The Schreiber D-26 Bb clarinet has held a strong position on the market for many years, consistently ranking among the most popular choices for musicians. With Schreiber's 2.0 upgrade, the quality has been elevated even further, thanks to a range of thoughtful innovations that go well beyond cosmetic updates to deliver real functional improvements. The tone hole layout has been refined to lower resistance and achieve more balanced intonation, while adjustments to the positioning of certain keys enhance the coverage of both pads and keys for better performance. A newly designed bell shape also contributes to the improved sound, greater resonance, and enhanced projection, with the overall focus of the D-26 firmly on advancing sound development compared to its predecessor.
The Schreiber D-26 Bb clarinet is crafted with a traditional German fingering system and equipped with 20 keys and six rings for effortless playability, while its adjustable thumb rest adds extra comfort and the premium grenadilla wood body, finished to perfection, ensures both beauty and durability. This clarinet comes complete with a generous selection of accessories, including two barrels for versatile tuning, a perfectly matched mouthpiece, a robust case with a protective, precision-fit insert, and is backed by an impressive five-year warranty on both the body and mechanism. The D-26 is a true testament to the manufacturer's unwavering confidence in their craftsmanship – an instrument designed to inspire and perform at every level.
The D-26 from Schreiber's Professional series is a trusted choice for advanced players and professionals alike. In its 2.0 version, an optimised inner bore delivers an even more centred response and tone, making this Bb clarinet a loyal companion for both aspiring and seasoned woodwind musicians, especially for repertoires with a German influence such as Oberkrainer music. Unlike the Boehm clarinet, producing lip vibrato is more challenging here and therefore less common, giving the D-26 a more direct, less jazzy sound that suits players with a focus on clarity and tradition. Perfect for those already in, or aiming for, a coveted position in an orchestra, the D-26 will rise to the occasion and fully meet the high expectations placed upon it.
W. Schreiber clarinets, bassoons, contrabassoons, and accessories are all proudly 100% Made in Germany. The brand is considered a market and quality leader, especially for student and conservatory instruments, while its professional models meet the highest standards of craftsmanship. With a history spanning over 75 years, W. Schreiber is a true heritage brand in woodwind manufacturing. Since 2010, the company has been part of the French Buffet Crampon Group, which boasts its own extensive legacy in instrument making. Schreiber clarinets are particularly notable for their focus on the German fingering system, while their bassoons offer musicians exceptional playability, tonal quality, and perfect intonation.
The difference between the Boehm and German systems is most evident in the key mechanism. German‑system clarinets have two wide, butterfly‑shaped levers with rollers, while Boehm‑system instruments feature four or sometimes five closely spaced levers in the same position. The Boehm layout tends to feel more compact and is often considered easier to play, whereas German‑system clarinets are associated with a darker, more rounded sound. In German‑speaking countries the German system is still the dominant choice and is therefore frequently recommended by teachers, simply because it is the system they themselves use and teach. As a result, it is often the more practical option for clarinettists planning to work and play in musical environments shaped by this tradition.