Your child is starting the clarinet at a music school or in a school concert band, and you don't know what to buy. The short answer: a B-flat clarinet from a reliable brand, costing between $350 and $600 CAD brand new, or a fully serviced used clarinet for less. The rest—materials, number of keys, finish—won't affect a beginner's progress.
Here is everything you need to know before spending a dime.
The B-flat Clarinet: The Only Model to Consider for Starting Out
The B-flat clarinet is the industry standard instrument. All instructional methods are written for it, all teachers teach it, and every school concert band in Quebec plays it. There is absolutely no reason to start on any other model, unless explicitly instructed otherwise by a teacher.
Very young children, under 8 years old, sometimes struggle with the size of the instrument. In these cases, some teachers recommend a C clarinet, which is one size shorter, as a transitional instrument. However, from the age of 9 and up, the B-flat clarinet fits the vast majority of students perfectly.
Budget: What You Should Anticipate in Quebec
For a brand-new first clarinet of adequate quality to ensure progress, expect to spend between $350 and $600 CAD. Below $200, no-name instruments almost always suffer from manufacturing defects that hinder learning: keys that wobble, sticky pads, and unstable intonation. Your child will not progress on a faulty instrument, no matter how good their teacher is.
| Budget | What You Get |
| Less than $200 | No-name instruments to avoid |
| $350–$450 | Entry-level from a reliable brand (Jupiter, Buffet Prodige) |
| $450–$600 | Renowned student models (Yamaha YCL-255, Buffet Crampon E11) |
| $600+ | Intermediate models, to be considered after 2-3 years of playing |
A used clarinet in good condition from a reputable brand often represents the best value. A serviced used clarinet at $250-$350 CAD will always outperform a brand-new no-name instrument at $199.
To these amounts, you must add basic accessories if they are not included: reeds, a swab, and cork grease. The case is almost always supplied with the instrument.
Plastic or Wood: What Formally Matters for a Beginner
Virtually all student clarinets are made of ABS, a highly durable plastic. This is an advantage for beginners: ABS does not crack, easily handles temperature and humidity fluctuations, and requires virtually no special maintenance.
Grenadilla, the fine wood used in intermediate and professional clarinets, offers a richer and warmer sound. However, this difference is imperceptible to a beginner and does not justify an extra upfront investment when starting out.
In summary: for a first clarinet, plastic is perfectly suited. The switch to wood happens naturally when the student progresses to an intermediate level, usually after two or three years of dedicated practice.
Recommended Brands for Starting Out
Yamaha YCL-255 is the undisputed gold standard for student clarinets. Its construction is exceptionally sturdy and consistent from one horn to the next, its keys line up beautifully, and it holds a solid resale value if the student stops playing or upgrades to a higher model. It is the top choice for most music teachers and school bands in Quebec.
Buffet Crampon Prodige is manufactured by the same historic house that produces the professional R13 clarinets. The Prodige offers excellent build quality and a slightly richer tone than the Yamaha. It costs a little bit more, but it represents a fantastic investment if the student plans to progress seriously.
Jupiter JCL-700 is a solid option at a slightly lower price point, frequently recommended in high schools. Its playability is good, and it is easy to maintain.
To Avoid: Cheap, no-name clarinets sold on Amazon or big-box department stores. They look appealing at $150, but their keywork is often flimsy, and their poor intonation makes learning incredibly frustrating.
Renting vs. Buying: The Quebec Perspective
Many school bands and music academies in Quebec offer instrument rental programs. Renting makes perfect sense in one specific scenario: you are unsure if your child will commit long-term, and you don't want to tie up $400 on a trial run.
However, if your child is fully engaged and the teacher confirms steady progress, buying quickly becomes more cost-effective. A rental typically costs between $25 and $40 per month. In six to nine months, you will have spent the price of a good, brand-new student clarinet without owning anything.
Our guide on buying vs. renting an instrument outlines the specific criteria to help you make the right choice based on your situation.
What to Purchase Along with the Clarinet
The case is almost always included with the instrument. For everything else:
Reeds are consumables and must be replaced regularly. For a beginner, Vandoren strength 2 or 2.5 reeds are the perfect starting point. Rico (D'Addario) reeds are a slightly cheaper alternative. Avoid reeds that are too hard (strength 3.5 or 4) at first: they offer too much resistance and will quickly tire out the embouchure. Check out our selection of clarinet reeds for the primary brands available.
The Swab is used to dry the inside of the instrument's body after every playing session. This is absolutely necessary to extend the lifespan of the instrument and maintain proper hygiene.
Cork Grease is applied to the cork connections (tenons) to facilitate assembly and prevent forcing or breaking the pieces. A single tube lasts a very long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to start playing the clarinet? Most teachers recommend waiting until 9 or 10 years old. By this age, fingers are developed enough to cover the tone holes comfortably, and attention spans make learning more efficient. Some 8-year-olds do great, while others benefit from waiting a year or two.
What is the absolute best clarinet for a beginner? The Yamaha YCL-255 is the safest choice for a beginner in Quebec. Its price-to-quality ratio, bulletproof reliability, and readily available service network make it the top recommendation for teachers and school band directors.
Should I buy a plastic or a wood clarinet to begin with? Plastic, without hesitation. ABS plastic clarinets are perfectly tailored for beginners: they won't crack, don't require heavy maintenance, and are entirely unaffected by weather changes. Wood becomes relevant when transitioning to an intermediate level, usually after two to three years of practice.
How much do clarinet reeds cost and how often should they be replaced? A box of 10 Vandoren reeds costs between $30 and $45 CAD. For a beginner playing 30 to 45 minutes a day, expect to go through one to two reeds per month depending on strength and usage quality. Reeds are fragile, and a simple mishandling can chip or break them instantly.
Find the Right Clarinet for You at Twigg
Whether you are searching for a brand-new first clarinet or a serviced pre-owned option, our team can guide you based on the student's level, their school's curriculum, and your budget.
Browse our full selection of clarinets, new and used, and contact us for expert advice before making your purchase.