10 Best Clarinet for Beginners Review in 2020

There are plenty of things to keep in mind when purchasing your first clarinet. Both the body and keys come in different material make-ups of varying quality so it’s important to find everything you need when purchasing a beginner clarinet.

These instruments are some of the best clarinets for beginners to choose from. Check out these ten clarinets to try to best the best beginner clarinet for your needs.

Our Recommended Clarinets for Beginners

10 Best Clarinets for Beginners:

1.Mendini MCT

The Mendini MCT is almost a steal when it comes to clarinets. It’s arguably the best clarinet for beginners because the sound quality is out of this world for under $100.

This affordable instrument is available in eight different colors. It’s a great choice for students who are just starting out to test the waters without breaking the bank.

Consumer Opinions

The Mendini MCT is an affordable clarinet for those who are just starting out. It wouldn’t be ideal for someone who has been playing for a while and is looking for a long-lasting instrument.

If you’re looking to just try out the clarinet, this is a good option that stays within budget but it will definitely require early upgrading or replacement.

2. Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet

The Jean Paul USA CL-300 is where quality and affordable meet. It’s one of the best student clarinets for this reason. Plus, this is one of the few instruments that you’ll find that have been crafted in the US.

Consumer Opinions

This is a decent choice if you’re looking for an affordable student clarinet. The Jean Paul USA CL-300 has a solid ebonite body which is superior to the cheap plastics used in many economical instruments.

The sound quality is better than you’d expect but it definitely won’t last past a beginner clarinet. Overall, it’s a great deal.

3. Hisonic Signature Series 2610

The Hisonic Signature Series 2610 is a solid choice for beginner players. The included case is high-quality with a strong latch system to keep the clarinet safe. This student clarinet will last through the early years with a reasonable initial commitment of under $150.

Consumer Opinions

The Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Student Clarinet is an affordable choice to get started on. This affordable instrument is of reasonable quality for someone who wants to learn an instrument but hasn’t made a commitment strong enough to warrant a pricier instrument.

It may require earlier upgrading but it should last for the first few years.

4. Mendini by Cecilio Beginner Student Clarinet

Mendini by Cecilio offers a great beginner clarinet that comes with everything you could possibly need to start playing. Unless you spring for the premium rosewood option that’ll cost over $250, the all-in-one clarinet starter kit is under $150 with 9 different color options.

The rosewood will greatly increase the sound quality but the ebonite is also far superior to the colored options.

Consumer Opinions

This is a decent starter instrument that comes with everything that you need to get started. This Mendini by Cecilio clarinet will likely last the first few years but will require early upgrading if you keep advancing.

It’s a great choice to test out the instrument on a budget. You’ll get the best sound quality on the rosewood followed by the ebonite, but the colors are fun to choose from if that’s the direction you choose to go.

5. Eastar ECL-300

The Eastar ECL-300 is a nice clarinet for middle school students and other beginners. This affordable ebonite clarinet has nickel-plated keys and costs under $100. It’s a good value choice for a first instrument.

Consumer Opinions

This is one of the best budget beginner clarinets. It’s definitely an early beginner instrument but this is the standard of what to look for in a first clarinet. It’s got a solid makeup and good quality control. The sound quality is way better than you’d expect and it’s a pretty solid clarinet at an affordable price.

6. Glory Clarinet

The Glory clarinet is a cheap clarinet with an elegantly distinct look. This clarinet which costs under $100 has the classic black body but with gold lacquer-plated keys. This instrument is an affordable option for getting started on the clarinet.

Consumer Opinions

For the price, this clarinet by Glory is a great starter instrument. It’s elegant and affordable but you can’t expect it to be long-lasting. Unfortunately, this clarinet isn’t made to last and it won’t retain its value but it’s an affordable way to try a new instrument.

7. EastRock Clarinet

The EastRock Clarinet is a favorite among beginners when it comes to affordable clarinets. It’s got good sound quality, quick key action, and solid construction including 2 interchangeable barrels. For under $150, you’ll be ready to get started on a decent clarinet for beginners.

Consumer Opinions

The EastRock clarinet is one of the best instruments that won’t break your budget. It doesn’t come with as many options as some of the other clarinets but EastRock puts every cent towards quality for the price.

8. Aileen Lexington Clarinet

The Aileen Lexington Clarinet is an affordable plastic clarinet with a wood finish to make the instrument look like it costs much more than you’d have to spend. For under $150, this clarinet has everything you need to get started including a small screwdriver so you can keep up on maintenance.

Consumer Opinions

This is an okay budget clarinet. The sound quality is acceptable but an ebonite clarinet will get better sound quality. It looks pretty but can’t produce the best sound.

9. ROFFEE 26N

ROFFEE 26N colored clarinets are available in 9 colors for under $100. It’s a cute bakelite instrument that allows you to express yourself over those that are only in the traditional black.

Consumer Opinions

For a beginner’s plastic clarinet, the ROFFEE 26N exceeds expectations. The 9 colors are extremely appealing to kids who are picking their first instrument but ensure that you check with a band director before purchasing as some will expect uniformity with black instruments.

10. Andoer Clarinet

The Andoer is a budget bakelite clarinet that costs under $100. It includes everything needed to get started playing plus some extra accessories. This is a good starter clarinet to try out for those who aren’t committed enough to purchase a pricier instrument.

Consumer Opinions

This clarinet is a steal. It’s easy to play making it the perfect choice for the earliest of beginners who’ve never played a woodwind instrument before. The reeds aren’t great but those would need to be replaced in the not too distant future anyway.

Factors To Consider Before You Purchase

There are a few different types of clarinets to consider if you want to find the best beginner clarinet for your needs. Look at these factors and consider which clarinet for beginners is the best choice.

Construction

Most beginner clarinets are made from one of three materials. Ebonite is, in most cases, the best choice for body makeup. ABS and bakelite are common plastics used to construct clarinet bodies but the sound quality often suffers.

Almost all keys on beginner clarinets are nickel-plated. It’s cheaper than the silver-plated keys found on more advanced instruments but it also makes the keys more fragile and prone to bending.

Try to find an instrument with solid key construction.

Pricing

Especially if you aren’t committed to sticking with the clarinet, it’s hard to want to shell out on the best quality instrument. However, all types of clarinets aren’t created equally. Balance budget and quality. It may also be important to consider what’s included with your clarinet purchase.

You’ll have to purchase any necessary accessories that aren’t included. The reeds often included with beginner clarinet purchases aren’t very good quality so you may want to consider the price of at least a box of reeds even if they’re included with the clarinet itself.

Longevity

Longevity goes hand-in-hand with pricing even if you don’t realize it at the time. Some beginner instruments are of high enough quality to get years of use out of them. Others may not even get you through the first year.

Higher quality clarinets can be repaired in a shop should a problem arise while low-quality instruments often can’t be repaired and you’ll end up having to purchase a new one altogether.

Better quality instruments also retain more of their value so they can be resold if you choose not to continue or they can be passed down through generations.

Warranty

Beginner clarinets, especially cheap ones, are notoriously fragile. Look into the warranty and if there even is one. Some warranties only cover manufacturer defects which means if there wasn’t an immediate problem, they’re unlikely to cover it even if the warranty is for the first year.

Some are pretty much unlimited and will offer full-service on the clarinet free of charge.

These companies are often even willing to replace the whole instrument if there’s a problem that they’re unable to fix.

Less limited warranties can save a lot of money in the long run because beginners are often unknowingly rough on these fragile instruments.

Look

They say not to judge a book by its cover but that doesn’t always go for clarinets. Some band directors will not allow non-uniform instruments to be used for performances.

While having a clarinet in your favorite color is a fun novelty, you should likely check with the director before purchasing one before you end up needing a second instrument that you didn’t account for. If there’s no one opposed to the color though, it’s a great way to express yourself.

Thumb rest

Adjustable versus stationary thumb rests can be a pretty big debate as to which is better among all levels of clarinetists. Stationary thumb rests are usually a little smaller so beginners especially find them to be an annoyance.

This is because new players tend to hold onto the instrument a little more roughly and aren’t used to the pressure this small piece of metal puts on the thumb.

While the pressure isn’t relieved with the adjustable thumb rests, these are often larger meaning that the edge isn’t pushing into your thumb.

However, they can be hard to properly tighten once adjusted to the ideal height and therefore become unstable. This increases the chance of accidents with the clarinet or at least embarrassing moments during a performance.

Beginner Clarinets FAQ

There are a lot of questions that need to be answered to pick out the best beginner clarinet. Consider the factors above and make sure all of your questions have answered before jumping in to make the final purchase.

Does brand matter?

It depends. A clarinet that’s of an unknown brand can be decent quality and offer great customer service. In this case, it doesn’t matter. Well-known brands come with years or even generations of backing.

You know what you’re getting is the best quality and these brands like to keep their prestigious image so they won’t allow a lemon to stay in circulation. If there’s a problem, these bigger brand names are often more likely to make everything right and do so in a timely manner.

What are the barrels for?

Some of the beginner clarinets come with 2 barrels while others come with just 1. First of all, the barrel in the piece that connects the mouthpiece with the upper joint of keys. The length and shape of this can affect sound quality and tone.

Including 2 in a beginner instrument allows you to feel out the different shape and length of common barrels to find the one that better fits your playing style.

As embouchure improves, your favorite barrel may change as well. Having the option gives more flexibility and increases the chances of finding something comfortable for you.

How long will a beginner instrument last?

If you get a student clarinet with quality construction, it should last through the school years. If you plan to move on, an upgrade to an intermediate will be needed near the end of high school or before college.

Lower quality clarinets may not last the year so consider all sides of your investment before you end up out of more money than you intended.

Making The Decision

While the best choice isn’t going to be the same for everyone, there are still some options that are generally better than others. In general, the best clarinet for beginners is the Jean Paul USA CL-300. The ebonite body is a huge plus and the sound quality for the price is extraordinary.

Plus, should a problem arise, they have some of the best warranty terms and customer service. The warranty is on all parts and service which means clarinet maintenance is free for the first year. This company truly stands behind their instruments.

While only one reed is included, it’s a Rico brand reed which is one of the most commonly used for beginners so it’s very much playable unlike the unbranded ones found in other clarinets. On a final note, purchasing this clarinet supports one of the few American band instrument companies.

There are some great options for beginner clarinets, but the Jean Paul USA CL-300 is becoming a popular favorite for a reason.