By MyAwesomeBuy Research Team · Updated April 8, 2026 · Our Methodology
No manufacturer paid for placement. Rankings based on verified buyer review data.
Quick Answer
The Mendini MCT-JE2 Bb Clarinet ($89) is our top beginner pick — plastic body resists humidity changes that crack wood instruments, included mouthpiece and reeds, and keys are smooth enough to develop proper technique.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners starting Bb clarinet for the first time
“Mendini MCT-SB is the most affordable Bb clarinet for absolute beginners — a starting instrument for curious players before investing in a higher-tier student model.”
#23,352 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #19 in Clarinets (Musical Instruments)
Included Components
with case
Warranty Description
1 year warranty against manufacturer's defects.
Manufacturer Part Number
MCT-E+SD+PB
Global Trade Identification Number
00847848017087
Worth Considering
Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet
$279
at Amazon
Best for: Serious student clarinetists needing a well-built beginner clarinet
“Jean Paul USA CL-300 is the best student clarinet for serious beginners committing to band or private lessons — professional-quality key action and ABS body that holds up to school use.”
Quick Verdict: Our top pick is the Mendini MCT-SB Bb Clarinet (Best Budget) — Mendini MCT-SB Bb Clarinet: A top choice for beginners.. Priced at $139.99.
Great for: Students enrolled in band, adults returning to a former instrument, and anyone drawn to a specific wind instrument sound
Not ideal if: You're choosing an instrument without instruction — wind instruments have a real technique barrier and are better learned with a teacher
The clarinet is one of the most-studied woodwind instruments in school band programs worldwide. The Bb clarinet is the universal starting point — nearly all school band clarinets, sheet music, and beginner methods are written for Bb clarinet.
Plastic vs wood body: student clarinets use ABS plastic bodies (not wood), which is the correct choice for beginners. Wood clarinets crack when exposed to temperature and humidity changes that beginners routinely subject instruments to — leaving them in a car, not swabbing after use, rapid temperature changes. Plastic is immune to these problems and sounds nearly identical to wood at beginner playing levels.
Reeds are consumable: clarinet reeds are thin pieces of cane (or synthetic material) clamped to the mouthpiece. They wear out and break. Rico Royal #2 or Vandoren Traditional #2 reeds are the standard beginner choice. Buy a box of 10 at the start — expect to go through 3-5 in the first month as you learn to handle them correctly.
The barrel joint is the short cylinder between the mouthpiece and upper joint. Moving it in and out tunes the clarinet sharp/flat. At standard A440 tuning, most beginner clarinets are in tune with barrel fully inserted. If you're constantly sharp, pull out 2-3mm.
Practicing the "break" (crossing the register key): the clarinet has a notoriously difficult technique shift called crossing the register key, where notes jump a 12th (an octave + a fifth). This is where most beginners plateau at week 6-8. Expect 2-4 weeks of focused daily practice to make this register crossing smooth.
Beginner method books: Essential Elements for Band (Book 1, Clarinet edition) is the dominant school band method. Alfred's Premier Band Course is a close second. Both include QR codes linking to play-along tracks.
A Bb (B-flat) soprano clarinet — this is the standard clarinet used in school band, most sheet music, and all beginner method books. Do not buy an Eb soprano, bass clarinet, or A clarinet as your first instrument. The Bb clarinet is 26 inches long, has a cylindrical bore, and plays in C concert pitch when a Bb note is written.
Are plastic clarinets good for beginners?
Yes — plastic (ABS) clarinets are recommended for beginners. Wood clarinets crack when a beginner doesn't swab after every use or leaves the instrument in a hot car. The tonal difference between plastic and wood is negligible at beginner levels (the difference becomes audible only when players reach intermediate technique). Most professional players started on plastic student instruments.
How often should clarinet reeds be replaced?
A single reed lasts 1-3 weeks of daily practice depending on playing intensity and care. Signs of wear: chipping at the tip, warping (won't sit flat on the mouthpiece table), or a dull, airy tone. Store reeds on a reed guard (flat board with rubber holders) to prevent warping. Never leave a wet reed in the ligature — it warps the vamp and destroys tone.
What is the best first song to learn on clarinet?
Mary Had a Little Lamb, Hot Cross Buns, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are the standard first pieces — they use only 4-5 notes in the chalumeau (lower) register and introduce the two most important articulation techniques (legato and staccato). Once you can play these cleanly, begin Essential Elements for Band or a similar method book.
How do I stop the squeaking on my clarinet?
Squeaking has two causes: 1) Reed issues — a cracked, warped, or too-hard reed is the most common cause. Try a fresh reed. 2) Embouchure — biting too hard on the mouthpiece (the 'puckering' mistake) causes squeaks on the upper register notes. The correct embouchure has the bottom lip cushioned over the lower teeth, not biting. Relax jaw pressure and roll the lip slightly inward.
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