9 Best Clarinet Models | Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Clarinet Models

Introduction

Are you in search of the best clarinet models to fit your needs as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced clarinetist?

There are dozens of clarinet models available, each one suited to different needs. In this article, we will be discussing nine of the best models for beginners, intermediate musicians, and advanced clarinetists. We will provide details on three popular models for each category, including their features, pros, and cons. We will also cover important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best clarinet models. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, this guide will help you select the perfect clarinet model for your needs.

Beginner Clarinet Models

As a beginner clarinetist, it’s important to choose a high-quality instrument that is easy to play, produces a good tone, and is durable. Here are three popular models of clarinets that are often recommended for beginners:

Yamaha YCL-255

The Yamaha YCL-255 is a widely recommended clarinet for beginners. It is a well-crafted instrument made from durable materials, featuring a matte finish ABS resin body that is resistant to temperature and humidity changes. It has a responsive key system, allowing for smooth and easy playing, and produces a warm and balanced tone. The YCL-255 also comes with a sturdy hard-shell case, mouthpiece, ligature, and other essential accessories.

Buffet Crampon Prodige

The Buffet Crampon Prodige is another popular choice for beginner clarinetists. It features a durable ABS resin body, silver-plated keys, and an adjustable thumb rest for added comfort. The Prodige has a good reputation for its precise intonation and ease of play, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It also comes with a protective case, mouthpiece, ligature, and other necessary accessories.

Jean Paul USA CL-300

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is a budget-friendly option for beginners that offers reliable playability and decent tone quality. It features a durable ebonite body, nickel-plated keys, and an adjustable thumb rest for comfort. The CL-300 is known for its smooth key action and good intonation, making it suitable for beginners who are just starting out on the clarinet. It also comes with a lightweight case, mouthpiece, ligature, and other basic accessories.

When choosing a clarinet for beginners, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, durability, playability, and tone quality. It’s also recommended to try out different models and consult with a knowledgeable teacher or experienced clarinetist to ensure the best fit for the player’s needs. Additionally, investing in a good quality mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds can also greatly impact the overall performance and tone quality of the instrument.

Intermediate Clarinet Models

As an intermediate clarinetist, you may be looking for an instrument that offers higher quality materials, improved playability, and better tonal characteristics compared to beginner models. Here are three popular clarinet models that are often recommended for intermediate players:

Buffet Crampon E12F

The Buffet Crampon E12F is a step-up clarinet that is often considered a good option for intermediate players. It features a grenadilla wood body, silver-plated keys, and a cylindrical bore design that produces a warm and focused tone. The E12F also has an adjustable thumb rest, undercut tone holes, and a responsive key system that allows for precise intonation and improved playability. It is known for its versatility and is suitable for various styles of music, making it a popular choice among advancing players.

Yamaha YCL-650

The Yamaha YCL-650 is another highly regarded clarinet for intermediate players. It features a grenadilla wood body, silver-plated keys, and a hand-crafted construction that ensures a high level of quality and performance. The YCL-650 has a refined bore design and undercut tone holes that contribute to its excellent intonation and tonal characteristics. It also has a comfortable and ergonomic key layout that enhances playability, making it a preferred choice for many intermediate clarinetists.

Selmer Paris CL211

The Selmer Paris CL211 is a professional-level clarinet that is often recommended for intermediate to advanced players. It features a grenadilla wood body, silver-plated keys, and a tapered bore design that offers a focused and resonant tone. The CL211 also has adjustable thumb rest, balanced key action, and high-quality materials that contribute to its overall playability and tonal quality. It is known for its precise intonation and evenness across all registers, making it a popular choice among serious clarinetists.

When choosing a clarinet for intermediate players, it’s important to consider factors such as material, construction, playability, intonation, and tonal characteristics. It’s also recommended to try out different models and consult with a knowledgeable teacher or experienced clarinetist to find the best fit for your individual needs and preferences. Additionally, investing in a high-quality mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds can further enhance the performance and tone of the instrument.

Advanced Clarinet Models

It’s worth noting that the best clarinet brand for an advanced player ultimately depends on individual preferences, playing style, and budget. Trying out different models, consulting with experienced clarinetists or teachers, and considering factors such as materials, craftsmanship, intonation, tone, and playability can help in selecting the best clarinet brand that suits your needs as an advanced player. Additionally, investing in high-quality mouthpieces, ligatures, and reeds can further enhance the performance and tone of the instrument.

However, here are three well-regarded clarinet models that have been popular among advanced players in recent years:

Buffet Crampon R13

The Buffet Crampon R13 is often considered one of the gold standards among professional clarinets. It is handcrafted from carefully selected grenadilla wood and known for its rich, focused tone, precise intonation, and excellent playability. The R13 has been a favorite choice of many professional clarinetists for its versatility and ability to deliver a wide range of tonal colors. Buffet Crampon also offers variations of the R13 model, such as the R13 Prestige and R13 Greenline, which feature different materials and design elements.

Yamaha Custom SEVR/SEV/SEVR-A

Yamaha’s Custom clarinet series is known for its consistent quality and playability. The SEVR, SEV, and SEVR-A models are highly regarded among advanced players for their precision, intonation, and tone quality. These clarinets are made from carefully selected grenadilla wood and feature advanced design elements such as undercut tone holes, ergonomic key placement, and adjustable thumb rests, allowing for a customized playing experience. Yamaha also offers variations of the Custom series, such as the CX and CSVR models, which offer different bore designs and features.

Selmer Paris Privilege

The Selmer Paris Privilege clarinet is known for its refined design, superior performance, and tonal richness. It features a grenadilla wood body with a unique bore design that offers a rich and focused tone. The Privilege also boasts advanced keywork, including metal-capped wooden upper joint tenons for added stability and improved resonance. It is a popular choice among advanced clarinetists for its combination of playability, tone quality, and craftsmanship.

It’s important to note that the “best” clarinet model for an advanced player can vary depending on personal preferences, playing style, and musical genre. It’s always recommended to try out different clarinet models, consult with experienced clarinetists or teachers, and consider factors such as materials, craftsmanship, intonation, tone, and playability when selecting a clarinet that suits your individual needs as an advanced player. Additionally, investing in high-quality mouthpieces, ligatures, and reeds can further enhance the performance and tone of the instrument.

Reeds

As a player of the clarinet, selecting the right reeds for your instrument is crucial to achieve the best sound quality and playability. Here are three well-regarded reed brands that are often recommended for clarinet players:

Vandoren

Vandoren is a renowned brand known for producing high-quality reeds for clarinets. They offer a wide range of reed options to suit different playing styles and skill levels, including the Vandoren Traditional, Vandoren V12, and Vandoren Rue Lepic series. The Vandoren Traditional reeds are the most widely used and offer a balanced and warm tone with excellent response and flexibility. The Vandoren V12 reeds are known for their thicker tip and heart, which result in a darker and richer tone. The Vandoren Rue Lepic reeds are designed for more advanced players, featuring a unique profile that provides enhanced clarity and stability in different registers.

D’Addario Woodwinds (formerly Rico)

D’Addario Woodwinds, formerly known as Rico, is a popular choice among clarinetists for their consistent quality and affordability. They offer a range of reed options, including the Rico Reserve, Rico Reserve Classic, and Rico Royal series. The Rico Reserve reeds are made from high-quality cane and feature a traditional profile that offers a warm and centered tone. The Rico Reserve Classic reeds are designed for a slightly darker tone with a thicker spine, while the Rico Royal reeds are known for their ease of playability and affordability, making them suitable for intermediate players.

Legere

Legere is a brand known for producing synthetic reeds that offer consistent performance and durability. Their synthetic reeds are made from a high-quality polymer material that mimics the properties of natural cane reeds. Legere offers a range of clarinet reeds, including the Legere Signature and Legere European Cut series. The Legere Signature reeds are designed to produce a warm and vibrant tone with excellent response and longevity. The Legere European Cut reeds are known for their slightly stiffer design, which provides a focused and projecting sound.

It’s important to note that the best reeds for you as a clarinet player will depend on your personal preferences, playing style, and the type of music you play. It’s recommended to try out different reed brands and strengths to find the ones that suit your individual needs and preferences the most. Additionally, proper reed care and maintenance, such as soaking reeds before playing and rotating them regularly, can help prolong their lifespan and optimize their performance. Consulting with experienced clarinetists or your clarinet teacher can also provide valuable insights and recommendations on reed selection for your specific playing needs.

Method Books

Regardless of which clarinet model you select, you’ll need to practice scales, learn extended techniques, and study etudes to improve your playing skills. Here are three of the best method books for clarinetists:

“The Celebrated Clarinet Method” by Klose

The Celebrated Clarinet Method book is a classic method book for clarinet that has been used by generations of clarinetists. It covers the fundamentals of clarinet playing, including proper embouchure, fingerings, tone production, and technique. It progresses from basic exercises to more advanced studies, providing a comprehensive approach to learning the clarinet. Klose’s method also includes numerous etudes and duets that are designed to help develop musicianship and musicality.

“Complete Method for Clarinet” by Carl Baermann

The Complete Method for Clarinet is another highly regarded method book for clarinet, Baermann’s method is known for its systematic approach to developing technique. It includes progressive exercises and studies that cover all aspects of clarinet playing, from basic fingerings to advanced techniques such as staccato, legato, articulation, and phrasing. The book also includes a wide range of musical examples and duets, providing ample opportunities for applying the learned techniques in a musical context.

“Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet” by Cyrille Rose

32 Rose Etudes for Clarinet is a popular etude book for clarinet that focuses on developing advanced technique and musicality. It includes 32 challenging etudes that cover a wide range of technical challenges, such as articulation, scales, intervals, and extended range. Rose’s etudes are known for their musicality and melodic character, making them enjoyable to practice and perform. They are often used as a standard repertoire for clarinetists looking to improve their technical skills and musical expression.

Note: It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified clarinet instructor to determine the best method books for your individual needs and level of playing. A skilled teacher can provide personalized guidance and tailor the approach to suit your specific goals and abilities.

Popular Clarinetists

Benny Goodman

Known as the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman was a renowned American clarinetist and bandleader who played a key role in popularizing jazz and swing music in the 1930s and 1940s. Goodman’s virtuosic clarinet playing, characterized by his smooth tone, technical skill, and improvisational ability, earned him widespread acclaim and made him one of the most influential clarinetists in history. He was also known for his groundbreaking racially integrated bands, which helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry.

Fun Fact: Benny Goodman’s iconic 1938 Carnegie Hall concert, often referred to as the “Big Bang of Swing,” is considered a landmark moment in jazz history, as it marked the first time a jazz performance was held at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City and helped to legitimize jazz as a serious art form.

Sabine Meyer

Sabine Meyer is a German clarinetist who is widely regarded as one of the finest clarinet players of her generation. She has won numerous awards for her exceptional musicianship and has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world. Meyer is known for her exquisite tone, technical precision, and versatility, with a repertoire that spans from classical to contemporary music.

Fun Fact: Sabine Meyer was the first female member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, serving as its principal clarinetist from 1982 to 1993.

Martin Fröst

Martin Fröst is a Swedish clarinetist known for his unique and innovative approach to clarinet playing. He is celebrated for his mesmerizing performances, combining extraordinary technical skill with captivating stage presence. Fröst has been praised for his versatility and ability to push the boundaries of traditional clarinet playing, incorporating elements of jazz, folk music, and improvisation into his performances.

Fun Fact: Martin Fröst has collaborated with renowned composers such as Kalevi Aho and Anders Hillborg, and has commissioned and premiered numerous contemporary works for clarinet, contributing to the advancement of the clarinet repertoire and expanding the boundaries of the instrument’s possibilities.

Please note that the “best” clarinet players are subjective and may vary depending on personal preferences and opinions. The above list represents just a few notable clarinetists who have made significant contributions to the world of clarinet playing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the clarinet is an instrument that offers a unique and beautiful sound. With dozens of models available, it’s important to choose a clarinet that suits your individual needs and playing level. For beginners, the Yamaha YCL-255, Buffet Crampon Prodige, and Jean Paul USA CL-300 are recommended models that offer durability, playability, and decent tone quality. For intermediate players, the Buffet Crampon E12F, Yamaha YCL-650, and Selmer Paris CL211 are popular choices that offer higher quality materials, improved playability, and better tonal characteristics.

Advanced players have a wider range of options available to them and may prefer models such as the Buffet Crampon R13, Selmer Paris 10G, or Yamaha YCL-SEV. Ultimately, it’s important to consider individual preferences, playing style, and budget when selecting a clarinet, and to seek the advice of experienced clarinetists or teachers to find the best fit for your needs. Investing in a high-quality mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds can also greatly enhance the performance and tone quality of the instrument.

Additional Reading

Now that you’ve learned about 9 of the best clarinet models, take some time to check out our other articles. Learn 6 tips for perfecting clarinet embouchure. You can also about Bela Bartok and his fellow composers.

Check out this article comparing compressors and limiters. In this article, you can learn about gain staging.

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