How to Choose Your First Clarinet: A Beginner's Guide

Teaching George Georgiou’s clarinet class in Paphos, Cyprus, February 2025.

Choosing your first clarinet can be a difficult process. With so many options today, the most important thing is to make sure you’re confident in your choice. That’s something very important to consider, whether you’re a teacher helping select instruments for your students or selecting a clarinet for yourself. Your first clarinet does not need to be the most expensive instrument available, but it should be reliable, comfortable to play, and easy to maintain.

Make sure it plays in tune
 
If you’re a beginner, ask your teacher or another experienced clarinetist to test the instrument with you. A clarinet may look beautiful and still have tuning or response issues that are hard for a new player to notice. With all the innovations in musical instrument making, this is non-negotiable.
 
There are so many great-sounding instruments out there, but don’t let that blind you to the simple step of checking whether the instrument plays in tune. This will save you a lot of trouble, as there are other aspects like mouthpieces, barrels, and tuning rings that can help you make slight tuning adjustments if needed, but a clarinet that does not play in tune is a no-go.
 
Make sure you have a good warranty
 
The difficult part of shopping for a new clarinet is the warranty language, which is often buried in fine print. It is important to read and fully understand it. Sometimes, the difficult part with smaller manufacturers is that their return policies are written in very strict terms because they cannot absorb losses from a faulty instrument, whereas larger manufacturers do not have to worry about that. 
 
Make sure you are 100% comfortable with the warranty; otherwise, this is not the company you want to go to. This is especially important if you are buying online or ordering from a company you have not worked with before. A clear return policy protects you if the instrument arrives with problems or does not meet your expectations.
 
Test it with your mouthpiece, reeds, and ligature
 
This is very important because without these things, you cannot make decisions about purchasing an instrument. This is especially important if you don’t live in that area, as travel, accommodations, and time can get pricey. You should test the clarinet with equipment you already know. If you use an unfamiliar mouthpiece or reed during the trial, it becomes harder to know whether the issue is the instrument or the setup.
 
Consider whether you need a student, intermediate, or professional model
 
For a first clarinet, most beginners do not need a professional model right away. A good student clarinet should be durable, easy to play, and stable in pitch. Intermediate and professional instruments can be wonderful, but they usually require more investment and more careful maintenance.

My recommendation for a beginner clarinet is Backun’s Alpha Clarinet. I’ve had many students start on this model, and it is ergonomically comfortable, making it easy to play without the discomfort of oddly placed thumb rests and poorly positioned keys. What’s good about this instrument is that it is made of a composite and is durable for beginner students.
 
For the intermediate level, my students have found success with the Selmer Prologue, an excellent choice that provides the comfort of a professional-level instrument at an affordable price.
 
For professional-level instruments, I highly recommend Selmer clarinets. They offer a wide variety of models, and it’s important to visit the factory to try them all out. Throughout the different brands I’ve performed on, I have found Selmer clarinets to be the most consistent and beautifully sounding instruments. 
 
Be careful with very cheap instruments
 
A low price can be tempting, but some inexpensive clarinets are difficult to repair, play out of tune, or have key work that does not hold up well. In the long run, a cheap instrument can become more expensive if it constantly needs repairs or makes learning harder.

Ask a teacher before making a final decision

Buying a clarinet can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners and parents who may not know what to look for. An experienced teacher can help you evaluate tuning, response, comfort, and overall reliability before you invest in an instrument.

Many students end up spending more money in the long run by purchasing instruments that are difficult to repair or do not support proper technique. Even a short consultation with a clarinet teacher can help prevent expensive mistakes and make the learning process much smoother.

Conclusion

Choosing your first clarinet is about finding an instrument that supports your growth. Look for something that plays in tune, comes with a clear warranty, works well with your setup, and feels comfortable in your hands.

Ready to start clarinet lessons?

Working with a clarinet teacher helps students build strong fundamentals from the start, including tone, hand position, breath support, and practice habits. Contact Kristine Dizon at the Music & Language Learning Center to book a clarinet lesson or consultation.

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