Clarinets

The most common clarinet is the Bb soprano clarinet, which is the clarinet a student musician will play in concert band and marching band.

Music & Arts offers resources including this Clarinet Buyer’s Guide containing helpful info.

You’ll need cork grease for easy assembly and disassembly, cleaning supplies, a music stand and other essentials. To purchase key clarinet accessories in one budget-friendly package, check out the Giardinelli Clarinet Starter Pack.

You’ll also need a steady supply of clarinet reeds.

Wood clarinets — particularly those made from grenadilla (African blackwood) — are most often designed for advanced or professional players who value their rich tone and beautiful appearance. These instruments are more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, can be damaged more easily, require expert maintenance, and generally cost more than plastic models.

For these reasons, many beginners start on plastic clarinets. Instruments made from ABS resin or similar polymers are highly durable, far less prone to damage or climate‑related issues, and provide a good, consistent sound for students.

Top clarinet manufacturers include trusted brands such as Yamaha, Selmer, BACKUN, Buffet Crampon, Jupiter, Allora, P. Mauriat, RZ Clarinets and Leblanc.

Music & Arts has clarinets for sale from all these brands, catering to beginner, intermediate and advanced players.

It’s generally recommended that beginners purchase or rent an educator-approved starter clarinet from a reputable retailer like Music & Arts. All of our clarinets are manufactured by proven brands with experience manufacturing instruments for student musicians.

A used clarinet will require professional maintenance or refurbishment to return it to prime playing shape. In addition, the instrument may have sustained damage that a less experienced musician may not be able to detect.

Yes! Music & Arts is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of band and orchestra instrument rentals. We offer high-quality, educator-approved clarinets at affordable monthly rates, with generous introductory offers to help you get started. Rent today in just minutes.

The bass clarinet is a member of the clarinet family, though it is much less common than the Bb soprano clarinet, which is the most prevalent clarinet in concert bands, wind ensembles, marching bands and symphony orchestras. The bass clarinet is larger, typically featuring a long body with a curved metal neck and an upturned metal bell. It usually provides harmony and textural depth in ensemble passages, but it has also been used to brilliant effect by soloists.