Gear & setup · 2 min read
Choosing Your First Clarinet: Buying, Renting and What to Check
How to choose a beginner or step-up clarinet — plastic vs wood, new vs used, renting, the checks a teacher would do, and the accessories you need.
Updated · Tonehole editors
The right first clarinet makes learning enjoyable; the wrong one makes it nearly impossible. Here is what matters — and what doesn't.
Plastic (resin) or wood?#
- Plastic/resin student clarinets are durable, stable in changing temperatures and cannot crack. They are the right choice for most beginners and for outdoor playing.
- Wooden (grenadilla) clarinets have a richer, more complex tone and are standard for intermediate and professional players — but they need careful break-in and care.
- Composite clarinets (wood powder bound with resin) offer wood-like sound with plastic-like stability.
Avoid "clarinet-shaped objects"#
Very cheap online clarinets often have soft keys that bend, pads that never seal and poor tuning. A beginner cannot tell whether the problem is the player or the instrument, and many give up. It is better to buy a used instrument from an established maker, serviced by a technician, than a new no-name one.
Renting#
Rent-to-own schemes from music shops are a good way to start: the instrument is set up properly, repairs are usually included, and part of the rent goes towards purchase.
The checks to make#
| Check | How |
|---|---|
| Pads seal | Close each joint's end with your palm, cover the holes and suck gently: the vacuum should hold |
| Keys | No wobble or clicking; springs return quickly |
| Corks | Tenon corks intact; joints fit snugly without force |
| Body | No cracks (on wood, especially around the upper tone holes and register tube) |
| Tuning | Play scales against a tuner — consistent, not perfect |
| Low notes | Low E and F should speak softly without squeaks |
If you don't play yet, ask a teacher or experienced player to try it.
What you need with it#
- A decent mouthpiece (stock mouthpieces vary a lot — an upgrade is often the best first purchase) and a ligature.
- Reeds — a box of 2 or 2½ to start; see choosing reeds.
- Swab, cork grease, reed case, mouthpiece cap and patches.
- A stand, a metronome and a tuner (or ours, free).
Should a beginner start on a B♭ clarinet?#
Yes. The B♭ is the standard instrument for bands, orchestras, methods and exams. Very young children sometimes start on smaller C or E♭ clarinets or child-size instruments recommended by their teacher.
Is a used clarinet a good idea?#
A used clarinet from a reputable maker, serviced by a technician, is often better value than a cheap new one. Budget for a service if it hasn't had one recently.