Lets get this straight. This is a budget clarinet. Dont expect the same as for one that is 5 times the price or more. For the price its excellent! I got this for a student of mine. It comes with reeds and a swab and grease, so he could get playing on it straight away. The case is sturdy and can be worn like a backpack, which is great for young students.
The mechanisms work very well, the pads close completely for the low notes to come out nicely. I could not find anything like this instrument for the same price /quality in the city or even online. I called the guys at Thomann to describe and explain a few things about it and they were very clear and helpful, also in giving their opinion on a suitable instrument for a beginner. When the Clarinet arrived, everything they said matched up with the item. I am very pleased I got this for the student and parent and will buy one for my kids if they want to play clarinet instead of sax like their dad!
The only hitch I noticed at this time is that the thumb-rest has only got cork on it and the poor little boy's thumb is sore. I recommend either taping some cotton wool over it or doing it properly by replacing the cork with some 4mm felt.