Levels of Clarinets: From Beginner to Professional (this post contains a few helpful links. Make sure you research each option before making a selection)

1. Student Clarinets

Purpose: Designed for beginners, these instruments are durable, affordable, and easy to play. They’re usually made from plastic (ABS resin) rather than wood, which makes them resistant to cracking and great for school use.

There are some very inexpensive options on Amazon, but make sure to read the reviews for each. These could be good to look into if you really are not sure if this will be a long-term commitment & you just want to try before investing in a more expensive instrument. You could also purchase one of these if you need it quickly while you research your longer-term purchase.

Inexpensive brands to check out are below.

Popular Brands & Models: (For a longer term commitment)

• Yamaha YCL-255

• Buffet Crampon B12 or Prodige

• Jupiter JCL700N

• Selmer CL301

2. Intermediate (Step-Up) Clarinets

Purpose: Built for advancing players who need a warmer, more nuanced sound. These clarinets are often made of grenadilla wood (or a mix of wood and resin) and feature improved keywork for smoother technique.

Popular Brands & Models:

• Yamaha YCL-450 or YCL-650

• Buffet Crampon E11 or E12F

• Backun Alpha Plus (resin/wood blend)

• Leblanc Bliss

3. Professional Clarinets

Purpose: Crafted with the highest-quality grenadilla wood (or sometimes cocobolo), professional clarinets offer rich tone, precise intonation, and customizable keywork. These are used by advanced students, conservatory players, and professionals in orchestras, bands, and solo performance.

Popular Brands & Models:

• Buffet Crampon R13, Tradition, or Tosca

• Yamaha YCL-CSVR

• Selmer Privilege or Signature

• Backun MoBa or Lumière

• Leblanc Opus II (less common but respected)

Choosing the Right Clarinet

• Beginners should start with a reliable plastic student model.

• Advancing students benefit from a wooden clarinet for better tone and projection.

• Serious players investing in their career should look to top-level professional models.

Working with a teacher or music store specialist can help ensure you get the right clarinet for your stage of playing.

Good luck on your clarinet journey!