This is a really good-value student clarinet which compares very well with the more expensive offerings of better-known brands.

Arnold & Sons may not be a well-known manufacturer in the UK, but they have been producing high-quality wind instruments for many years and are highly regarded in Europe.

The ACL-617 is made from light-weight but durable ABS resin with a matte finish to give the impression of wood from a distance.  The silver-plated keywork feels as hard-wearing as you would expect from any clarinet in this price bracket and it comes in a smart, light case with all the usual accessories.

Most importantly though, it sounds really good.  It is easy-blowing to suit beginners and younger players without sounding too plastic, and can produce a smooth tone through the registers with intonation as good as any comparable clarinet we've tried.

If you are looking for a better-than-basic ABS clarinet, then we would highly recommend the ACL-671 alongside the entry-level clarinets from the "Big Two" manufacturers and the difference in price could get you a top-notch mouthpiece to go with it.