Top 5 Intermediate Clarinets with a Smooth and Balanced Tone

This is the best Yamaha intermediate clarinet, and in-fact it is our favorite intermediate clarinet overall. The product is a big upgrade on a lot of the beginner options and is made out of high quality grenadilla wood. It also has durable, nickel-plated keys which feel really good to play, making it a popular choice among those making a step up from amateur models.

The tone is great, and the grenadilla has been selected for its tonal qualities. With a 65mm barrel and a Bb tuning, this is a pretty standard and versatile instrument (most clarinets have this barrel length and tuning).

A case is included with the product, but this is only semi-hard, and some users have said that a hard case could be included to improve the offering overall and protect the instrument better.

However, besides this one small pitfall, most users are in agreement that the tone and quality of this instrument gives a good, professional feel, rather than being a small upgrade on a beginner clarinet. The hardware is built to last and though it costs a little more than some of the other options, this is an instrument that could last for many years.

Yamaha manufacture excellent soprano, contra-bass and bass clarinets in a huge amount of varieties. The YCL450 proves they can provide great instrumets.

Why are we impressed?

• Great tone and quality grenadilla wood.
  
• Standard Bb tuning.
  
• Comes with carry bag.
  

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Would be improved with a hard case being included.
  
• More expensive than many other intermediate clarinets.
  

This is another very high quality clarinet made of Grenadilla wood. Though the brand Jupiter isn’t as well know in the world of instruments in general, they make some great clarinets, and this is an example.

The brand explain their choice of wood as giving a fuller-bodied and mellow tone, with ‘vibrant overtones’.

Nickel plated keys and metal tenons are in place, which makes it easy to put your instrument together and mean that it will last a very long time if treated right. The keys don’t just have long-lasting quality, they feel great when playing, too.

The case which ships with this product is attaché-style, and it also comes with some accessories to make your life easier when playing, including grease and cleaning cloth/swab for maintenance, a totally adjustable strap for comfort when playing, and a high-quality Vandoren reed. A C/G key riser is also included to increase the playability of the palm keys. This is ergonomic and feels natural.

In terms of price, this is a far cheaper option than some other intermediate options but still offers a solid tone and an upgrade from beginner clarinets.

What makes it stand out?

• Represents good value for money.
  
• Comes with accessories including adjustable strap.
  
• Adjustable thumb rest.
  

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• Good tone, but not quite as supreme as the Yamaha model above.

The Buffet Crampon E12 France Intermediate Bb Clarinet is another great option for those looking to upgrade to an intermediate model. Some have claimed that it is the best intermediate wood clarinet when it comes to tone. The clarinet is well-built, and the wood is grenadilla (again).

An adjustable thumb rest combined with quality nickel keys make this comfortable to play as well as very durable and hard-wearing.

Though it isn’t always an indicator of quality, the French and German craftsmanship that have gone into this are evident. German efficiency comes from the assembly in Markneukirchen, Germany. The product is described by the brand as setting standards for young musicians.

Interestingly, this comes with a ‘backpack’ style case instead of a more traditional case. This means a lot of room for accessories and comfy and easy transportation.

The tonal abilities of this have been praised in many different circles, and it definitely has a professional sound that is worthy of studio recordings and professional performances, but the tone is perhaps most impressive with high notes, such as the high G note.

Some users have reported slightly tight corks and the need for some of the keys to be adjusted. This could be down to personal preference and may not be something you need to do, but be warned it may be more likely than with the Yamaha, for instance.

The investment is relatively high for an intermediate clarinet, but tonally this is very hard to fault and with the correct maintenance it will last a very long time.

Why are we impressed?

• Excellent tone, particularly for high notes.
  
• Good craftsmanship.
  
• Comes with backpack carrying case.
  

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Some users have reported having to make some adjustments.

The CL-400 Intermediate Clarinet is an interesting model, and a good upgrade for those who have been playing a cheaper, entry-level clarinet. It is in Bb and also has both long and short barrels so you can choose between the two to suit your playing and performance.

This is a step up because it has high quality Rico H ligature which looks and feels great, but the fact that it is still made of ABS plastic (as many of the cheaper options are) means that it still doesn’t cost a great deal. It is far cheaper than the very best clarinet for intermediate players.

That isn’t a huge problem, though. While the tone might be improved if it were made out of quality wood, the ABS plastic is robust, as are the keys.

It ships with the accessories you need including ligature cap, reed and mouthpiece. It also has a good quality case, which has robust handles and is even waterproof to help protect your instrument.

The value-for-money is exceptional, and there are many reviews out there saying that this stands up to the quality of some products two or three times as expensive, and that the plastic constructions certainly isn’t a big disadvantage. We certainly have no complaints about the craftsmanship.

Why did it make our list?

• Quality ligature, reeds and mouthpiece all included.
  
• Comes with professional, waterproof case.
  
• Multiple barrel sizes.
  

What is not ideal about it?

• Made out of composite plastic as opposed to wood.

The Mendini MCT-30 is a great affordable option, and makes our list as the best cheap intermediate clarinet.

It is made out of rosewood, which doesn’t quite have the tonal quality of some of the other materials used to make clarinets, but it certainly is popular among affordable instruments. Many guitars use rosewood for their body and neck.

The Mendini is designed to create a quality package for intermediate clarinet players. Those who have quickly upgraded from their beginner model will likely appreciate the accessories and spares included. This has 10 reeds, grease for the cork, gloves and cleaning cloth.

There are two different barrel lengths included. In its standard mode, this clarinet is in B flat, which is standard for the vast majority of clarinets.

As a bonus, it even comes with a stand! As you may also expect, it comes with a case which is pretty good quality and hard shelled. Considering the price, this clarinet includes plenty of extras.

Though the tone is good, and it describes itself as being an intermediate product, this is perhaps a little more towards the ‘beginner’ end of the market due to its build quality and materials.

Why is it special?

• Comes with lots of accessories.
  
• Two barrel lengths.
  
• Ships with a bonus stand and pocketbook.
  
• Case is hard-shelled and good quality.
  

What are the flaws?

• Closer to a beginner model in terms of quality and tone.
  
• Made of a cheaper wood (rosewood) than many of the rest of the best intermediate clarinets.