Hi, I'm planning to start playing clarinet soon, I was wondering what the best brands are?

As for professional models, I can't tell you what the best brands for YOU is, but I can tell you some well-respected brands that most professionals play on. Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer and Yamaha all make good professional clarinets, Buffet being the most common.

As for student models, I'm not quite sure. If you are just starting I'd suggest renting a student clarinet from a music shop and make sure its in good working order (someone at the store could probably test it for you, if you can't play yet).

I've found the best student model to be the Buffet B12. It has qualities of clarinets at much higher pricepoints. Vito by Leblanc also sells quality, reputable student instruments.

I agree with Buffet (no. 1) & Vito & would add Yamaha & modern Jupiters as reasonable instruments. There is a lot of rubbish out there so avoid the cheapos .

I would agree with Yamaha, but I would not agree with Jupiter. For the same price, a Vito would be much better.

i have heard that Vito's are the best , i bought one a few years back and are thouroughly enjoying it

Hi All,

Well I found a clarinet. I would not use it but I thought you'd be interested based on this post. 20 or more years ago I got a Three Star Metal Clarinet at an antique store and by golly it is still in my basement. It is in bad bad shape. I did some preliminary lookup on it and they are still around in the marketplace.

The one I have is totally useless. It needs new pads, springs and some banging out and polishing. But even if I put that money into it I'm sure it will not have the sound I want. Just thought you'd be interested.

If you want I can post a picture of it. I'm still up in the air on what to buy. I know what I'd like to buy (only for looks. I don't know how they play). I love the look of the Patricola Rosewood Clarinet. And even if it great I can't afford it.

Steve