Clarinet

yamaha YCL 255

(RECOMMENDED)

Current Street Price with an Educational Discount: $ 699

SECOND HAND

Please read my guide to buying second hand.
Fully serviced and from a reputable second hand source, in great condition, you can expect to pay around:

Yamaha  YCL-255 $ 440
Yamaha  YCL-250 $ 420 (previous model)
Buffet B12 $ 440

Buyers guide - bass clarinet

Clarinet professionals I have consulted, all agree that the Bass Clarinet should be viewed as an addition not a substitution for playing the regular clarinet. If your students goes down the path of doing music exams, I've been informed that they can't do Bass Clarinet exams beyond 4th grade, but are expected to play on both Clarinet and Bass Clarinet.

For this reason, I advise students where possible to buy a clarinet and hire a Bass Clarinet from their school band program.
Lessons should include time on the clarinet to support development of a solid technical foundation.
Switching between is surprisingly easy.

If your student is thriving on the bass clarinet, then it might be worth looking at buying one, especially going into high school.

yamaha YCL221II

Yamaha's student Bass Clarinet, costs around $ 3,299
This is the model you will find most school band programs buying.
If your student is going into high school, this instrument will be sufficient, but if you have the budget it is definitely worth looking at spending more for an Intermediate level instrument. The tone, resonance and easy of playing, especially in the higher register will be well worth the extra investment.
Consult a Bass Clarinet expert for recommendations.