Marching bands are quite distinct from other musical scenarios. The requirements in terms of musical instruments and even in terms of players are quite different when compared to other playing scenarios. There are quite a number of clarinets from different brands in the market. The clarinet that works well for let’s say a jazz band or maybe a small classical ensemble might not fit perfectly for marching band scenarios. Apart from general factors like blend, projection, and consistent intonation, which are general characteristics of a good clarinet, a clarinet that is going to be used in a marching band needs to be that can withstand external stress, diverse weather conditions, and even some rough handling.
In this article, I present to you five clarinets that are best for marching bands. These clarinets are those with which I have had direct and indirect experience. I can comfortably recommend any of them to anyone searching for the best clarinets for marching band.
 | 1.Best Beginner clarinet for marching bands – Aileen Lexington Bb Flat 17 Key Clarinet | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2.Best intermediate clarinet for marching bands – Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best marching band clarinet for pro-level players – Jupiter JCL700N Bb Clarinet | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best marching band clarinet for players of all levels – Jean Paul USA Intermediate Clarinet CL-400 | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best lightweight marching band clarinet – Mendini by Cecillio Bb Clarinet | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Clarinets for Marching Band Reviewed
Best Beginner clarinet for marching bands: Aileen Lexington Bb Flat 17 Key Clarinet
The Aileen Lexington is a mix of simplicity, affordability, and playability, making it just perfect for marching bands. They designed this clarinet to withstand tough conditions and even some rough handling. Although clarinets are ideally supposed to be made of wood, that is rather impractical in many situations, like in a marching band. Wooden clarinets would not withstand extreme and changing atmospheric conditions thus the reason models like this opt for bakelite as their construction material.
Because it is made of bakelite (with a wood grain finish effect), you can worry less about outdoor effects on this particular clarinet. Wherever your marching band wishes to march to, this clarinet is ready to come along with you without fear of rough handling. Also, the intonation is superb as it projects just superb enough to fit marching band volume and intonation needs. You don’t have to worry about tuning it now and then as it stays in tune for a pretty long time. For ease of play and general ergonomic and aesthetic requirements, it doesn’t just feature a well-finished and polished body but also seventeen nickel plated keys. It sounds not only beautiful, but it also looks quite striking.
Also, the price when compared to the overall quality is super-amazing as it’s hard to find clarinets of this quality within this price range. Another amazing feature of this marching band clarinet is its adjustable thumb rest which makes it not only a lot more versatile but also more comfortable to play. The CL3041N features stainless steel needle springs that prevent leakages. It comes with a 2.5-inch reed, a mouthpiece, mouthpiece, screwdriver, cleaning cloth with rope, cork grease, gloves, and a premium hard foam-shell case with a shoulder strap for ease of storage and transportation.
Pros
- Amazing price, considering the quality
- Designed to withstand several external factors
- Comes with a reed and other accessories
- Sounds amazing for the price
- Adjustable thumb rest makes it more comfortable and versatile
Cons
- Not exactly the best clarinet for more advanced players
- In the long run, you get what you pay for
- After consistent usage, some notes might start sounding flat (the A and F notes especially)
- You might experience some leakages in some keyholes
Best intermediate clarinet for marching bands: Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet
Stepping up slightly from the Aileen Lexington, the CL-300 is an amazing and affordable clarinet for marching band players who are not totally beginners and who need something slightly higher in standard than a total beginner instrument. Just like we mentioned earlier, although wood is always a better material for making clarinets, it always comes with its downsides and can’t function properly in a marching band setting as it will wear out rather too quickly. On that note, the CL-300 is made of hard rubber – ebonite precisely. One amazing thing about this marching band clarinet is that players of all levels can use it, from students to even pro-level clarinetists.
For a clear and focused tone, it features beautiful nickel-plated keys which perform both aesthetic and sonic functions. For those who might be concerned about where this clarinet is made, the CL-300 is manufactured in the USA by Jean Paul. Jean Paul remains one of the leading brands and makers of top-quality instruments specifically designed for use by beginning and intermediate musicians.
Each Jean Paul clarinet is bench tested at their manufacturing facility before they subject it to the second round of testing at their corporate facility by some very skilled technicians. So, needless to worry about the quality, although being a rather cheap clarinet.
Intermediate and even beginning and pro-level clarinet players will enjoy the reliability, playability, and ergonomic design of the CL-300 as it is quite easy to play, well centered, and durable. With a Boehm 17 key system, the CL-300 gives players excellent response and smooth playability. It has a cylindrical bore that gives strong projection and a wide range of tones. This is just amazing for marching band scenarios. The CL-300 comes with a mouthpiece, cap, ligature, and set of professional Rico reeds. Also, The CL-300 comes with a neck strap and cork grease for maintenance.
Pros
- Amazing price for an intermediate-level clarinet
- Easy to play
- Plays nicely in all registers
- Sturdy
- The tone is focused, and the intonation is great
Cons
- At a point, the keys might go out of alignment
- Might require more frequent tuning after extensive use
Best marching band clarinet for pro-level players: Jupiter JCL700N Bb Clarinet
Truth is, marching band clarinets don’t always have to be very low price clarinets. You can always pay some more for some beneficial features like adjustable thumb rests, great intonation, and even for a reputable brand name – like Jupiter. The JCL700N is an amazing clarinet for marching bands as it is not so cheap and not exactly expensive. Although the manufacturers might label this clarinet as a “student model,” the truth remains that in marching band scenarios, this clarinet will pass for a pro-model. When comparing the JCL700N to other clarinets in this list, you will notice that it is a significant upgrade.
It features offset trill keys (traditional French design) that help get rid of too much-accumulated moisture and ensure better performance. This one factor adds so many points to its durability score and also makes it an amazing fit for marching bands and exposure to extreme weather. Its ABS Resin body finish offers that extra level of protection and durability for rigorous use and frequent exposure to different weather. Again, this makes it perfect for rigorous playing needs without compromising the overall or even an aspect of its sonic quality. For aesthetics and ease of play, it features nickel-plated nickel-silver keys. To finish it all up, this Jupiter marching band clarinet features a 14.80 mm bore, nickel silver bell rings, comfortable C/G key riser, undercut tone holes, and adjustable thumb rest. This is a combination of elegance and workability – perfect for that marching band player who can afford to spend just a little extra cash.
Pros
- Amazing tone
- Looks quite stunning
- Easy to play as it is ergonomically designed
- For pro-level players, this might be an inexpensive alternative
- Might not need repairs after extensive usage
Cons
- Not exactly affordable for some people who just need a simple marching band clarinet
Best marching band clarinet for players of all levels: Jean Paul USA Intermediate Clarinet CL-400
Again, Jean Paul makes it to this list. However, the CL-400 is a significant upgrade from the earlier mentioned CL-300. The CL-400 from my experience is an all-rounder as it can also be used by marching band players of all levels. It features the same overall finish and top-notch aesthetic design as the CL-300 but with better intonation and extra safety because of the added Bari mouthpiece, Rico H ligature, and professional carrying case. The CL-400 is an advanced clarinet for more seasoned players. However, it is also perfect for even total and intermediate players the same way it is exceptional for pro-level clarinetists.
The included Bari Mouthpiece and Rico H Ligature allow for a richer and wider range of musical tones. Tonally, the CL-400 is steps ahead of the CL-300. With this, you won’t have to worry about shifting and fluctuating intonation as there is consistency across all three registers. This is simply an amazing clarinet that can hold it down with other more expensive models from other brands. Another significant upgrade is the professional carrying case which it comes with. For marching band players, this is quite helpful as it will help to ensure your clarinet gets just enough protection during tours and many travels. If you are looking to just improve your sound or start playing with something that seems ‘pro-level,’ as a marching band clarinetist without basically breaking the bank, then look no further as the CL-400 remains the perfect clarinet for you.
Pros
- Comes with a professional carrying case which is an extra advantage to marching band players who often move around with their clarinets
- The tone is richer and fuller because of the upgrade in the mouthpiece to an original Bari mouthpiece
- Comes with a standard Rico ligature
- Generally, Jean Paul clarinets are of the best quality
- Considering the quality, it is only right to say it is super affordable
Cons
- You might experience a problem with the metalwork which can cause the keys to bend and go out of alignment. This, however, can be repaired by a local instrument repairer
- A few of the pads might require repair after long usage
Best lightweight marching band clarinet: Mendini by Cecillio Bb Clarinet
When making a list of the best clarinets for marching bands, Mendini by Cecillio clarinets will always make it to that list. This time, it did not make it to the list because of its affordability but because of its lightweight nature, which makes it very ideal for marching band players. Although clarinets are generally not heavy instruments, any significant decrease in weight by a manufacturer will mean a lot to any clarinet player, especially those players who often carry their clarinets around while playing – marching band players.
Apart from the very amazing price of this clarinet and the lightweight nature, it also comes with quite some amazing features that will make it a very worthy purchase [even as an addition] for any marching band clarinetist. Coming with the clarinet is a case, mouthpiece, a box of ten reeds (2.5-inch), cork grease, cleaning cloth, gloves, pocketbook, and clarinet stand. It basically comes with everything you need to get started playing the clarinet. Also, it features an adjustable thumb rest, a feature seen in only more expensive brands and models. The design is quite sleek and perfect; it is made of a high-grade plastic cast and features very durable nickel-plated keys that will definitely attract the attention of both clarinet enthusiasts and even the total novice who knows nothing about clarinets. This is an amazing marching band clarinet for both young and old players alike.
Pros
- The lightweight design makes it an amazing fit for marching band players
- Super affordable
- However low the price is, the quality remains reasonably okay
- Cecillio is a brand recommended by many players and tutors
- Designed to last and withstand stress\
- Perfect for both very young and older players because of the weight
- The adjustable thumb rest adds extra comfort and versatility to the clarinet
Cons
- The sound might not be as “full” as that of more expensive brands and models
- You might experience some valve-alignment issues on some of the clarinets
Best Clarinets for Marching Band Buying Guides
What makes a good marching band clarinet?
A good marching band clarinet should be an inexpensive clarinet made of hard rubber [or any other rubber] or plastic. It should be able to play perfectly in tune for a long time. It should be able to withstand several temperature changes and outdoor conditions like rain, sun, and even snow.
Although wooden clarinets are generally considered as being better than plastic clarinets, the downside remains that it can be more sensitive to weather than their plastic counterpart. Also, marching band clarinets are likely to go through some rough handling and continuous movement from place to place. On that note, it is advised that it should be a clarinet designed to withstand these stressful conditions.
Are there special clarinet mouthpieces for marching bands?
The simple answer is “no.” If you play in marching bands and also in a jazz band or concert band, it is always wise to stick to one mouthpiece for the sake of your embouchure and overall tone building. Being consistent with one mouthpiece helps you with the mastery of your tone as a clarinetist.
For the best mouthpieces, I will always recommend the Vandoren CM308 B45, Yamaha High Quality Clarinet Mouthpiece 4C, and the D’Addario Reserve Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece, XO
How much should you spend on a marching band clarinet?
I will advise that whatever you spend should not run into thousands. You can get a great marching band clarinet between $100 – $600 that will work just fine regardless of if you are a pro or beginner.
What are the best reeds for marching band clarinet players?
Small or large-bore clarinets, which is better for marching bands?
Small-bore clarinets are easier for beginners to play in tune. Large bore clarinets are tonally more flexible. They are often used by jazz and blues players who need to express themselves properly and also a project in a band setting.
Nickel or Silver key-plated clarinets, which is best for marching bands?
Nickel is durable, somehow shiny, and doesn’t tarnish quite easily. Silver-plate appears to be more attractive with a warm and brilliant appearance. It feels nice to the touch but tarnishes easily compared to a nickel-plate. With some care, silver can last as long as nickel.
Conclusion and Winner
After going through a long list of factors and considerations, we have chosen our winner(s). But first, it is important to remember that every clarinet on this list is just amazing for marching bands. However, we prefer some to some and that is why we have chosen the Jupiter JCL700N Bb Clarinet as our overall winner. Although the manufacturers might classify this clarinet as a “student-model,” in marching band scenarios, this clarinet will actually pass for a pro-model. When comparing the JCL700N to other clarinets in this list, you notice it is a significant upgrade. It looks quite stunning, easy to play, has an amazing tone, and It features offset trill keys (traditional French configuration) that helps get rid of excess moisture accumulation and ensure better performance. This is an amazing marching band clarinet.
But, if you are in the market for something cheaper but still amazing, then we recommend the Jean Paul USA Intermediate Clarinet CL-400. This is an amazing clarinet for players of all levels. It comes with a professional carrying case which is an extra advantage to marching band players who often move around with their clarinets. The tone of this clarinet is richer and fuller because of the upgrade in mouthpiece to an original Bari mouthpiece. Jean Paul clarinets are always top-notch and affordable. This is an amazing choice for people who don’t want to spend much but still want some amazing quality.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
