Clarinet

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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:

Photo	Model	Ranking	Price (USD)	Where to Buy
	Eastar ECL-300	Best starter clarinet (value for money)	$120-$130	Amazon
	Buffet Crampon B12	True classic (out of production)	$130-$300 (used)	ebay
	Yamaha YCL-255	Best overall performance	$800-$900	Amazon
	Jupiter JCL-700N	High quality, high price	~$900	Amazon
	Jean Paul USA CL-300	Great middle option	$250-$300	Amazon

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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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Looking for a new clarinet and wondering whether the Jean Paul USA CL-300 student clarinet is the right one for you?

With so many budget clarinets entering the space in recent years, looking for a quality model at a reasonable price can be like digging through a beehive with an ungloved hand to find the queen—you’re bound to get stung a few times along the way.

I’m here to show you why the CL-300, in production since 2013, continues to be a popular choice for students.

By the end, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision for yourself as to whether this is the right clarinet for you or someone you know.

The Jean Paul USA brand

Jean Paul USA is one of the most widely recognized clarinet brands on the market. Based in the United States, the company also sells several other wind instruments, including trombones, saxophones, trumpets, flutes and various accessories.

One of the things I like most about Jean Paul USA is that they manufacture clarinets not only for students, but for intermediate and professional musicians as well. This is common among top brands like Yamaha, Buffet Crampon and others and shows the company has the expertise needed to build a quality instrument.

Speaking of quality, Jean Paul USA claims that their technical team checks each instrument in the U.S. before shipping.

On top of this, Jean Paul has an excellent reputation for customer service. They tend to respond fast to any questions and issues and are pleasant and easy to speak with. In fact, I’ve contacted them through their website with questions and received a response within 24 hours.

I feel Jean Paul USA is a reputable brand overall and one that clearly stands behind the quality of their clarinets.

Key criteria for rating the Jean Paul USA CL-300

Whether a Jean Paul clarinet review or any other student clarinet review, several key criteria apply. Let’s talk about those considerations likely to be most relevant to your purchasing decision.

1. Price

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is priced between $200-260 new. This falls in the low-mid range of most student models (related: 15 Best Student Clarinets and How to Choose).

One advantage the CL-300 has over other clarinets at this price is that is tends to hold its value nicely. Musicians who take proper care of the instrument are often able to resell it for two thirds or more of the original price.

If your budget doesn’t allow a couple hundred dollars for a new clarinet, there are less expensive models that may be a better match.

But of course, price alone doesn’t begin to completely describe this clarinet. Several other factors make this an attractive clarinet for many.

2. Play-ability

Different clarinet models play a bit differently. Some are harder to play than others, regardless of price.

For example, professional clarinets are often made from wood, a material which gives the instrument a richer sound. The downside—and one of the main reasons beginner clarinets aren’t made from wood—is that typically only experienced clarinetists can play these well.

Other features, such as overall workmanship and what mouthpiece is used can affect ease of play, or play-ability.

Play-ability is an especially important consideration for anyone wanting to buy a clarinet for a child. A clarinet that’s relatively easy to play helps encourage a student to stick with the instrument for longer. Whereas a model that’s harder to play needlessly challenges and discourages the same student.

Jean Paul USA’s CL-300 student clarinet ranks highly in play-abilty. It tends to play well right out the box without the need for pad or key adjustment. The mouthpiece included, though not great, is also of decent quality (more on that below in Accessories).

3. Clarinet durability

How well a clarinet holds up with regular playing, or durability, says much about the quality and value-for-money of the instrument.

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is more durable than others at or below its price point. In fact, its strong durability is one of the reasons the CL-300 tend to hold its value. You can generally expect this model to last 2-3 years or more with proper care.

When we consider durability, we’re mostly looking at the quality of workmanship and materials used in manufacturing a couple specific parts of the instrument (relevant: Parts of a Clarinet Explained):

Body

Clarinets tend to have a body made from either wood or some kind of plastic.

All else being equal, wood clarinets usually sound better than plastic ones. But they’re also vulnerable in ways plastic clarinets are not—wood models can easily crack or warp from exposure to temperature or humidity changes.

Plastic models can still crack or break if handled roughly. But their resilience under a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions makes them more durable than wood models overall. They’re also the ideal choice for marching band.

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is made from Bakelite, a common plastic.

Keys

Durability in a clarinet’s keys is determined mainly by the quality of metal used.

It’s very common for clarinet keys to be made from nickel with a nickel or silver plating, as is the case with the CL-300. But nickel keys with better metallurgy will make the keys feel a bit heavier, hardening them against bending or breaking.

Softer keys, by contrast, are more likely to bend or break. They also don’t normally hold their adjustment as well as harder keys—meaning the pads over the tone holes can lose their seal and require maintenance.

You can pay a few hundred dollars more for a higher-end student model, such as the Buffet Prodige, and get stronger keys. But as long as you handle the CL-300 with care, the keys should work just fine.

The few cases where the keys bend or break on this Jean Paul clarinet are usually due to the student gripping the keys while trying to assemble or disassemble the instrument—something to avoid (related: How to Assemble and Disassemble a Clarinet).

4. Sound

The best clarinets have a rich, resonant sound with even and consistent tones. Lesser clarinets can sound a bit muffled or out of tune when certain notes are played.

How well a clarinet sounds is mostly a function of the mouthpiece used and the shape and consistency of the bore—the drilled hole that runs the length of the inside of the body.

I feel this clarinet has a decent sound overall, especially for a new player and considering the price. Having said that, let’s address a couple minor (and rare) sound concerns surrounding Jean Paul USA’s CL-300 student clarinet:

Difficulty hitting higher notes

Hitting the higher notes, such as a hard C, can be a challenge. Doing so can take a bit more effort than playing in a lower register.

I personally wouldn’t worry about this too much. Playing in a higher register, or “crossing the break”, is almost always difficult for new players, even with a higher-end clarinet. And it’s a skill that improves with practice.

Flat tone

Some musicians have also commented that the ligature or mouthpiece included with the clarinet makes the instrument sound a half-semitone flat.

More experienced clarinet players can typically correct for this issue with their embouchure (related: How to Develop the Proper Clarinet Embouchure). But replacing the mouthpiece or ligature upfront may be worthwhile if a new player is finding this to be a problem for them.

The CL-300 also comes with an extra barrel for tuning. So I’d suggest experimenting with both. Adjusting these could help fix any tuning problems (more on this below in Accessories).

This model is generally well in tune. And the above issues won’t typically make much difference for an inexperienced clarinetist.

5. Commitment to playing clarinet

Like any new skill, getting good at playing the clarinet takes commitment.

Some clarinet students are passionate about the instrument and confident they’ll continue playing for years to come. Others may simply be trying out the instrument to see whether they like it.

This is an important difference.

The more committed a clarinet player is, the more it makes sense for them to invest in a nicer instrument. That’s why new clarinet players often rent a clarinet or buy a lower-end model as their first instrument. Then, once they feel more confident that they’ll stick with clarinet, they upgrade to a higher-end model.

It’s also why I don’t normally recommend first-time musicians spend $1,000 or more on a new Yamaha YCL-255. Yes, it’s a great student clarinet. But it’s only a great investment for a student who knows they’ll still enjoy playing three, four, five years from now.

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is a good student clarinet for a first-time player who’s committed to trying the instrument for at least a year.

There are less expensive options for anyone who has no idea whether they’ll like clarinet and wants to try before they spend more on a decent model.

6. Accessories included with the clarinet

If you’ve ever bought a battery-powered gadget, you’ve probably come to expect you’ll need to buy batteries separately. The words “batteries not included” and “[insert part essential for the function of this product] sold separately” are drummed into our heads from the moment we’re old enough to watch TV.

But if you’re buying a clarinet for the first time, you may not know what accessories you’ll also need—like reeds, cork grease and a cleaning swab—before the instrument can actually be played.

Understandably, you might be tempted to buy a clarinet that includes lots of accessories. In fact, lots of clarinet brands will package their instruments with these “extras” for this exact reason.

But in my experience many of the accessories you see bundled with a clarinet, especially a lower-end model, tend to be almost useless. They often either won’t work at all or will work so poorly that you’re better off replacing them upfront.

With that caveat out of the way, let’s look at the accessories that come with the Jean Paul USA CL-300. Depending on where you buy it, the CL-300 should include:

• Mouthpiece
• Rico brand reed (2.5 strength)
• Extra barrel for tuning
• Soft-shell carrying case
• Cork grease
• Cleaning cloth
• White gloves

Most of these accessories are actually decent enough. But I do have some advice with regard to some of these:

Mouthpiece

The stock mouthpiece included with the Jean Paul USA CL-300 is decent. It’s not particularly hard to blow into. And a student isn’t likely to create dimples from biting down in on it like many of those that come with budget clarinets.

This is a mouthpiece a new student could get by with for months of playing. But since the mouthpiece has such an impact on sound and play-ability, many students choose to upgrade to a nicer one anyway.

If you choose to update the mouthpiece, the one I always recommend to students is the Yamaha 4C. It’s a great mouthpiece and usually runs about $30.

Ligature

Every new clarinet should come with a ligature—the component that fastens down over the mouthpiece to hold the reed in place. And there’s not normally huge variance in quality for ligatures. But this one bears calling out here due to the number of comments about it from musicians who bought the CL-300.

Some musicians have mentioned the ligature on this clarinet doesn’t stay on. The ligature is metal, although you can find ligatures made from other materials also, like leather.

If you find the same issue with the ligature sliding around, I’d suggest trying the following:

• Check to make sure the ligature is tightened firmly on the mouthpiece.
• Remove the ligature and try rubbing the inside with coarse-grit sandpaper. This should leave some impressions in the ligature’s inside surface that help it to grip better to the mouthpiece.
• Contact Jean Paul USA and ask them if they can send a replacement ligature. This is the kind of issue that their warranty should cover (more on that below).

Buying a replacement ligature is also a solution. But I’ve seen ligatures ranging in price from under $10 to as much as $80 or more. So you might consider the above remedies in case you find your instrument has ligature problems.

Rico brand reed

Rico is a mainstream and reputable brand for reeds. And their 2.5 strength variety tends to be my go-to recommended reed for new clarinet students.

Reeds can typically last at least a couple weeks with regular use. But clarinet players often use multiple reeds in rotation to break them in gradually.

I’d suggest buying a full pack of reeds upfront. A 10-pack of the same Rico 2.5 reeds should be fine for a student and will typically cost $15-20.

Extra barrel for tuning

Some clarinets come with two barrels of slightly different lengths. The added barrel gives the player more control over tuning—switching to the slightly longer barrel will lower the pitch of the instrument.

For clarinet students that find their CL-300 plays a bit flat, I’d suggest trying the shorter barrel. All clarinets will also tune downward if the barrel is pulled out slightly. So this could be another cause for flat playing.

Changes in the environment where the instrument is stored and played can affect tuning. And knowing when to switch between barrels and adjust them can be handy for keeping in tune.

Cleaning cloth

Cleaning the clarinet after each and every playing session is essential to preventing excess moisture that can lead to mold and other issues (related: How to Clean and Maintain Your Clarinet). And having a proper cleaning cloth or swab can make a big difference.

Unfortunately, the cleaning cloth included with this clarinet doesn’t make the job of cleaning the instrument easy. And it’s probably worth replacing.

The good news is decent cleaning kits aren’t pricey—you can get a Cecilio brand kit for around $15 that includes a swab, multiple brushes, a polishing cloth and cork grease.

7. Manufacturer’s warranty

A warranty can be a valuable feature to look for when buying such a fragile instrument with so many moving parts as a clarinet.

Even if you’re buying a high-end instrument from a top brand, there’s no guarantee it won’t arrive with leaky pads or some other quality control issue. A decent warranty coupled with responsive customer support helps you resolve such issues as quickly as possible and at no cost to you.

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 comes with a 1-year warranty to protect against manufacturing and quality defects. The brand also has a customer support team that normally responds to queries within 24 hours.

Even in some cases when customers have been at fault in damaging their clarinet, the company has offered to repair their instrument free of charge, often covering the cost of return shipping as well. I’ve also heard of cases where the company will exchange the clarinet if they’re unable to repair it.

The dozens of reviews attesting to an easy and pleasant service experience show Jean Paul USA’s dedication to keeping their customers happy. And that’s a major advantage over most student clarinet brands whose interest in your experience with their product tends to stop at the point of sale.

Specifications

Here’s an overview of the specs for the Jean Paul USA CL-300:

• Body material: Bakelite with Ebonite finish
• Bore: Cylindrical
• Case: Soft-shell case
• Key of: Bb
• Key system: Boehm / 17 keys, 6 rings
• Mouthpiece: Stock mouthpiece
• Plating: Nickel
• Springs: Blue stainless steel springs
• Thumb rest: Adjustable
• Tone holes: Straight

The bottom line: Is the Jean Paul USA CL-300 your ideal clarinet?

Now that we’ve scrutinized this instrument in greater detail than Sherlock Holmes examining a crime scene, we’re left with the question that likely brought you to this Jean Paul clarinet review in the first place: Is the CL-300 the right clarinet for me?

Well, is it within your budget? Does the person you’re buying a clarinet for plan to play for a year or more, or have they at least expressed a strong interest in the clarinet? Does that person have little or no prior experience playing clarinet?

If you answered “yes” to all of the above questions, then I feel confident saying you’ll be happy with this model. Both the model and the brand behind it have an enduring reputation among musicians and band directors alike—and, at this price point, not many do!

This post may contain affiliate links and we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, we can earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our Terms and Conditions for details.

You want to know whether the Mendini clarinet by Cecilio is the right model for you?

In today’s jungle-like ecommerce environment, it can be pretty frustrating to shop for a student clarinet.

And though I can’t say for sure whether this Cecilio clarinet is the best option for you, I can tell you everything I know about this instrument to help you decide for yourself.

By the end of this review, you’ll have all the relevant details about price, workmanship, durability and more to move forward confidently with your buying decision.

The Cecilio brand

Cecilio Musical Instruments is one of the lesser-known brands in the beginner student clarinet space. But they do offer a pretty wide range of beginner brass, string and percussion instruments, in addition to clarinets.

Cecilio has been in business since 2004 and is based in California. One of the things I like about this brand is that, though they manufacture overseas, they say they perform QC inspection both at the facility where the clarinets are made AND again when they receive the shipments in California.

As of this year, Cecilio’s website redirects to KK Music Store. I was curious about this change, so I contacted them directly and was told that both Cecilio and KK Music Store have recently been acquired by Thrasio, an investor in Amazon ecommerce businesses.

A customer support rep was also able to confirm that Cecilio’s quality control procedures remain unchanged.

Key criteria for rating the Mendini clarinet

Let’s jump into the main criteria for this Mendini clarinet review. These are valuable points to consider when evaluating any beginner clarinet.

1. Price

The Mendini by Cecilio is one of the lowest-priced models on our list of the best student clarinets (related: 15 Best Student Clarinets and How to Choose). And at around $100, the Mendini clarinet is a bargain.

Music teachers and band directors are pretty split on this model because of its price. Lower-cost models like it can be a gamble. But you’ll usually pay between $20-50 per month for the commonly suggested alternative: renting a higher-end model.

And while price is a good starting point for sizing up a clarinet, there are certainly other considerations you’ll likely find relevant. Indeed, there are other beginner models that outperform this one in other metrics.

So let’s move on to how this instrument handles and holds up to play.

2. Play-ability

Some student clarinets are easier to play than others.

For example, the mouthpiece included with some models can make it hard to blow into the instrument and produce sound. Other models may be more or less prone to arriving with quality control issues, such as leaky pads or keys that move side to side.

Problems with play-ability can be frustrating for a new clarinet player and hinder their progress. This is especially true for younger players performing in school band. Whereas a clarinet with greater ease of play is more likely to encourage a student and bolster their progress.

Cecilio’s Mendini clarinet has a decent track record for play-ability. Musicians rarely find issues with this model requiring key or pad adjustment, other repairs or replacement out of the box.

A couple minor issues worth mentioning with respect to play-ability:

Tight fitting corks

You’ll probably find this clarinet difficult to assemble and disassemble, at least at first. The bell, in particular, can be tough to connect with the lower joint. This isn’t at all unusual with new clarinets. The tenon corks are a bit oversized, and you’ll want to use plenty of cork grease to get the instrument to fit smoothly together.

Most clarinets will fit together tightly until they’re “broken in”, at which point they’re easier to assemble.

Sanding or trimming down the corks can help. But if you choose to do so, be very careful not to overdo it, or you could introduce new problems like air leaks.

Fixed thumb rest

Most clarinets come equipped with a thumb rest that the clarinet player can use for support when holding the instrument. Adjustable thumb rests are popular and provide some extra relief to players with differently sized hands.

This Mendini clarinet includes a fixed thumb rest that can’t be adjusted. It doesn’t take long to get used to the feel of a clarinet. And the thumb rest should be a very minor concern, especially for a first-time clarinetist.

3. Clarinet durability

Durability is a concern for most clarinet players. Besides the impact on an instrument’s longevity, durability also affects its resell value should the owner choose to part with it. And unless you’re buying a toy or novelty clarinet, you should probably value durability, too.

The manufacturer’s choice and quality of materials largely determine a clarinet’s durability. The Mendini by Ceclio clarinet scores OK overall in terms of durability.

Although a pretty fragile instrument to begin with, there are a couple specific parts of the clarinet where you’ll see a difference across models (relevant: Parts of a Clarinet Explained):

Body

The body of most clarinets is made with one of two materials: wood or plastic.

Wooden clarinets tend to produce a warmer sound, which is why most professional models are made from wood. At the same time—wood being an organic material—wooden clarinets are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

While both wooden and plastic clarinets can crack and break if dropped, plastic is more durable overall and is the material of choice for most student models. Plastic clarinets also won’t crack or warp when exposed to outdoor conditions, making them ideal marching band clarients.

The Mendini clarinet has a body made from ABS plastic. And apart from being the better choice in terms of durability, this material helps make this model affordable.

Keys

We’re mostly concerned with the quality of the metalwork when it comes to keys. Harder metal keywork is typically more expensive but holds its adjustment better—meaning the keys and pads work properly for longer without air leaks and other issues appearing.

Not surprisingly given its low price, Cecilio’s Mendini clarinet has softer keys than many of the other student models available. The keys bend pretty easily.

The keywork is still pretty good at this price. You’ll just want to handle this clarinet carefully, especially when disassembling.

4. Sound

Sound typically isn’t a major concern for beginner clarinet players. As they progress to the intermediate and more advanced levels, sound differences between models will become more meaningful.

Better clarinets will have a more even tone across registers. While lesser models tend to have some notes sounding slightly flat or sharp.

Don’t expect the sound quality you might from a high-end student clarinet like a Buffet Prodige (related: A Deep-Dive Review of the Buffet Prodige Clarinet). But the Mendini clarinet has a surprisingly rich, clear tone.

The mouthpiece setup included with the Mendini is a bit of a hindrance here. And upgrading to a better mouthpiece can elevate the sound quality a fair bit (more on that in accessories below).

5. Commitment to playing clarinet

Commitment is an important factor when looking at student clarinets, in particular. Is it wise to splurge for the best clarinet money can buy when the person you’re buying for has never played the instrument before?

Probably not.

Student clarinets vary widely in price. And though prestigious brands like Yamaha and Buffet Crampon make beautiful student models, those models also tend to cost between $600 and $1,000+ new.

So unless you’re buying for a student who’s played before and is truly passionate about clarinet, I’d suggest avoiding the higher-end models.

The Mendini clarinet by Cecilio is an ideal starter model for someone who’s uncertain how long they’ll want to play clarinet.

Budget models like the Mendini let students try clarinet for several months to a year or so. If they lose interest, it’s not a major loss. And if they decide to continue playing beyond that point, they can consider upgrading to a nicer model.

6. Accessories included with the clarinet

If you’ve looked online at new student clarinets for sale, you’ve likely noticed that some come with lots of accessories. Lesser-known brands, in particular, often include extras like lesson books, spare reeds, cleaning kits and more with their clarinet.

Accessories can be helpful if you don’t know what items you’ll need for playing besides the clarinet itself. For instance, some people buy a clarinet thinking that’s all they’ll need to start. But then they discover cork grease wasn’t included, and they can’t put the instrument together.

On the other hand, don’t be surprised if the accessories you receive with your instrument aren’t well made. In my experience, most accessories included with student clarinets are cheap quality and, at worst, unusable.

Depending on where you buy the Mendini clarinet, some or all of the following will be included:

• 10 spare reeds
• Mouthpiece
• Two barrels for tuning
• Soft-shell carrying case
• White gloves
• Cleaning cloth
• Cork grease
• Clarinet stand
• Pocket lesson book

This is one of the more complete sets of accessories I’ve seen included with any model. But I can share some concerns about a few specific items:

Reeds

As with most student models, the reeds included with this Cecilio clarinet are not good. They’re labeled 2.5 strength, which is a strength I would normally recommend. But these reeds are often inconsistent in thickness and hard to play with.

A better set of reeds, such as Rico 2.5 strength, can greatly improve the playing experience and shouldn’t cost more than $15-20 for a box of 10. I highly recommend buying these or a similar set of reeds upfront if you choose to buy the Mendini.

Mouthpiece

The “4C” stock mouthpiece included with the Mendini is just enough to get started. Some musicians have commented it doesn’t fit properly with the included barrels. But these cases are rare and are more a quality anomaly than a design issue with this model.

You might consider upgrading to a better one regardless because the quality of the mouthpiece has such an impact on sound and ease of play. The Yamaha 4C is a perfectly good mouthpiece and shouldn’t cost more than $30.

Cork grease

A decent cork grease makes it much easier to quickly assemble a clarinet without fear of breaking it. And the grease included with the Mendini clarinet isn’t great.

I’d recommend spending the $3-5 for a better name brand cork grease like Vandoren’s. Most cork grease sold individually should work just fine.

7. Manufacturer’s warranty

Whether you buy a high-end, professional model or a low-priced, no-name model, no clarinet is 100 percent free of defects. Mass manufacturing simply isn’t perfect. And sometimes the tone holes aren’t drilled cleanly, pads don’t form a good seal or some part of the body is chipped or cracked.

That’s why a manufacturer’s warranty can be a nice value added to an instrument.

Cecilio offers a 1-year limited warranty covering all their instruments in the event of manufacturing and quality defects. (To be sure, I checked with a Thrasio customer service rep who confirmed that Cecilio’s warranty policy hasn’t changed).

While other brands, typically at the higher end, offer 3- or 5-year warranties, Cecilio’s shorter warranty is still great for the price. And if a Mendini clarinet fails a student after one year of play, it may be time to consider upgrading.

Specifications

Here’s a rundown of the main specifications for Cecilio’s Mendini clarinet:

• Bore: Cylindrical
• Key of: Bb
• Fingering: Boehm
• Body material: ABS plastic
• Plating: Nickel
• Mouthpiece: Stock mouthpiece
• Case: Soft-shell case
• Thumb rest: Fixed

The bottom line: Is this Mendini clarinet your ideal choice?

The Mendini clarinet by Cecilio has a lot going for it. Its sound, durability and ease of play are good for the price. And the included 1-year warranty gives you confidence that, if your instrument arrives with problems, Cecilio with take responsibility and find solutions.

Having said that, this model probably isn’t the best choice for anyone who’s played clarinet before and wants to continue with it long term. Spending more for a mid- or higher-end model usually makes for sense for them.

But anyone new to the clarinet who just wants to try out the instrument can’t go wrong with the Mendini. The low price and full set of accessories make it very accessible to newcomers without requiring a major upfront commitment. You can also choose from several different colors, which makes this one especially popular for kids.

This post may contain affiliate links and we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, we can earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our Terms and Conditions for details.

Finding reliable information online about a clarinet can be tough.

You might already know a bit about the popular Etude ECL-100 model. Maybe you’ve compared prices online. Or maybe you’re having trouble finding detailed info or Etude’s website.

I get it.

That’s why I decided to write this detailed review of the instrument for people like you who are trying to understand if it’s the right student model for them.

Frankly, and despite it’s popularity, this Etude student clarinet isn’t right for every clarinet player—or even every beginner player. But it can be a good choice for many. Here you’ll learn why. And by the end, you’ll have a better idea of whether this is the right clarinet model for you.

The Etude brand

Although the ECL-100 is a fairly popular student clarinet, little is known about the Etude brand itself. In fact, Etude doesn’t appear to have a corporate website. Suffice to say Etude is one of the smaller brands that focuses mainly on student wind instruments.

But don’t let their low-profile fool you. They offer a fairly wide range of instruments. Apart from clarinet, you’ll also find Etude brand saxophones, trumpets, trombones, flutes and even violins and cellos. And musicians have rated many of these instruments highly for their overall quality and value for money.

Key criteria for rating the Etude ECL-100 clarinet

Here’s where we get into the specific checkpoints for deciding which clarinet is best for you. Let’s talk about these criteria and how this Etude clarinet stacks up.

1. Price

Check the price of each of the 15 best student clarinets from our list and you’ll find they range from under $100 to as much as $1,000 or more.

Sounds like a broad price range for what are all beginner clarinet models, doesn’t it?

You can generally find a new Etude ECL-100 clarinet for between $270-300. But that shouldn’t necessarily be the key driver of your buying decision.

Sure, if you can’t afford to drop a few hundred dollars on a new clarinet, this is an easy pass for you to make.

But as we’ll see, there are other differences between clarinets than just price alone. So if this Etude student clarinet seems within your budget—and it is a lower mid-priced model—let’s look at some more considerations.

2. Play-ability

Depending on who you’re buying a clarinet for, play-ability can be an important or even a make-or-break factor for choosing which model is best. And by play-ability, I mean how easy it is to play relative to other models.

Some clarinets are harder to play than others. For example, professional models are often deliberately made slightly out of tune for the benefit of the expert clarinetist. Only experts typically know how to play these models properly.

Other clarinets have specific features to improve play-ability, such as an adjustable thumb rest, which better accommodates people with differently sized hands.

Play-ability matters because the harder it is to play an instrument, the more likely a student is to get discouraged. Consider a fourth grader playing in school band with a clarinet that’s hard to play. How long will they stick with clarinet if they’re constantly struggling where their peers are having little difficulty?

The Etude ECL-100 standard model scores well overall in terms of play-ability. Most new musicians find it easy to play and handle with two caveats:

• The stock mouthpiece included can be hard to blow into and may takes some getting used to; and
• The tenon corks of the body fit a bit too tightly, which can make assembling and disassembling the instrument difficult

The mouthpiece included with the ECL-100 is actually pretty decent. But there are certainly student models that include a better one. You might consider trying this mouthpiece for a few weeks and then spending $20-30 to upgrade to a better one if needed.

As for the tenon corks, this is a pretty common complaint for new clarinets. Applying some cork grease usually helps loosen them up. If that’s not enough, you can also carefully sand or trim the corks until you’re able to assemble the clarinet.

3. Clarinet durability

Unless you’re looking for a toy instrument, you probably want a clarinet that’s going to last a reasonable length of time. Clarinets have a lot of moving parts. And a clarinet that’s not durable can cost hundreds of dollars to repair or replace if and when something breaks.

Taking a moment to familiarize yourself with the major parts of a clarinet can be helpful here if you haven’t already.

The Etude ECL-100 student clarinet is pretty durable. And there are a couple components to address specifically:

Body

The body of this Etude student clarinet is made from ABS plastic. Almost all student clarinets are made from this or a similar plastic material.

What’s good about ABS is that it’s highly resilient. It won’t crack or warp with changes in temperature or humidity. This makes it an ideal material for clarinets that will be played outside, such as in marching band.

Wood tends to be the body material of choice for professional models because it produces a richer sound. The drawback is that wooden models are less forgiving if dropped or handled roughly. And conditions when playing a wooden clarinet outside can ruin it.

Keys

The key tend to be one of more delicate parts of a clarinet. The Etude ECL-100 has nickel keys with a nickel-silver plating.

You won’t see quite the level of metalwork on these that you would with a higher-end student clarinet, such as a Yamaha YCL-255, for example. But these keys should hold up to normal play, and most musicians report no issues with key durability.

One durability caveat with student clarinets around this or lower price range is that many repair shops won’t work on them if parts are damaged. Local repair shops often don’t carry components for lower-end models or are reluctant to attempt repairs for fear of further damaging an instrument.

If you have a warranty for your clarinet, the dealer or manufacturer might repair or replace it for you in case of damage. But this could be an important point to keep in mind when considering the person you’re buying a clarinet for.

4. Sound

Some clarinets have a muffled sound that doesn’t resonate. Others may have an inconsistent sound that’s better when playing some notes and not others.

This Etude student model ECL-100 has been well-received for having a good, rich sound. And some music teachers have initially discouraged parents from buying this model and later been pleasantly surprised by its quality.

One musician complained that “throat tones” Bb and A were out of tune. But this isn’t a widely reported issue. Nor is it something that will be obvious to a first-time clarinet player.

5. Commitment to playing clarinet

This next point isn’t specifically a measure of the clarinet itself. It’s more a consideration of the person you’re buying it for.

Learning to play clarinet, as with any skill, takes commitment.

You might know someone who might be interested in clarinet. Or maybe that person has a birthday coming up and you’re just “winging it” with a gift for them because you don’t have better ideas.

But my advice is don’t go spending a lot of money on a clarinet you’re not sure this person will love. Buying a high-end clarinet for someone who’s likely to lose interest or give up in frustration within a few weeks would be a waste of money.

For example, let’s say you’re buying for a small child with no prior music experience, and you don’t know what they’ll be interested in a week from now. A cheaper student clarinet, one under $100, might be best.

These don’t tend to sound very good, and they sometimes don’t last more than a few weeks before something breaks on them. But a short time with the instrument will help you decide whether upgrading to a nicer model is worthwhile.

For anyone that actually wants to learn to play, the Etude ECL-100, being priced at the lower-mid range, is a decent beginner clarinet. You can expect it to last at least 2-3 years if properly handled and maintained.

So if the person you’re buying for is a first-time clarinetist who has expressed interest in the instrument, I say go for it.

6. Accessories included with the clarinet

Most student clarinets will include some accessories, necessary or not, for playing and maintaining the instrument. These may include cork grease, gloves, a reed case, extra reeds, a clarinet stand and others.

The least expensive models always seem to come with the most accessories included. And in my experience the lesser-known brands tend to package their clarinets with lots of other stuff included to make up for a lower-quality instrument.

It’s also been my experience that most accessories tend to be substandard. In many cases you’re better off replacing them upfront rather than trying to get by with them.

Depending on where you purchase, the Etude ECL-100 clarinet will typically come with:

• 1-2 reeds
• Mouthpiece
• Hard-shell carrying case
• Cleaning cloth

You’ll want to pick up some cork grease and a cleaning swab if your clarinet doesn’t include these. You won’t be able to assemble the instrument without the grease. And you won’t be able to properly clean the instrument—and this should be done after EVERY playing session—without a swab.

I suggest spending $15 or so on a decent cleaning kit like Cecilio’s or similar that includes both.

As for what you can expect from the accessories included with the ECL-100, I have a few comments:

Reeds

Any reed that comes with this clarinet is going to be a stock reed and not a good one at that. I’d suggest buying some proper reeds up front, since decent reeds are inexpensive and will greatly improve ease of play.

My typical reed of choice is Rico 2.5 strength, which comes in a pack of 10 reeds for around $15-20.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece included with the ECL-100 is actually pretty decent for a stock mouthpiece. Though some students have had trouble blowing into it to generate sound.

As I noted earlier, you may choose to spend $20-30 to upgrade to a better mouthpiece, such as the Yamaha 4C, separately. But I’d suggest trying the one included and then considering upgrading later if it becomes a barrier to progress.

7. Manufacturer’s warranty

Clarinets sometimes leave the manufacturer’s facility with quality control issues like leaky pads or key “end play” where the keys move loosely side to side. No brand or clarinet model is 100 percent free of these types of defects.

But what helps set different brands apart in this respect is how they mitigate these. A manufacturer’s warranty is one solution and may be an important consideration when choosing your clarinet.

Many brands offer to repair or replace any instrument if workmanship or material defects arise. And some dealers will include a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty with the Etude ECL-100.

This is a nice feature to help limit your risk in case there’s damage to the instrument. There are brands that offer similar warranties for a longer period, such as five years. But then there are others that offer no warranty at all.

Specifications

Here are the major specifications for the ECL-100:

• Bore: Cylindrical / 0.577″ (14.66mm)
• Key of: Bb
• Fingering: Boehm
• Body material: ABS plastic
• Plating: Nickel-silver
• Mouthpiece: Stock mouthpiece
• Case: Hard-shell case

The bottom line: Is this Etude clarinet your ideal choice?

Spending $300-500 more for a higher-end model may be worthwhile for a student who’s already been playing for a year or more and expects to play for several years to come.

But for anyone that isn’t sure how committed they are to playing clarinet and wants to start with a decent model that will last a couple years, the Etude student series ECL-100 is an all-in-all good beginner clarinet for the price.

The quality of workmanship—namely, keys, pads and mouthpiece—are sufficient for a new musician. You won’t get the barriers to play-ability that often accompany a lower-end model. And the price and warranty are reasonable to help you avoid overspending and costly repairs if the instrument is damaged.

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Are you curious whether the Allora AACL-336 clarinet is the right clarinet for you or someone you know? Are you tired of Allora clarinet reviews that try to “sell” you on any model they can?

Well, I won’t tell you this is the perfect clarinet for you. And I’m not here to put it on a pedestal and ignore its faults.

Instead, I promise to help you make your own buying decision by exposing the good, the bad and the ugly of this Allora B-flat clarinet. You’ll discover what criteria are important when choosing a clarinet and how this model stacks up for each.

The Allora brand

Let’s first talk about the Allora brand. Their instruments are sold in several mainstream American retail stores. And you’ll find they’ve obtained mostly favorable customer reviews.

Apart from other woodwinds like bassoons, Allora also manufactures a wide range of brass instruments. Trombones, tubas, trumpets, saxophones, French horns, flutes and even piccolos carry the Allora name.

Not much is publicly known about the Allora brand. I actually contacted them through their website with a list of questions a few days ago but haven’t gotten a response as of this writing.

They may be an American company, as their website lists a contact address in California.

Key criteria for rating the Allora AACL-336 clarinet

Let’s get into the specific points to consider when rating a clarinet to decide whether the Allora AACL-336 is your ideal choice.

1. Price

Even if you’ve set yourself a liberal budget for buying a clarinet, you likely want to get the best clarinet for your money.

This Allora student clarinet is priced in the mid range. Expect to pay between $280 and $350 for a new model.

You can get a much cheaper model for under $100. But then again, higher-end student models often sell for as much as $1,000 or more.

There’s a lot more to consider than price alone. So unless the AACL-336 is way outside your budget, I suggest you consider the other criteria.

2. Play-ability

This is a big point, especially when you’re looking for a student clarinet. Wooden professional clarinets tend to be harder to play than student or intermediate models. But an experienced professional clarinetist can normally handle them quite well.

Whereas for someone learning to play clarinet for the first time, the easier their clarinet is to play, the better. Learning on a difficult model can frustrate beginners and hold them back.

The play-ability of the Allora AACL-336 is mixed. Its lightweight ABS body makes this model easier to handle than some alternatives. But some musicians report issues, including:

• Air leaks from the pads covering the tone holes.
• Difficulty blowing air through the mouthpiece to produce a sound. Upgrading the stock mouthpiece for $20-30 should make it easier to play.
• Tenon corks are too tight. Although not an uncommon issue among new clarinets, this can make assembling and disassembling a clarinet difficult. Carefully trimming or sanding down the corks should help.

You can find pricier models that offer better ease of play than this Allora student clarinet. But its play-ability is generally in line with its price.

3. Clarinet durability

Who you’re buying a clarinet for and where it will be played largely decide how important durability is when choosing a clarinet.

Parts made with different materials and quality of workmanship have a direct impact on how long an instrument lasts and how often it needs maintenance. So some basic understanding of the different parts of a clarinet will be relevant as we discuss durability.

Body

Several pieces come together to make up the main assembly of a clarinet, collectively called the body. You’ll probably want a clarinet with a durable body, depending on the circumstances.

Durability is an advantage, for instance, in a clarinet belonging to a young child. A clarinet in the hands of a child is more likely to be dropped, knocked around and handled roughly. Likewise, a clarinet being played outdoors needs to be hold up to changes in temperature and humidity.

The Allora AACL-336, with its ABS resin body, is ideal in both cases. Unlike wooden models, it’s more forgiving to rough handling and won’t warp or crack if played outdoors.

Pads

The pads of a clarinet form airtight seals over the tone holes of the instrument to allow the musician to play different notes.

The Allora student series AACL-336 comes equipped with double bladder fish skin pads. Leather, the other material commonly used for pads, tends to last a bit longer than fish skin but can cause pads to stick to the tone holes.

Neither material is objectively better than the other. And with proper care, the pads on this Allora student clarinet should last 2-3 years or more.

Keys

A clarinet’s keys work like levers under the player’s fingers to press or release the pads over the tone holes.

The main concern with keys is quality of workmanship and materials. Many lower-end clarinets have delicate keys that easily bend or break during normal play.

The Allora AACL-336 hassolid nickel-plated keys. You shouldn’t have to worry about them falling apart, as long as they’re handled with care. And although not as shiny as silver-plated keys, nickel-plated keys are usually less expensive without compromising durability.

4. Sound

Tone and projection are the main qualities concerning sound to look for in a clarinet. The best clarinets have a rich, even tone across the full range of notes and a clear sound that carries.

Don’t expect quite the evenness in tone with this Allora clarinet that you’d get from a higher-end student clarinet, such as the Buffet Prodige. A few musicians have reported that some notes—in particular, the thumb F—are a half step out of tune and that the AACL-336 can sound a bit airy or muffled.

But this clarinet has generally been well received for its sound and has even pleasantly surprised some band directors.

5. Commitment to playing clarinet

This next point, though not a direct feature of clarinets themselves, deserves some consideration.

Playing clarinet, as with many hobbies, can be quite fun. But learning to play clarinet well, takes long, focused effort.

Making mistakes is unavoidable. And in their failures, new students often get embarrassed or frustrated with the instrument. And they’ll need to overcome their embarrassment and frustration if they’ve any hope of making progress.

Commitment to playing becomes relevant when considering which clarinet is best for you.

For example, maybe you’re buying a clarinet for a student who has owned one or two models before and has been playing for a couple years already. I might suggest spending a bit more on a nicer model in this case, as he or she could probably appreciate the difference in quality and is likely to continue playing for years to come.

Then again, maybe you’re buying a clarinet for a first-time musician or a young child whose interests are harder to predict. In these cases where you may have doubts about the commitment to playing, I’d say the Allora student series AACL-336 is a solid choice.

6. Accessories included with the clarinet

Most new student clarinets come with some accessories. These extras can be nice to have, especially if you don’t know what accessories you’ll need to get started.

Besides including the basics like a reed, mouthpiece and carrying case, some clarinets also include a stand, a reed holder, a cleaning kit and more.

But in my experience most sellers include these “free” items to make a cheaper clarinet appear more attractive. These items don’t tend to be well made. And you’re usually better off buying better alternatives separately.

Depending on where you buy an Allora AACL-336, it will generally include:

• 1-2 starter reeds
• Cork grease
• Cleaning cloth
• Mouthpiece
• Cap
• Carrying case

These should be enough to get a clarinetist started. Though there are a couple caveats with the reeds and mouthpiece:

Reeds

As with most starter reeds, don’t expect great quality. And since the reed used can have a surprising impact on play-ability, you might just want buy a separate set upfront (my go-to recommendation is Rico 2.5 strength reeds).

Mouthpiece

The stock mouthpiece included with this instrument has received mixed reviews. Some have commented that blowing air through it to produce a sound takes more effort than expected.

My advice here is to try the clarinet first and see how it plays. Then consider upgrading the mouthpiece (Yamaha’s 4C mouthpiece is a good-value option) if you meet a similar problem.

7. Manufacturer’s warranty

If, by chance, the clarinet you ordered arrives to you damaged, you may not have any recourse. That is, unless it’s under warranty.

A product warranty is an added bonus for a new clarinet. Especially when the clarinetist is new to the instrument and hasn’t yet gotten used to handling it, a warranty that protects against damage can save you the cost of repairs or replacement.

Allora gives original buyers a 3-year warranty for all their wind instruments guaranteeing no defects in workmanship or materials. The warranty excludes components like springs, pads and corks. So if the joints of your Allora clarinet fit too tightly and you choose to trim down the corks, be extra careful.

Specifications

Here’s a rundown of the key specifications for the Allora student series AACL-336:

• Bore: Cylindrical / 0.577″ (14.66mm)
• Key of: Bb
• Fingering: Boehm
• Body material: ABS resin
• Pads: Double bladder fish skin
• Plating: Nickel
• Mouthpiece: Stock mouthpiece
• Case: Molded case
• Springs: stainless steel

The bottom line: Is this Allora clarinet your ideal choice?

The Allora AACL-336 clarinet is a decent instrument. Its durability, overall quality sound and manufacturer warranty, all at a reasonable price, help make it one of the best-value student clarinets available.

If you’re less concerned about price and just want the best student clarinet possible, there are better options at the higher end. Similarly, if you’re just looking for a toy clarinet that barely plays notes but won’t cost more than $100, this isn’t the clarinet for you.

But this is a perfectly good choice if you’re someone who wants a decent starter clarinet that plays reasonably well and will last a couple years or more.