The clarinet is a wonderful woodwind instrument that can be played by all levels of musicians. It is perfect for using in marching bands, school orchestras or even in some jazz bands.
To use a clarinet, the player will have to blow into the mouthpiece, using their fingers and their embouchure to adjust the notes and overall tones. Just like with any instrument, the clarinet takes a lot of practice to nail the skill.
If you are hoping to buy a clarinet as a gift, or a beginner looking to learn how to play the clarinet, then you will want to make sure you have the best clarinet for beginners.
With the clarinet, there are a few things that give them their unique, rich and earthy sound, and you will want to find one that can provide those results.
When beginning to play the clarinet, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the information and amount of different types of clarinets available.
This is why we have taken all of the guesswork out of it, and created a guide of the best clarinets for beginners. This way, you can find the perfect first clarinet to get you started on your journey.
Our Top Pick
If you are new to the world of the clarinet, then you will want to ensure that you get the best clarinet to get you started. This is why we have searched for only the best clarinets for beginners available on the market, and found the perfect option.
If you want to skip the read and just go for our top pick, then the Mendini by Cecilio Clarinet is the right option for you.
This high quality ebonite clarinet has a high grade black body with durable nickel plated keys for a reliable, durable build and premium sound. You can also purchase this clarinet in ten different colors to suit every musician.
In the key of B flat, with an adjustable thumb rest, this clarinet is perfect for students and those looking to play within a band or orchestral setting.
What we love about this clarinet is that it comes with all of the additional features that will help you get started with your clarinet.
For example, this clarinet comes equipped with a hard-shell case for portability, 10 reeds, a mouthpiece, cork grease, ligature, a folding clarinet stand and even a pocket music book for your clarinet!
This makes it the best clarinet for beginners with all of the additional tools to help you learn how to play and care for your clarinet.
OUR TOP PICK
When it comes to purchasing a clarinet for beginners, you will want one that is simple to use, with easy to press keys and a carry case for convenience. The Mendini Clarinet fits the criteria perfectly!
This particular plastic model comes in a traditional sleek black color, however the Mendini Bb Clarinet can be purchased in ten different colors that are perfect for students.
The high grade black body of this clarinet is equipped with durable nickel plated keys for ease of use and simple key pressing. This really is the perfect instrument for the student musician.
The clarinet comes with inline trill keys and an adjustable thumb rest for comfortable playing.
Made with the highest quality standards, this clarinet is reliable and durably made. In addition, this beginner clarinet comes equipped with a deluxe plush lined hard case, a mouthpiece with a ligature, a pair of gloves, cleaning cloth, cork grease and a box of ten reeds!
With a pocket sized, handy clarinet music book, this clarinet is the perfect set to get you started and learning how to play the clarinet!
Pros
- Comes in ten colors
- Perfect for beginners
- High quality body
- Durable nickel plated keys
- Adjustable thumb rest
- Comes with hard carry case
- Includes mouthpiece, gloves, cleaning cloth, cork grease and reeds
- Comes with a pocket sized music book
Cons
- Hard to take apart for cleaning
EDITORS CHOICE
If you are looking for the highest quality clarinet for beginners, then a great place to start would be with the Jean Paul USA Student Clarinet.
This stunning black, premium clarinet is specifically designed with students in mind, and is set to the key of B flat.
In addition, the Jean Paul clarinet works with a Boehm 17 key system that works with most bands, orchestras and ensembles.
The clarinet itself is made from a stunning ebonite body, with nickel plated keys for the most clear, crisp and focused tone when playing.
In addition, this beginner clarinet comes with its own robust, contoured carrying case to keep your clarinet safe and protected at all times.
It is also lightweight enough for quick and easy transportation, wherever you need to practice playing the clarinet.
This clarinet also comes with its own mouthpiece, ligature, cap and set of professional Rico reeds for your convenience.
This student clarinet is a reliable and easy to play instrument, that is well centered, durable and produces a beautiful, hearty sound.
In addition, the Jean Paul Student clarinet has an excellent response and smooth playability for the ultimate easy to use beginner clarinet.
Pros
- Premium quality clarinet
- Intended for students
- Smooth playability
- In key of Bb
- Ebonite
- Nickel plated keys
- Comes with carry case
- Includes mouthpiece, ligature, cap, cork grease and reed
Cons
- Only comes with 1 reed
BEST VALUE
If you are looking for a quality ebonite beginner clarinet, then Mendini by Cecilio manufactures some of the greatest clarinets for first timers.
This student clarinet by Mendindi is in the key of B flat, with a strong ebonite build and simple nickel plated keys.
With Mendini, you are assured of the highest quality control, testing and warranty for a reliable and perfect clarinet for beginners. This clarinet comes in ebonite, red, pink, blue, navy and so many more colors for your personal preference.
The package also includes a mouthpiece with ligature, cap, 10 reeds, pocketbook of music, cork grease, cleaning cloth and a pair of gloves for playing.
What we love about this student clarinet is that it also comes fully equipped with its own carrying case and a foldable clarinet stand!
This makes this clarinet the perfect instrument for taking to practices, performances and for playing within a band/orchestra.
Pros
- Student clarinet
- High quality
- Comes in multiple colors
- Ebonite body
- Nickel plated keys
- In the key of Bb
- Comes with 10 reeds, pocketbook, cork grease, cleaning cloth, gloves, mouthpiece
- Includes carrying case and foldable clarinet stand
Cons
- Very difficult to put together
RUNNER UP
The Eastar B Flat Clarinet is an instrument that is fully intended for students and beginners. It is simple to use and durably made, ready for lots of practicing.
This clarinet can also be purchased with either nickel plated keys or silver keys for your preferred playing style. With a steady, pleasant sound and reliable voice, this clarinet is specifically designed for beginners.
The beautiful appearance is down to the durable Bakelite body and traditional nickel plated keys, with a ring wrapped bell mouth for a stunning design.
This clarinet also works with the key of B flat, and features the Boehm 17 key system, with smooth playability and good key response for learning.
In addition, the cylindrical bore produces perfect projection, and a wide range of different, full bodied tones.
Made from advanced, high level Bakelite, this clarinet produces a bright sound, with stable vibration that is simple to maintain for the player.
The package includes a mouthpiece, ligature, protective cap, thumb sheath, practice reeds, resin reeds, joint grease, cloth, gloves, and a hard case to keep your clarinet in the best working condition at all times!
Pros
- Quality built clarinet
- Intended for beginners
- In the key of B flat
- Boehm 17 key system
- Nickel plated keys
- Bakelite materials
- Comes with carry case
- Includes mouthpiece, grease, ligature, cloth, gloves
Cons
- Hard to assemble
- Prone to squeaking
RUNNER UP
If you are hoping to find a cost effective clarinet for beginners, then you are in the right place. The Glory B flat Clarinet is a beautiful instrument, but also at a lower and more affordable price point!
This clarinet comes in black, pink and white/gold for a range of stunning designs!
This is a great kit to get you started in learning how to play the clarinet. It is made from a high grade black ebonite/ABS body, with durable nickel plated and lacquered keys.
In addition, this clarinet comes in the key of B flat, with inline trill keys and an adjustable thumb rest for you!
This kit comes with everything you need, including cork grease, reeds, soft cleaning cloths, gloves, and a portable carrying case!
For an affordable option with all of the bells and whistles, you will want to try the Glory clarinet.
Pros
- Comes in various colors
- Made from ebonite and ABS plastic
- Nickel plated keys
- In the key of B flat
- Comes with carrying case
- Includes cork grease, mouthpiece, reeds, cloth, gloves
- Cheaper, more affordable
Cons
- Made of cheaper
Best Clarinet For Beginners Buying Guide
What is a clarinet?
The clarinet is an instrument that is part of the woodwind family. It is therefore a musical instrument that produces sound when blown into via a mouthpiece.
The clarinet will have a single reed mouthpiece, with a long, straight cylindrical tube, flared bell bottom, and many buttons to press in order to alter the notes of the clarinet
What to look for in the best clarinet for beginners
When purchasing a clarinet that is perfect for beginners, there are a few things that you will need to consider. Firstly, you will want one that is accessible, easy to play and carry around, as this will help you get started with the instrument.
In addition, you will notice that clarinets are made from a few different body materials. For the most part, clarinets can be purchased in plastic and wooden versions.
Wooden clarinets are commonly handmade, intended for professional use, and can be very expensive, so it may not be the right choice for a beginner.
On the other hand, clarinets made from durable rubber such as Ebonite or plastic Bakelite are very durable, but will have a slightly different tone to the wooden clarinets.
You should also be aware that clarinets for beginners typically come in the key of Bb (B flat). This is so they can be used for band practice, or in school settings, as this key is the most popularly used in ensembles.
Most clarinets in the key of B flat will utilize a 17-key system, which will have the traditional fingering positions and mechanisms on the clarinet.
You may also want to consider buying a clarinet with a carry case for much easier portability. This is better for a beginner as you will be able to take your clarinet with you to band practice, transport it safely to school, or travel to your clarinet instructor’s lessons.
With this in mind, try to find a carry bag that is properly secure and protected so that the clarinet does not get damaged easily.
Some clarinets will come with the reeds included, which is great, however a beginner can be quite tough on the reeds initially, so it may be worth purchasing a few extra reeds for your clarinet whilst you are first learning.
We recommend this ten pack of B flat clarinet reeds: Rico Bb Clarinet Reeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clarinet easy to learn?
The clarinet is no harder to learn than any other instrument, however it is not easy to learn. Learning how to play any instrument is a long process, and will take a lot of practice.
That being said, once you have mastered where to place your mouth onto the clarinet mouthpiece, and the correct method of blowing, then you will be able to play the clarinet easily.
Are wooden clarinets better than plastic?
You may be wondering if a wooden clarinet is better than plastic, however this is down to personal preference. Wooden clarinets tend to produce a much richer sound than plastic ones, with more precise tuning and sound.
However, wood is more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes which makes it much harder to maintain its upkeep than a plastic clarinet.
Plastic clarinets are much cheaper, and easier for first timers or children. If you are a beginner, then a plastic clarinet will be far more suitable for you, and will save you from investing in a very expensive wooden clarinet.
Why does my clarinet squeak?
When using your clarinet, you may notice that there is a small squeaking noise. This is a common problem for clarinet players.
However, the most leading cause of your clarinet squeaking is if the reeds are damaged. It could mean that the reeds are too dry, or the ligature placement of your mouthpiece is wrong.
Sometimes, it could also be because you are hitting the reed too hard with your tongue, which can also make a squeaking sound.
How do I keep my clarinet in the best condition?
To keep your clarinet working properly and capable of creating the best quality sound, you will need to take good care of your clarinet. To do this, you should always make sure that you clean your clarinet after every time you use it.
You will need to take apart all of the pieces in order to clean it properly, and then you can use a polishing cloth to clean the top of your clarinet, and all of the different keys to remove any dirt or oils from your fingerprints.
In addition, you will want to use a brush to clean the mouthpiece to get rid of any bacteria, and remove any build up from inside the clarinet by pulling a cloth all the way through to get rid of any excess spit.
You should also apply a little cork grease before you finish as this will stop your cork from drying out or cracking. Finally, always keep your clarinet in a safe case, and never leave it out as it may be vulnerable to accidental damage or it may fall over.
