Moving from a beginner to an intermediate clarinetist is an exciting step. Your instrument is no longer just a tool for learning fundamentals; it becomes a partner in your musical expression. The right clarinet at this stage will offer improved tonal quality, better responsiveness, and enhanced durability to support your growing skills and more demanding practice schedule.
With so many models available, selecting the perfect intermediate clarinet can feel overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten excellent options, from trusted student brands making the leap to professional-grade instruments that will inspire your playing for years to come. We’ve considered factors like material, keywork, and overall value to help you find your ideal match.
Our Recommended Intermediate Clarinets
- Jean Paul CL-400 Intermediate Bb Clarinet
- Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Orchestra Clarinet
- Lazarro 150-BK-L B-Flat Bb Clarinet Black
- Yamaha YCL-650II Professional Bb Clarinet
- Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet
- Selmer USA CL211 Bb Wood Clarinet Outfit
- Buffet Crampon E12F Step-Up Clarinet Outfit
- Yamaha YCL-450N Intermediate Clarinet
- Jupiter JCL700NA Student Bb Clarinet
- Backun Alpha Bb Clarinet
Jean Paul CL-400 Intermediate Bb Clarinet
The Jean Paul CL-400 is engineered to help intermediate players achieve precise intonation across the entire range of the instrument. This focus on accurate pitch makes it easier to maintain perfect tuning during practice and performance, which is a critical skill at this level. Its ABS body provides durability and stability against changes in temperature and humidity.
You can start playing immediately, as each CL-400 is professionally set up and play-tested by NAPBIRT-certified technicians before shipping. The silver-plated keys are not only elegant and resistant to tarnish but also provide a smooth, responsive touch that facilitates faster technical passages.
Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Orchestra Clarinet
Hisonic’s Signature Series clarinet is built with an ebonite body, a material known for producing a bright, focused tone and offering excellent durability. The nickel-silver keys are robust and provide a solid feel under the fingers, which is beneficial for developing a consistent technique.
A standout feature of this instrument is its use of Prestini pads, which are made in the USA and known for their reliability and airtight seal. This attention to quality in the keywork helps ensure that the instrument responds well and minimizes frustrating air leaks, allowing you to concentrate on your sound production and musicality.
Lazarro 150-BK-L B-Flat Bb Clarinet
The Lazarro clarinet outfit is an excellent value, coming with a case, 11 reeds, and a full care kit. This makes it a convenient all-in-one solution for a player who needs everything to get started. The brand emphasizes that its instruments are built to USA standards and are hand-checked by a professional team in New York for quality assurance.
With its stylish black finish and silver keys, this clarinet has a classic look. It is designed to be durable and produce a solid sound quality suitable for lessons, concerts, and band participation. It’s a practical choice for the advancing student who needs a reliable instrument for various musical occasions.
Yamaha YCL-650II Professional Bb Clarinet
While it carries a professional designation, the Yamaha YCL-650II is a superb step-up instrument for the serious intermediate player ready for a lifelong companion. It features a grenadilla wood body, which is the standard for professional clarinets due to its rich, complex, and resonant tonal characteristics.
The silver-plated keys offer a premium feel and excellent thermal response. Yamaha’s renowned manufacturing consistency means this instrument will have excellent intonation and responsive keywork, providing a level of performance that can motivate and support a player’s growth for many years.
Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet
The Buffet Crampon E11 is a benchmark in the intermediate clarinet category. It is crafted from premium stained African blackwood, a material that delivers the rich, projective, and warm tone Buffet is famous for. This provides a truly authentic clarinet sound that students can grow into.
It features a 64mm barrel designed to balance sound and ensure consistent airflow for a smooth performance. The silver-plated keys are complemented by airtight double fishskin pads, ensuring a seamless playing experience and long-term reliability that intermediate players can depend on.
Selmer USA CL211 Bb Wood Clarinet Outfit
Selmer is a legendary name in woodwinds, and the CL211 model is designed to produce a warm, well-controlled, and focused tone that is ideal for developing players. Its medium-small bore makes it comfortable to play and helps in producing a consistent sound across all registers.
A key feature is the undercut tone holes, which contribute to a smoother scale and a more polished sound. Paired with a quality hard rubber mouthpiece, this clarinet helps players achieve a more mature and refined tone quality, making it a solid choice for school band and orchestral settings.
Buffet Crampon E12F Step-Up Clarinet Outfit
The Buffet E12F is a step-up model that uses carefully selected and stabilized grenadilla wood for its body. This wood is treated with a special colorless varnish that helps prevent cracks and scratches, protecting your investment from the rigors of daily use and environmental changes.
This instrument is equipped with leather pads, which are known for providing an excellent airtight seal and contributing to the overall responsiveness of the keywork. The combination of premium materials and superior craftsmanship results in a clarinet with a rich, authentic tone that responds effortlessly.
Yamaha YCL-450N Intermediate Clarinet
The Yamaha YCL-450N offers the superior tonal quality of a grenadilla wood body at a more accessible price point for intermediate players. Grenadilla wood is prized for its acoustic properties, giving this instrument a warm, resonant sound that is often associated with more expensive models.
It features durable nickel-plated keys and comes with a standard 4C mouthpiece, a reliable and familiar choice for many players. Yamaha’s commitment to precision manufacturing ensures that this clarinet has accurate intonation and a responsive, comfortable key action that supports technical development.
Jupiter JCL700NA Student Bb Clarinet
The Jupiter JCL700NA is designed with features that benefit players moving into the intermediate stage. Its offset trill keys follow the traditional French configuration, which can help reduce moisture accumulation and make certain technical passages more comfortable to execute.
The body is made from durable ABS resin, providing the stability needed for various playing conditions without sacrificing the tonal quality expected from a better instrument. The nickel-plated nickel silver keys offer a great feel and long-lasting beauty, making this a sturdy and reliable choice.
Backun Alpha Bb Clarinet
Backun Musical Services is renowned for its high-end clarinets and accessories, and the Alpha model brings their innovative design philosophy to a more accessible level. It is an excellent choice for the intermediate player looking for an instrument with professional features and a unique character.
Backun focuses on acoustic engineering to enhance resonance and response. The Alpha clarinet often incorporates a synthetic body material that mimics the acoustic properties of wood while offering greater durability and consistency, making it a modern and compelling option for serious students.
Buying Guide: Finding Your Next Clarinet
Moving from a beginner to an intermediate player is a big deal, and your instrument needs to keep up with you. The clarinet that got you through your first year of scales probably isn’t the one that will help you master the Mozart concerto. I remember when I made the switch; it felt like a whole new world of sound and responsiveness opened up. So, what should you be looking for in an instrument that bridges the gap between student and pro models?
First, let’s talk about material. Most beginner clarinets are made of durable, cost-effective plastic. Intermediate models often feature a grenadilla wood body or a composite material. Wood makes a huge difference in tone—it produces a warmer, richer, and more complex sound that projects better. If you play in a band or orchestra, this is a game-changer. Composite clarinets are a great middle ground, offering some of the tonal benefits of wood with added durability and less sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes.
Next, pay close attention to the keywork. You’ll want a clarinet with undercut tone holes. This is where the edges of the tone holes are carved away on the inside, which improves intonation and makes the notes speak more easily and clearly. It’s a feature you often find on professional horns, and having it on an intermediate model is a significant upgrade. Also, check for a nickel-silver or silver-plated key system. These materials are more robust and resistant to wear and tear compared to the nickel-plated keys on student models.
You should also consider the brand’s reputation and resale value. Sticking with established names like Buffet Crampon, Yamaha, or Backun is usually a safe bet. These companies have a long history of making reliable, high-quality instruments. Their intermediate models are designed to be a solid investment that will serve you for years and still hold decent value if you decide to upgrade to a professional instrument later.
Finally, think about your specific needs. Are you primarily playing classical music, or are you branching into jazz? Some clarinets have a slightly more focused sound ideal for orchestral settings, while others might have a bit more flexibility. The best way to know is to try a few. If you can, go to a music store and play several of the 10 best clarinets for intermediate players side-by-side. Your ears and your fingers will tell you which one feels and sounds right for you.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a beginner and an intermediate clarinet?
The differences are in the materials, construction, and features. Beginner clarinets are built for durability and affordability, usually made of plastic with simpler keywork. Intermediate clarinets often use materials like grenadilla wood or high-quality composites, which produce a much richer and more professional sound. They also include upgraded features like undercut tone holes for better intonation and response, making them more responsive to your developing technique.
Is it worth upgrading to a wooden clarinet?
In my opinion, absolutely. A wooden clarinet is one of the most significant upgrades you can make. The grenadilla wood body resonates differently than plastic, giving you a warmer, darker, and more complex tone. It allows for more dynamic control and a sound that blends better in ensembles. Just remember that wood requires a bit more care—you need to swab it out thoroughly after each playing session and avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking.
Can I use my beginner mouthpiece on a new intermediate clarinet?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for long. The mouthpiece is arguably the most important part of your setup for shaping your sound. A high-quality intermediate clarinet deserves a better mouthpiece to unlock its full potential. Your beginner mouthpiece will limit the instrument’s capabilities. Consider upgrading to a mid-range mouthpiece from a reputable maker like Vandoren or D’Addario; it will make a noticeable improvement in your sound and control.
How much should I expect to spend on an intermediate clarinet?
The price range is quite broad, but you can generally expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 for a good, new intermediate model. This investment reflects the better materials and more precise manufacturing involved. While it’s a significant amount, a solid intermediate instrument will support your growth for many years. It’s a worthwhile step up from the entry-level options and a crucial one for any serious player looking at the 10 best clarinets for intermediate players.
Should I buy a used intermediate clarinet?
Buying used can be a fantastic way to get a higher-quality instrument for a lower price. However, you have to be careful. I always suggest having a used clarinet inspected by a trusted repair technician before you buy it. They can check for cracks, worn pads, misaligned keys, and other issues that might not be obvious. If you can find a well-maintained used model from a reputable brand, it can be one of the best values out there.