How to choose a beginner clarinet
A first clarinet doesn't need to be fancy — it needs to be the right key, the right material, and from a brand a repair tech recognizes. Get those three things right and you'll save money and headaches. Here's exactly what to look for.
The clarinet is one of the most popular starter instruments in school band, and for good reason: it's affordable, portable, and a wonderful foundation for woodwind playing. But the market is full of look-alike instruments that are nearly impossible to play in tune — so a little knowledge goes a long way.
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Once your clarinet arrives, the fun starts. Our free arcade drills the exact skills a new player needs — note reading, rhythm, and pitch — no boring flashcards.
1. Buy a B-flat soprano clarinet (the standard)
There are many clarinets in the family, but a beginner wants exactly one: the B-flat soprano clarinet. This is the instrument every school band program is built around. Method books, fingering charts, ensemble parts, reeds, and teachers all assume a B-flat clarinet.
Steer clear of the others until a director specifically asks for one:
- A clarinet — an orchestral instrument, not for beginners.
- E-flat clarinet — a small, demanding specialty horn.
- Bass clarinet — large and expensive; usually assigned later by a director.
2. Choose plastic (ABS resin), not wood
You'll see student clarinets in ABS resin (plastic) and grenadilla wood. For a first instrument, plastic wins clearly:
- Durability — plastic shrugs off bumps, humidity, and the temperature swings of a school backpack.
- No cracking — wooden clarinets can crack if not carefully broken in and humidified.
- Cost — quality plastic students cost a fraction of wood.
A good plastic clarinet sounds excellent for years. Save the wooden upgrade for when the student is committed and advancing.
3. Stick to trusted brands
The single most important rule: buy a brand that band directors and repair shops recognize. Reputable student clarinet makers include Yamaha, Buffet Crampon (the B12/Prodige lines), Backun, and Jupiter. These instruments play in tune, hold their value, and can be repaired anywhere.
Avoid the no-name bargains — the ultra-cheap clarinets sold on big marketplaces under unfamiliar brand names. They're often unrepairable, impossible to tune, and discourage students so badly that they quit. Music teachers half-jokingly call them "instrument-shaped objects."
4. Rent or buy?
Both can be smart depending on your situation:
- Rent if you're unsure the student will stick with it. Most music stores offer rent-to-own plans, and the program usually applies your payments toward a purchase if you decide to keep it. Rentals also typically include a maintenance or repair plan.
- Buy if you're confident — a quality plastic student clarinet often costs less over time than a long rental. Buying used from a reputable shop (already cleaned and adjusted) is a great value.
Whatever you choose, go through your school's recommended dealer or a real music store, not a toy aisle.
5. Don't forget the accessories
A clarinet needs a few inexpensive but essential extras to actually play:
- Reeds — the vibrating cane that makes the sound. Beginners usually start around strength 2 or 2.5. Buy a box; they wear out and chip.
- A swab to pull moisture out after playing (prevents pad damage and odor).
- Cork grease for assembling the joints smoothly.
- A mouthpiece and ligature — student instruments include these; an upgraded mouthpiece is a cheap way to improve tone later.
- A music stand and a sturdy case.
6. A quick checklist before you commit
- Is it a B-flat soprano clarinet?
- Is it plastic/ABS resin from a recognized brand?
- If used, has a repair tech checked the pads and keys?
- Did you get reeds, a swab, and cork grease?
- Does it match what your band director recommends?
The fastest way to fall in love with it
The hardest part of a new instrument isn't choosing it — it's practicing enough to get past the squeaky beginning. Players who practice the most are the ones who enjoy it, which is the whole idea behind BANDROOM.GAMES: free, retro-arcade games that quietly build real skills.
- Brass Blaster — though built for brass, the note-reading and pitch drills help every band kid (transposition handled automatically).
- Clef Match & Rhythm Match — note reading and rhythm, no instrument needed.
- Tuner — a free chromatic tuner to check your clarinet's intonation.
Play Brass Blaster
Blast the swarm by playing the right note. It's free, runs in your browser, and turns "I should practice" into "one more round."
Frequently asked questions
What key of clarinet should a beginner buy?
A standard B-flat soprano clarinet. It's used in nearly every school band program, it's what method books are written for, and it's the easiest to find reeds, repairs, and teachers for. Avoid A, E-flat, or bass clarinets until a director recommends one.
Should a beginner get a plastic or wooden clarinet?
Plastic (ABS resin). It's durable, handles humidity and temperature swings far better, costs much less, and is the standard recommendation for the first few years. Wooden clarinets can crack if not cared for and suit advancing players better.
Is it better to rent or buy a beginner clarinet?
Renting is smart if you're unsure the student will stick with it, since most plans apply payments toward a purchase. If you're confident, a quality plastic student clarinet from a trusted brand is often cheaper in the long run.
Keep learning: Read the treble clef · Instrument transposition · all guides · more articles