Best Beginner Clarinet (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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For the best beginner clarinet, the Mendini by Cecilio kit leads, since it pairs a Bb key with 17 keys, 2 barrels and a complete kit with a stand. If you want a second kit with the same 17-key layout, the Vangoa clarinet uses an ABS resin body and weighs 1.4 pounds.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Beginners who want a Bb clarinet with 2 barrels: Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit See pick 1More picks: Best Clarinet for Beginners
- Students who want a 17-key French system clarinet: Vangoa Bb Clarinet Kit for Beginners Students See pick 2More picks: Best Clarinet for Students
- Beginners who want a Bb clarinet with 17 keys: EASTROCK Bb Flat Clarinet with 17 Nickel See pick 3
- Beginners who want an ebonite Bb clarinet: SONICAKE B Flat Clarinet for Beginner See pick 4
- Players who want a clarinet in C tuning: Nuvo Clarinéo Plastic Student Clarinet See pick 5
Want the full range? Best Clarinet ranks the top clarinets for every buyer, or browse all 23 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: Ebonite
- Keys (on the body): 17
- Reeds included: 10
It earns Best Overall with a Bb key, 17 keys, 2 barrels and a complete kit with a stand.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a Bb clarinet with 2 barrels
- Players who want 10 reeds in the kit
Skip it if
- You want a clarinet in C tuning
- You need more than 17 keys
The Bb clarinet has 17 keys and 2 barrels for tuning adjustments. The kit includes a 4C mouthpiece with ligature, a cap, 10 reeds, a hard case and a foldable stand. Cork grease, a book, a cleaning cloth and gloves also come in the kit. Nickel-plated keys complete the instrument.
2Runner-Up
Vangoa Bb Clarinet Kit for Beginners Students
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- Keys (on the body): 17
- Reeds included: 10
It holds Runner-Up with a 17-key French system, 2 barrels and an ABS resin body.
Who it suits
- Students who want a 17-key French system clarinet
- Beginners who want a complete kit with a stand
Skip it if
- You want a clarinet in C tuning
- You need more than 17 keys
The Bb clarinet uses a 17-key French system with 2 barrels and an ABS resin body. The kit includes a 4C mouthpiece, a hard case, reeds, a stand and gloves. A cleaning brush, a tooth pad, lip balm, a mouthpiece cap and a shoulder strap also come in the kit. The clarinet weighs 1.4 pounds.
3Also Great
EASTROCK Bb Flat Clarinet with 17 Nickel
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included not stated in the listing
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- Keys (on the body): 17
It earns Also Great with a Bb key, 17 nickel keys and 2 adjustment barrels.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a Bb clarinet with 17 keys
- Players who want a hard case and cleaning kit
Skip it if
- You want a clarinet in C tuning
- You need more than 17 keys
The Bb clarinet has 17 nickel keys and an ABS body. Two adjustment barrels handle different weather and temperature. The kit includes a hard case and a cleaning kit. The clarinet comes in a variety of colors.
4Also Great
SONICAKE B Flat Clarinet for Beginner
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included not stated in the listing
- Key: Bb
- Body material: Ebonite
- 90-day warranty stated
It earns Also Great with a Bb key, an ebonite body, 2 barrels and nickel-plated keys.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want an ebonite Bb clarinet
- Players who want a hard case with white gloves
Skip it if
- You want a clarinet in C tuning
- You want a warranty longer than 90 days
The Bb clarinet uses an ebonite body with nickel-plated keys and 2 barrels. The kit includes reeds, a cleaning kit, white gloves and a hard case. The clarinet weighs 3.3 pounds, and it carries a 90-day warranty.
5Also Great
Nuvo Clarinéo Plastic Student Clarinet
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included not stated in the listing
- Body material: ABS
- 1-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with a plastic body, C tuning and a 3.5 octave chromatic range.
Who it suits
- Players who want a clarinet in C tuning
- Beginners who want a waterproof plastic clarinet
Skip it if
- You want a Bb clarinet
- You want a warranty longer than 1 year
The plastic student clarinet uses ABS resin construction that is waterproof. It plays in concert C tuning with a 3.5 octave fully chromatic range. An adjustable thumb rest is fitted, and the clarinet weighs 2.1 pounds. The kit includes a carry case, 2 synthetic reeds, a cane reed, O-ring grease, a cleaning cloth and a fingering chart.
Side by side
| Product | Case or gig bag included | Mouthpiece included | Key | Body material | Keys (on the body) | Reeds included | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mendini by Cecilio Ebonite Bb Clarinet Kit | Yes | Yes | Bb | Ebonite | 17 | 10 | Not stated | Not stated |
| Vangoa Bb Clarinet Kit for Beginners Students | Yes | Yes | Bb | ABS | 17 | 10 | 1.4 lb | Not stated |
| EASTROCK Bb Flat Clarinet with 17 Nickel | Yes | Not stated | Bb | ABS | 17 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| SONICAKE B Flat Clarinet for Beginner | Yes | Not stated | Bb | Ebonite | Not stated | Not stated | 3.3 lb | 90-day |
| Nuvo Clarinéo Plastic Student Clarinet | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | ABS | Not stated | Not stated | 2.1 lb | 1-year |
How we ranked these clarinets
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Case or gig bag included weight 2
- Mouthpiece included weight 1
Buying advice: beginner clarinet
Bb key versus C tuning
Most beginner clarinets in this guide use the Bb key, while one clarinet uses concert C tuning. The key decides which written notes match the sounded pitch, so check the key before you buy. If you play with a group, match the key to the group you join. A Bb clarinet and a C clarinet sound at different pitches for the same written note, so pick the key that fits your group.
Count the keys and barrels
The key count tells you how many keys cover the tone holes on the body. Clarinets in this guide use 17 keys, and more keys give access to more notes. Barrels sit between the mouthpiece and the body, and a second barrel gives a spare for tuning adjustments. Check the key count and the number of barrels before you buy, since both affect how the clarinet plays.
Check the case and kit contents
Some clarinets arrive with a hard case, reeds, a mouthpiece, a stand and a cleaning kit, while others arrive with fewer items. A hard case protects the clarinet when you move it, and reeds wear out with use, so spare reeds help. Check whether the kit includes a mouthpiece, reeds, a stand and a cleaning cloth before you buy. If the kit lacks an item you need, check that you can buy it separately.
Frequently asked questions
What key is a beginner clarinet?
Most beginner clarinets in this guide use the Bb key. One clarinet in this guide uses concert C tuning instead. Check the key for the clarinet you want, and match it to the group you play with.
How many reeds come with a clarinet kit?
Kit contents differ, so check the reed count for the kit you want. Some kits in this guide include 10 reeds, and others include a mix of synthetic and cane reeds. Reeds wear out with use, so keep spares on hand.
Do I need a second barrel?
A second barrel gives a spare for tuning adjustments and for different weather and temperature. If your clarinet comes with one barrel, you tune with that barrel alone. Check how many barrels the kit includes before you buy.
What should I clean a clarinet with?
Use the cleaning cloth and cleaning kit that come with the kit, and grease the cork joints with cork grease. Wipe the instrument after playing, and store it in its case. Check the kit contents for a cleaning cloth and cork grease before you buy.
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Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.