Choosing Your First Clarinet: What Every Beginner Should Know

So you've decided to learn the clarinet — brilliant choice. It's one of the most versatile instruments in the woodwind family, equally at home in a school orchestra, a jazz ensemble, or a folk session. But before you buy, there are a few important things to consider. Getting the right instrument from the start can make the difference between a student who thrives and one who gives up after a few months.

1. Body Material: ABS Resin vs. Grenadilla Wood

Student clarinets are almost always made from ABS resin (a hard plastic), while professional instruments use African blackwood (grenadilla). For beginners, ABS resin is the smarter choice — it's resistant to humidity and temperature changes, which means it won't crack if left in a cold car or a warm classroom. Our J. Michael Student Clarinet CL-360 uses an ABS resin body for exactly this reason, making it robust and low-maintenance for everyday school and home use.

2. Key System and Finish

Most student clarinets use the Boehm key system — the standard in the UK and most of the world — so this is unlikely to be a decision you need to make. What does matter is key quality and finish. Look for nickel-plated keys, which resist corrosion and feel smooth under the fingers. The CL-360 features nickel-plated keys throughout, giving it a reliable, consistent action that won't hinder technique development.

3. Pads and Intonation

Pad quality directly affects how well the clarinet seals its tone holes — poor pads mean air leaks, which makes the instrument harder to play and throws intonation out. Italian pads are a mark of quality at the student level, and the J. Michael CL-360 is fitted with them as standard. Good intonation from the outset is important: if a student is constantly fighting a sharp or flat instrument, it undermines their ear training from day one.

4. The Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece has an enormous influence on tone and ease of playing. A poor mouthpiece makes everything harder — tone production, dynamics, and articulation all suffer. The CL-360 outfit includes a high-quality mouthpiece suited to beginners, with a 65mm barrel size that gives a balanced, centred tone. If a student progresses quickly, upgrading the mouthpiece is often the first and most cost-effective improvement you can make before replacing the whole instrument.

5. What's Usually Included in a Student Outfit

A complete outfit saves you the hassle and cost of sourcing accessories separately. At minimum, look for:

• A reed to get you started (you'll need several — they're consumable)
• Cork grease to protect the joints
• A pull-through cleaner (also called a swab) to dry the bore after playing
• A case for safe storage and transport

The J. Michael CL-360 Full Outfit includes all of the above, plus a lightweight hard case with a carry handle and removable shoulder straps — practical for students carrying it to and from school.

6. Budget: Spend Wisely, Not Cheaply

It's tempting to buy the cheapest instrument available, but very low-cost clarinets often have poor intonation, stiff keys, and unreliable pads — all of which make learning significantly harder. At the same time, there's no need to spend professional money on a first instrument. The sweet spot for a quality student clarinet outfit in the UK is roughly £150–£250. The CL-360 sits at £199.99, placing it firmly in that range and offering genuine value for the Japanese quality on offer.

7. New vs. Second-Hand

A second-hand clarinet can be good value, but only if it's been properly serviced. Old pads, bent keys, or a cracked body can make an instrument unplayable — and repair costs can quickly exceed the saving. If you're buying second-hand, have it checked by a technician first. If you're buying new, a reputable outfit like the CL-360 comes ready to play straight out of the box.

Ready to Get Started?

The J. Michael Student Clarinet Full Outfit CL-360 is available in store and online at Music Bits Company for £199.99. It's one of our most recommended beginner instruments — well-made, complete, and genuinely easy to get started on. If you have any questions about whether it's the right fit, pop in to the shop or get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Visit us instore ay 17 High Street, Alford, Lincolnshire or shop online at www.musicbits.co.uk