When it comes to choosing the best clarinet brands, there are several factors to consider, including the quality of the instrument, the price, and the level of the player.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, finding the right clarinet can make all the difference in your playing experience.
One important factor to consider is the material of the clarinet.
While wooden clarinets are often preferred for their warm sound and feel, plastic and ebonite options can be more affordable and durable.
Additionally, the mouthpiece and reed can also impact the tone and sound of the instrument.
Some top brands in the industry include Selmer, Buffet, Yamaha, and Jean Paul, each offering their own unique craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques.
Top Clarinet Brands
When it comes to finding the best clarinet brands, there are a few that stand out above the rest.
Each brand has its own unique qualities and strengths that cater to different levels of players and preferences.
In this section, we will explore three of the top clarinet brands: Buffet Crampon, Yamaha, and Selmer.
Buffet Crampon
Buffet Crampon is a French company that has been producing clarinets since 1825.
They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and have a reputation for making some of the best professional clarinets in the world. Buffet Crampon offers a wide range of clarinets, including student, intermediate, and professional models.
One of the most popular clarinets from Buffet Crampon is the Buffet Crampon E11 Bb Clarinet. This intermediate clarinet is made from grenadilla wood and is known for its warm and rich tone.
It is a popular choice for students who are looking to upgrade from a beginner clarinet.
Yamaha
Yamaha is a Japanese company that is known for producing high-quality instruments.
They have been making clarinets since the 1970s and have become one of the best clarinet brands in the world. Yamaha offers a wide range of clarinets, including student, intermediate, and professional models.
One of the most popular clarinets from Yamaha is the Yamaha YCL-650 Bb Clarinet.
This professional clarinet is made from grenadilla wood and is known for its excellent intonation and projection. It is a popular choice for professional clarinet players.
Yamaha also offers a range of student clarinets, such as the Yamaha YCL-255 and YCL-250.
These clarinets are based on professional models but are tailored to beginning players. They are known for their durability and consistent tone.
Selmer
Selmer is a French company that has been making clarinets since the early 20th century.
They are known for their high-quality instruments and have become one of the best clarinet brands for professional players.
Selmer offers a range of clarinets, including student, intermediate, and professional models.
One of the most popular clarinets from Selmer is the Selmer CL211 Intermediate Bb Clarinet.
This intermediate clarinet is made from grenadilla wood and is known for its excellent intonation and projection. It is a popular choice for students who are looking to upgrade from a beginner clarinet.
Selmer also offers a range of professional clarinets, such as the Selmer Paris Recital Bb Clarinet.
This clarinet is made from grenadilla wood and is known for its warm and rich tone. It is a popular choice for professional clarinet players.
Materials Used in Clarinets
Clarinets can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and ebonite. The type of material used can affect the instrument’s tone, durability, and price.
Wooden Clarinets
Wooden clarinets are preferred by many professional players because they produce a warm, rich tone.
The most common wood used for clarinets is grenadilla, also known as African blackwood.
Grenadilla is a dense, heavy wood that is resistant to cracking and warping, making it ideal for clarinet manufacturing. Other woods used for clarinets include rosewood and cocobolo.
Plastic Clarinets
Plastic clarinets are often used by beginners and students because they are less expensive than wooden clarinets and require less maintenance. They are also more durable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
Plastic clarinets are usually made from ABS resin, a type of plastic that is known for its strength and flexibility.
Ebonite
Ebonite, also known as hard rubber, is a popular material for intermediate-level clarinets.
It is a composite material made from natural rubber and sulfur, which is heated and molded into the desired shape.
Ebonite clarinets are known for their warm, mellow tone and are often used in jazz and classical music.
When it comes to choosing a clarinet, the material used is just one of many factors to consider.
Other factors include the player’s skill level, playing style, and budget.
Some manufacturers, such as Buffet Crampon, offer clarinets made from a combination of materials, such as their Greenline clarinets, which are made from a composite material that includes wood and resin.
Best Clarinet Brands for Beginners
When it comes to finding the best clarinet brands for beginners, there are a few options that stand out.
These brands are known for producing high-quality, reliable student instruments that are affordable and easy to play.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at three of the best clarinet brands for beginners: Jean Paul USA CL-300, Yamaha YCL-255, and Cecilio.
Jean Paul USA CL-300
The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is a popular choice for beginners because it is affordable and easy to play.
This clarinet features Valentino pads and steel springs, which provide a comfortable playing experience and ensure that the instrument stays in tune.
It is made from ABS plastic, which is durable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. The thumb rest is adjustable, which allows players to find the most comfortable position for their hands.
Yamaha YCL-255
The Yamaha YCL-255 is another great option for beginners.
This clarinet is based on professional models, but it is tailored to the needs of beginning players.
It features a matte finish and nickel-plated keys, which give it a sleek look.
The YCL-255 also has Valentino pads and a thumb rest that can be adjusted to fit the player’s hand. It is made from ABS resin, which makes it lightweight and durable.
Cecilio
Cecilio is a brand that is known for producing affordable, high-quality instruments.
Their clarinets are no exception. The Cecilio clarinet is made from ebonite, which is a type of hard rubber that is durable and produces a warm, rich sound.
It features nickel-plated keys and Valentino pads, which provide a comfortable playing experience. The thumb rest is adjustable, which allows players to find the most comfortable position for their hands.
Best Clarinet Brands for Professionals
When it comes to professional clarinet brands, there are a few names that stand out above the rest.
These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality instruments that are in tune, have a warm and rich sound, and are crafted with precision and care.
In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the best clarinet brands for professionals.
Buffet Crampon R13
The Buffet Crampon R13 is one of the most popular clarinets among professional musicians.
This clarinet is known for its warm and rich sound, as well as its excellent intonation. The R13 is crafted with a high level of precision and attention to detail, which is reflected in its silver-plated keys and carefully selected wood.
The R13 is available in a variety of finishes, including silver, nickel, and gold, and is a favorite among professional clarinetists in orchestras and other ensembles.
Selmer Paris Saint Louis
Selmer Paris Saint Louis is another top clarinet brand for professionals.
This brand is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is reflected in the quality of its instruments.
Selmer Paris Saint Louis clarinets are available in a variety of finishes, including silver and gold, and are crafted with precision and care. These clarinets are known for their rich and warm sound, as well as their excellent intonation.
Backun
Backun is a newer player in the clarinet market, but it has quickly established itself as a top brand for professionals.
Backun clarinets are known for their precision and attention to detail, as well as their warm and rich sound.
These clarinets are crafted with care and are available in a variety of finishes, including silver and gold. Backun clarinets are a favorite among professional clarinetists who are looking for an instrument that is both beautiful and functional.
Best Intermediate Clarinet Brands
When it comes to intermediate clarinets, there are a few brands that stand out.
Yamaha and Jupiter are two popular options that offer quality instruments with a range of features.
Yamaha YCL-650
The Yamaha YCL-650 is a wooden clarinet that offers a warm, rich sound.
It is an upgrade from Yamaha’s student models and is designed for intermediate players who want a higher quality clarinet.
The YCL-650 has a matte finish and nickel-plated keys, giving it a sleek and professional look. It also has improved intonation and a more responsive tone, making it a great choice for players looking to improve their sound.
Jupiter JCL1100S
The Jupiter JCL1100S is another popular intermediate clarinet that offers a wooden body and nickel-plated keys.
It has a matte finish, giving it a more understated look than some of the other options on the market.
The JCL1100S also has improved intonation and a more focused tone, making it a great choice for players who want to refine their sound.
Overall, both the Yamaha YCL-650 and Jupiter JCL1100S are quality clarinets that offer a range of features for intermediate players. Whether you’re looking for a wooden body, improved intonation, or a sleek design, these brands have you covered.