Klarinet Archive - Posting 000236.txt from 1994/12

From: CLARK FOBES <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Clarinet purchase Advice
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 1994 13:12:09 -0500

You wrote:

>
>Neal, Thanks for the detailed reply. I recently tried out three
>clarinets - R13, Leblanc Opus at $1000 more, and a Selmer Paris
>Recital model. Interesting experience. The LeBlanc at $2500 was by
>far the worst of the lot, while the Selmer was actually pretty good
>(though lacked the color of the Buffet). The Selmer came
>standard with metal tenon rings and with silver keywork-- and seemed
>to be very well made. A great bargain in some ways com,pared to the
>Prestige. In the end I decided to go with the R13. BUT so far I
>have had to send 2 of them back to the Woodwind and Brasswind as
>defective. The first had bent keys and the replacement they sent was
>swollen slightly and didn't fit together well. It seems what Buffet
>has in tonal color they may lack in fit and finish or at least in
>quality control. I think I'll still opt for the Buffet, since 95% of
>professionals can't be wrong. My teacher is asst principal of the
>Atlanta Symphony and his wife is Principal and they both have R13s.
>I suppose thats's a pretty good endorsement. BraddBradd Shore
>Dept. of Anthropology
>Emory University
>Atlanta, GA 30322
>(404)727-4200 FAX (404)7272860
>e-mail ANTBS@-----.EDU
>
>Brad,

I have not been following this string too closely, but I thought
I might give you my 2 cents. Try the standard silver plated R-13. The
only difference between that and the Prestige is the metal tenon caps
and the left hand Ab/Eb key. You may find that for $900 less you will be
quite satisfied.

Clark W Fobes