How to Pick the Right Clarinet

There are many clarinets out there, and if you are confused about which one to buy, don't worry because I will teach you what to choose. Clarinets range from beginner clarinets to professional model clarinets. Of course, there's a huge price difference between these clarinets. Also, there are different types of clarinets such as ones suitable for jazz and ones suitable for classical. Some clarinets are more open and clear in sound while others are dark and rich sounding. The good thing is that you can base it on your personal choice.

Let's start out by talking about beginners. If you are a beginner, there's no reason you should buy a professional clarinet. Maybe a intermediate clarinet model such as the buffet E11, but definitely not something like the Selmer recital or any of the high end Leblanc clarinets. You should aim for cheap clarinets made by Leblanc, Yamaha, Buffet, or any other cheap clarinet for beginner. You are just getting into playing clarinet, so there's no reason you should throw thousands of dollars on a clarinet which you don't even know if you are going to continue on with.

Now you have spent a year or two at least playing your clarinet, and you are in love with it. It's time for you to get a new clarinet. What I highly recommend if you are in need of a good sounding clarinet but not a professional model is to get a buffet E11. It is made out of wood and gives you quality sound at a very affordable price. There are other clarinets in this price and skill range, but there just doesn't seem to be other clarinets in this range as good as the buffet E11.

Now you have been playing your clarinet, and is wondering what a good professional model for you is. If you are going into jazz, you should think about getting a clarinet that has a large sound and is very open sounding as it will help for jazz. A jazz mouthpiece would help greatly during your jazz performances as well. Other great models are the Buffet R13, Selmer recital, Buffet RC, Leblanc high end clarinets. These are all excellent clarinets, but they vary in sound and quality, so you should base it on your own preference on whether you like the clarinet sound or not. After all, it's you who is going to be playing on it for many years to come. Go to a store and test out all the clarinets and see which one you like. If you want, you should try to rent each clarinet for a few days to see if you like it. Some clarinets are easier to get used to while others take awhile. Have fun playing your clarinet everybody!