Prelude by Conn-Selmer CL711
A student clarinet from Prelude, Conn-Selmer's dedicated entry-level line, with a hard-rubber body the manufacturer describes as mimicking the warm tone of a wood clarinet, and a wider-than-typical bore for a fuller sound.
A student clarinet from Prelude, Conn-Selmer's dedicated entry-level line, with a hard-rubber body the manufacturer describes as mimicking the warm tone of a wood clarinet, and a wider-than-typical bore for a fuller sound. Suited to beginner clarinetists whose families want the backing of a large, established manufacturer's dedicated beginner line.
Key specifications
| Manufacturer | Prelude by Conn-Selmer |
|---|---|
| Product status | Current |
| Body | Hard rubber, described by the manufacturer as mimicking a wood clarinet's tone |
| Bore | 0.583", for a fuller sound |
| Keys | Nickel-plated |
| Included | Mouthpiece, cap, ligature, and care products |
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Backed by Conn-Selmer, one of the largest US band-instrument manufacturers; documented wide 0.583" bore aimed at a fuller sound.
Weaknesses
- Prices seen across retailers in this research pass varied widely (roughly $199-$479) — confirm current price before buying; no hands-on or independent third-party expert assessment was located for this specific model in this research pass.
Playability and construction
Not assessed hands-on — this review is based on specification and market analysis (see the badge above), so no subjective playing-feel claim (response, intonation tendencies, resistance) is made here. See the Verdict below for what this assessment is and isn't.
Construction
Hard rubber body with nickel-plated keys.
Competing models
Verdict
A student clarinet from Prelude, Conn-Selmer's dedicated entry-level line, with a hard-rubber body the manufacturer describes as mimicking the warm tone of a wood clarinet, and a wider-than-typical bore for a fuller sound. Suited to beginner clarinetists whose families want the backing of a large, established manufacturer's dedicated beginner line. See our full The Best Beginner Clarinets guide for how it compares to alternatives.
Other clarinet models reviewed
Each of these is assessed on the same basis — documented specifications and market positioning, not hands-on playing tests.
- Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet Yamaha
- Jean Paul USA CL-300 Student Clarinet Jean Paul USA
- Mendini by Cecilio Bb Clarinet Mendini by Cecilio
- Allora Student Series Bb Clarinet AACL-336 Allora
The Best Beginner Clarinets
How this model compares against the alternatives, and which one suits which player.
Where to buy
Prices and availability are checked periodically, not a real-time feed.
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