Best Clarinet for Advanced Players (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The EASTROCK leads this ranking with a full kit: 17 nickel-plated keys in Bb, 2 barrels and a hard case with a cleaning kit. For players past the beginner stage, the GLORY is the pick described for advanced players, with an ebonite body and 10 reeds in the box.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Students and intermediate players who want a full kit: EASTROCK Clarinet Bb Flat 17 Nickel Keys See pick 1More picks: Best Clarinet for Intermediate Players
- Advanced players who want an ebonite body: Glory GLY-PBK Professional Ebonite Bb Clarinet See pick 2
- Beginner and student players who want a complete kit: VANPHY Bb Clarinet 17 Keys Flat B Clarinet See pick 3More picks: Best Clarinet for Beginners
- School band players who want a hard foam case: Jinqu YANASON Bb clarinet for beginners See pick 4More picks: Best Clarinet for School Band
- Student players who want a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece: Yamaha YCL-255 Student Clarinet with Nickel Keys See pick 5More picks: Best Clarinet for Students
Want the full range? Best Clarinet ranks the top clarinets for every buyer, or browse all 23 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
EASTROCK Clarinet Bb Flat 17 Nickel Keys
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- Keys (on the body): 17
It holds Best Overall with 17 nickel-plated keys in Bb, 2 barrels and a hard case with a full cleaning kit.
Who it suits
- Students and intermediate players who want a full kit
- Buyers who want 2 barrels for tuning adjustments
Skip it if
- You want an ebonite body
- You want fewer than 17 keys
The box holds the clarinet, a mouthpiece, 2 barrels, white gloves, a polishing cloth, a screwdriver, joint grease, alcohol wipes, a cap and a hard case with backpack straps. It has 17 nickel-plated keys in Bb with an ABS body. The 57MM and 62MM barrel connectors help with tuning adjustments.
2Runner-Up
Glory GLY-PBK Professional Ebonite Bb Clarinet
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included not stated in the listing
- Key: Bb
- Body material: Ebonite
- Reeds included: 10
It is the Runner-Up: an ebonite Bb clarinet that names advanced players, with 10 reeds and a stand in the box.
Who it suits
- Advanced players who want an ebonite body
- Players who want 10 reeds and a stand included
Skip it if
- You want an ABS body
- You want a horn under 3 lb
The box holds the clarinet, 10 reeds, a stand, a hard case, a cleaning cloth, cork grease, a mouthpiece brush and a pad brush. It has an ebonite body in Bb with a polished black finish. It weighs 3.8 lb.
3Also Great
VANPHY Bb Clarinet 17 Keys Flat B Clarinet
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- Keys (on the body): 17
- 60-day warranty stated
It holds Also Great with 17 keys, 2 barrels, a stand and a 60-day warranty in a full beginner kit.
Who it suits
- Beginner and student players who want a complete kit
- Buyers who want a 60-day warranty term
Skip it if
- You want an ebonite body
- You want a 2-year warranty
The kit holds the clarinet, a case with a strap, 2 barrels, a mouthpiece with cap, a cloth, gloves, 8 mouthpiece cushions and a stand. It has 17 nickel-plated keys in Bb with an ABS body. It weighs 3.6 lb and carries a 60-day warranty.
4Also Great
Jinqu YANASON Bb clarinet for beginners
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included not stated in the listing
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- 3-month warranty stated
It holds Also Great with 17 keys, 2 barrels, 8 reeds and a 3-month warranty in a hard foam case.
Who it suits
- School band players who want a hard foam case
- Buyers who want 8 reeds in the box
Skip it if
- You want a 2-year warranty
- You want an ebonite body
The kit holds the clarinet, a hard foam case, 2 barrels, 8 pads, a stand, a cleaning kit, gloves, a strap and 8 reeds. It has 17 nickel-plated keys in Bb with an ABS body. It weighs 3.7 lb and carries a 3-month warranty.
5Also Great
Yamaha YCL-255 Student Clarinet with Nickel Keys
- Case or gig bag included not stated in the listing
- Mouthpiece included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- 2-year warranty stated
It holds Also Great with a matte ABS resin body, nickel-plated keys and a 2-year warranty.
Who it suits
- Student players who want a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece
- Buyers who want a 2-year warranty term
Skip it if
- You want a horn under 5 lb
- You want an ebonite body
The box holds the clarinet with a 4C mouthpiece, a barrel and a bell. It has a matte ABS resin body in Bb with nickel-plated keys. It weighs 5.3 lb and carries a 2-year warranty.
Side by side
| Product | Case or gig bag included | Mouthpiece included | Key | Body material | Keys (on the body) | Reeds included | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EASTROCK Clarinet Bb Flat 17 Nickel Keys | Yes | Yes | Bb | ABS | 17 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Glory GLY-PBK Professional Ebonite Bb Clarinet | Yes | Not stated | Bb | Ebonite | Not stated | 10 | 3.8 lb | Not stated |
| VANPHY Bb Clarinet 17 Keys Flat B Clarinet | Yes | Yes | Bb | ABS | 17 | Not stated | 3.6 lb | 60-day |
| Jinqu YANASON Bb clarinet for beginners | Yes | Not stated | Bb | ABS | Not stated | Not stated | 3.7 lb | 3-month |
| Yamaha YCL-255 Student Clarinet with Nickel Keys | Not stated | Yes | Bb | ABS | Not stated | Not stated | 5.3 lb | 2-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: clarinet for advanced players
Start with the key and the key count
Every clarinet here is in Bb, the standard key for bands and school music. The EASTROCK, the VANPHY and the YANASON list 17 keys, all nickel-plated. If you already play, check that the key layout matches what your hands know. The EASTROCK, the VANPHY and the YANASON each include a second barrel, which gives you another tuning option.
Body material: ABS or ebonite
Four of these clarinets use an ABS or ABS resin body. The GLORY uses ebonite and is described for advanced players. ABS is the common student material here; ebonite is the traditional one. Pick the material whose care routine you will keep up.
Count what comes in the case
Reeds, stands and cleaning gear matter for daily playing. The GLORY includes 10 reeds, a stand and a full cleaning set; the YANASON includes 8 reeds, a stand and a cleaning kit. The EASTROCK and the VANPHY include a mouthpiece, and the Yamaha includes a 4C mouthpiece. Check the case too: the EASTROCK and the YANASON ship with a hard case.
Frequently asked questions
What key is a standard beginner clarinet?
Bb. Every clarinet here is keyed in Bb, the standard for school bands and concert music.
How many keys does a clarinet have?
The EASTROCK, the VANPHY and the YANASON list 17 keys, all nickel-plated.
Do clarinets come with reeds?
Some do. The GLORY includes 10 reeds and the YANASON includes 8 reeds.
What is the difference between ABS and ebonite clarinets?
ABS is described as a durable plastic body material. Ebonite is a harder rubber-based material used on the GLORY. Both appear in student and advanced models here.
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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.