Clarinets

The clarinet is essential to many forms of music, from school marching band to professional symphonies, from Mexican "Bandas" to German Polka. It is one of the most common beginner instruments, found in elementary school programs everywhere. However, being a common beginner's choice does not mean it's easy to master - the subtle control and extreme dexterity required to play at a professional level can take many years of hard practice to achieve.

The most common clarinet is known as the Bb (B-Flat) soprano clarinet. This is what beginning players almost always use and are expected to bring to class. Clarinets also come in quite a few other keys and variations, including Eb, C, A, Alto, Bass, and Contrabass. Many of these versions are most commonly used in classical music or symphonic repertoire, and will rarely be needed by a young player.

Student Clarinets

Selling price for new: $300 and up

Brands at ABI: Buffet, Jupiter, Selmer, Tyro, Yamaha

As mentioned above, the standard student clarinet is in the key of B-Flat. Instruments appropriate for beginners will have a synthetic body made from a blend of plastic, hard rubber, or resin, and the surface of the keys will generally be plated with a nickel alloy. This makes the clarinet durable and relatively easy to care for while retaining the instrument's characteristic sound.

At this level, most manufacturers concentrate on making the instrument easy to play for a beginner while keeping the price affordable. This does NOT mean that student clarinets should be assumed to be low-quality. On the contrary, a well-built student instrument should last for DECADES with proper care and maintenance, and only need to be replaced or upgraded if the player outgrows the clarinet's capabilities.

Intermediate Clarinets

Selling price for new: $700 and up

Brands at ABI: Buffet, Jupiter, Yamaha

Most players who feel that they've grown beyond the capabilities of their student instrument focus on one major factor - they want a clarinet with a wood body! Manufacturers are of course happy to oblige, but in the process they also "take the training wheels off", figuratively speaking. Small changes to the bore of clarinets at this level will allow a stronger and more experienced player to push the clarinet farther, and when combined with the wooden body the result is an instrument with a richer, darker tone quality.

Professional Clarinets

Selling price for new: $2500 and up

Brands at ABI: Buffet, Yamaha

When a clarinet player is ready to move on to a professional-level instrument, he or she will naturally expect a clarinet made with the finest quality wood and highest attention to detail. Clarinets at this level are built to withstand the critical eyes and ears of the most discerning players, and while optional keys or upgraded features will occasionally come into play the overriding factor is almost always the sound produced. At this caliber, a hands on play-test is almost a necessity because of the natural variation from instrument to instrument - finding a good fit is critical to the player's long-term happiness with the clarinet.

Other Clarinets

We often have a selection of specialty clarinets available, including A's, Eb's, basses and contras. Please contact us for current information about price and availability!