Entry level clarinets range from $99.99 for an E-Bay special to $600.00 for a quality name brand instrument that will accommodate the needs of the student until their technique and the demands of their music require an upgrade or “step up” instrument.

Some Brand Names to Look For

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Artley, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Noblet, Jupiter, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha.

Features of the Entry Level Clarinet

Body (plastic / hard rubber)

Entry level clarinets can be made of plastic / hard rubber or wood. Plastic / hard rubber clarinets are quite durable, and tend to stand up better to the daily rigors of student use. The body of the plastic / hard rubber clarinet is not affected by changes in relative humidity and climate; this attribute makes the plastic / hard rubber clarinet the ideal choice for students and professionals who perform outdoors. This style of clarinet is the most commonly purchased clarinet for the beginner.

Body (wood)

Wood clarinets are generally made of African Grenadilla wood, and provide a warmer, more practiced sound than a plastic / hard rubber clarinet.

However, this advantage is offset by the discipline needed to maintain and care for the wood clarinet. The wood clarinet experiences contraction / expansion due to changes in temperature and relative humidity. While the contraction / expansion of the body occurs, the posts and key work will move as well. This situation makes for loose and binding keys.

Typical causes for this phenomenon are:

• infrequent practice schedules
• long periods of non-use
• forgetting the clarinet in a hot / cold car
• leaving damp cleaning swabs in the case

Most entry level clarinets have nickel plated keys. The keys are usually made out of an alloy called German silver. This is made from copper, zinc, and nickel. The finish is durable, but tends to be a bit on the slippery side.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for clarinet mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most entry level clarinets include a basic mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantages for the student are three-fold: the instrument will sound better, it will play with greater ease, and the time it takes to get accustomed to a new mouthpiece may be lengthy, so start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the clarinet is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your clarinet. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.