5/5
Quality rating: 2.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Silver-plated
- Body material: Rosewood
- Accessories included: Hard-shell case, extra barrel, a box of 10 reeds (size 2.5″), cork grease, cleaning cloth, and a pair of gloves
- Warranty: 1-year limited to manufacturer’s defects
Cecilio is an up-and-coming brand with a growing reputation in woodwinds, brass and stringed instruments.
The CT-380 model has a rosewood body and attractive silver-plated keys with Italian pads. As far as beginner clarinets go, this one leans toward the intermediate end and is priced in the mid range.
This model comes with two barrels of different lengths to make tuning easier and to serve as a replacement in case one breaks. The rosewood body makes for a warmer sound than some of the plastic or resin alternatives available.
The main criticism of this model is that assembling and disassembling can be tricky, especially if you haven’t properly greased the corks. Gripping keys to pull apart the joints—a tactic to avoid—can lead to bent keys.
Pros
- Rosewood body for a rich sound
- Full set of accessories included
- 2 barrels for tuning
Cons
- Fragile keys
- Difficult to assemble and disassemble
- Rings can fall off
Who is this model ideal for?
This model would be good for a middle school or high school player with some prior experience handling a clarinet. It would also be a good choice for an adult beginner or hobbyist.
This is not an ideal first clarinet for a young child. The rosewood body makes this model less forgiving of rough handling than a more durable plastic model.
A clarinetist would also want to avoid this model for marching band, as exposure to outdoor temperatures and humidity can harm wood clarinets.
13. Allora Student Series AACL-336
Value rating: 2/5
Quality rating: 2.5/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: ABS resin
- Accessories included: Cork grease, molded carrying case
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty included
Allora Instruments is another of the lesser-known brands in this list. The company appears to be based in the U.S. and specializes in woodwind and brass instruments.
Allora’s AACL-336 is priced in the mid range of the models listed here. There are a few positive reviews from customers about the feel and handling of this clarinet. And Allora offers a 3-year limited warranty to original buyers.
But some musicians have noted quality problems out of the box, including leaking key pads. You may also discover you need to trim down the cork on one of the joints a bit before the clarinet will fit together and play properly.
The warranty provided does help to offset some of the risk with this purchase. But this model doesn’t command high value overall simply because of how little is known about it.
Pros
- Good feel and handling
- Decent sound
- Durable keys
Cons
- Some reports of air leaks
- Limited accessories included
- “Stuffy” sound can occur
Who is this model ideal for?
This Allora student model may be okay for a first-time player that will need a clarinet for marching band. It’s durable enough for a child and for outside play but affordable enough for a first instrument (related: check out our full-length expert review of this Allora clarinet for more info).
14. Etude Student Clarinet Model ECL-100 Standard
Value rating: 2/5
Quality rating: 2/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: ABS resin
- Accessories included: Mouthpiece, hard-shell case, one reed (size 2.5”), cleaning cloth
- Warranty: 1-year warranty limited to manufacturer’s defects
The Etude is another lesser-known brand that offers clarinets, as well as some brass and stringed instruments. Many of their instruments receive overwhelming positive reviews.
The reception for Etude’s ECL-100 student clarinet has been mixed. On the plus side, this clarinet produces a good sound and is priced in the lower-middle range.
This clarinet lags behind when it comes to quality. Customers have reported quality issues ranging from fragile keys that bend and break easily to substandard ligature, mouthpiece and carrying case. You may want to buy a separate ligature and mouthpiece up front if you choose this model.
The brand logo also seems to fall off the case and rub off the instrument within a short time. Etude does offer a limited warranty for one year. But don’t expect prompt customer service.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Durable keywork
- Decent mouthpiece included
Cons
- Limited accessories included
- Poor workmanship on logo
Who is this model ideal for?
The ECL-100 clarinet is low risk from an upfront-cost perspective. But this is not a model I would readily recommend to any musician, new or experienced, given some of the alternatives available.
Due to how often players report damaged keys with this clarinet, I’d suggest it only to someone new to clarinet who just wants to play at home. Relying on this model as your only instrument for band or orchestra play can be risky.
Check out our in-depth review of this Etude clarinet for more information.
15. Glory Clarinet
Value rating: 1.5/5
Quality rating: 1/5
Features:
- Keys: Nickel-plated
- Body material: Ebonite/ABS resin
- Accessories included: Hard-shell case, extra barrel, 10 reeds (size 2.5”), cleaning cloth, gloves, screwdriver
- Warranty: N/A
Glory is one of the least recognized brands in the musical instrument space. And their clarinet is one of the lowest-price models we looked at.
This clarinet comes with a complete set of accessories, including two barrels for tuning. But unfortunately, this clarinet also comes with many problems.
One of the first things you notice when you unpack this clarinet is likely to be its poor construction. Many customers report excess plastic stuck inside the body where bore holes were drilled. Finding misaligned pads is not uncommon. And perhaps worst of all, the manufacturer has used hot glue in the assembly process.
Apart from these readily apparent issues, you’ll likely find this model plays with a weak tone and is hard to play in different registers. Like many of the cheaper student clarinets available, the keys on this Glory model are notoriously fragile. They’re likely to bend beyond repair during normal use.
You’ll be lucky to get 2-3 months of play out of this instrument before it breaks. So if you intend to play longer than that, expect this clarinet to end up costing you more in the long run.
Pros
- Full set of accessories included
- 2 barrels for tuning
Cons
- Cheap construstion
- Flat, weak tone
- Fragile keys
- Misaligned pads
- Difficulty playing at different registers
- Poor customer service
Who is this model ideal for?
This Glory model is best suited for someone that wants a novelty clarinet, rather than an actual playable instrument.
It’s not appropriate for anyone who wants to learn to play the clarinet. It may work for a short time but isn’t durable enough to stand up to the rigours of regular play. In fact, several musicians and music instructors have called this model a toy.
There are other budget picks in this list that would be better choices. This brand has a poor reputation for a reason.
Factors for choosing a student clarinet
Many of the following factors, such as price and warranty, went into our overall “value rating” for clarinet models.
But there are a few other considerations we suggest you follow when choosing which student clarinet is right for you:
1. Price
Price is an obvious variable to consider when choosing a beginner clarinet or any other instrument. There are some great models available for $500 or more. But plenty of beginner-level clarinets in the $100-300 range may be perfectly acceptable.
Though your budget will largely dictate which clarinet is best for you, price certainly shouldn’t be the only factor to have in mind when making a purchase decision.
2. Play-ability
Some clarinets are simply more playable than other models in their class. For example, a clarinet that’s hard to assemble and disassemble can be discouraging for the student musician. And lower quality key plating can cause the musician’s fingers to stick to keys as the plating starts to wear off.
Better quality student clarinets also tend to offer a less shrill sound that makes it easier to control pitch at the higher register.
Many clarinet students that are used to playing on a lower quality instrument are surprised to learn how much easier it is to play on a better instrument. This is often the case when they’re learning to play “over the break”, or between registers.
Avoid a “professional” model for a first-time clarinetist. These more expensive instruments are harder to play and designed slightly out of tune for the benefit of advanced players.
3. Clarinet durability
Clarinets are typically made from either a hard rubber or plastic or a more delicate wood. This is an important difference when it comes to durability.
Remember that wood clarinets tend to be more expensive than plastic models. But the plastic ones are often the better choice in certain situations.
Are you buying a clarinet for a young child that may be more likely to handle it roughly? A plastic model is going to hold up better with less maintenance.
A plastic clarinet is also typically the better choice for a musician that will be playing in a marching band outdoors. Wood can expand and shrink with changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect tuning.
4. Sound
The durability you get with a plastic beginner clarinet usually comes with a trade-off—inferior sound. While clarinets made from plastic or rubber are easier to maintain, they generally don’t produce the same warm tones that a wooden instrument offers.
Do you need the sound of a wooden clarinet, or will you be content with a less sophisticated alternative as your first model?
The following factor will likely have some bearing on the answer to this question.
5. Commitment to playing clarinet
Is clarinet something you or someone you know just wants to try out or is this a long-term investment for them?
For first-time musicians, in particular, a lower-cost beginner clarinet is usually their best choice. Many students start with one instrument and then shortly move to another before becoming proficient with the first.
Others may start to learn clarinet with great zeal, only to have to put it away mere weeks or months after they start.
And that’s okay. Life happens.
If you see yourself in either of these categories, it’s best to hold off on making a serious investment in your first clarinet.
But if you’re an experienced musician, or otherwise confident that you can commit several hundred hours or more to learning, then by all means, go for one of the premium beginner clarinets on offer.
6. Accessories included with the clarinet
Beginner clarinets are often sold in sets that include various accessories and replacement parts. Some of these accessories are of a decent quality, while others you’re better off replacing from the start.
For example, you might want to swap in a different reed if the one provided isn’t flexible. Doing so would be a small added investment that could greatly improve play-ability.
A better mouthpiece can make a very noticeable difference. Combined with the required practice, the mouthpiece and reed will have a greater impact on the sound than which model of student clarinet.
Dr. John Zumwalt, The Clarinetist
“A better mouthpiece can make a very noticeable difference. Combined with the required practice, the mouthpiece and reed will have a greater impact on the sound than which model of student clarinet.”
Other clarinets are sold entirely without accessories. As with any instrument, take note of what’s included before purchasing, as there may be parts you need to buy separately before you’re able to play.
7. Manufacturer’s warranty
Clarinets aren’t always sold with a warranty included. But a warranty can add value by protecting against damage to the instrument.
If you’re considering buying one of the more expensive student clarinets or a more delicate wooden model, a warranty can be a major plus.
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