Klarinet Archive - Posting 000256.txt from 1995/06

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: clarinet shopping
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 1995 21:48:12 -0400

>I just start playing clarinet few years ago and plan now to buy another one.
>So I follow eagerly the discussion on the different brand of clarinet.
>But, here in France, (and after having talked about it with my professor) we
>never heard of buffet R-13; We know Buffet E-13 and Buffet RC.
>Can somebody explain the relationship within R-13, E-13, RC and Prestige ?
>
>> >
>> > >As for Leblanc, the Opus is very expensive compared to an
>> > >R-13. Obviously some people play Leblancs but, IMO, they
>> > >currently offer no clear advantage over Buffet, save the extra
>> > >a-flat/e-flat lever.
>> >
>> > I seem to have noticed that a lot of professionals are using the
>> > Leblanc Concerto model, which runs about $800.00 less than
>> > the Opus. This is what Eddie Daniels uses, and I imagine
>> > that if he thought the Opus was any better, he would use that.
>> > I've never tried either one. Has anyone out there compared
>> > Leblanc models with each other recently and with the R-13?
>> > Also, what's the difference between an R-13 and a Prestige
>> > R-13? Besides the price?
>> >
>>
>> I had a chance about 6-9 months ago at a large music store in Texas to try
>> the LeBlancs, the R13 and the Prestige. It was my entirely subjective
>> opinion that the Prestige was better than the R13 which was better than
>> the LeBlancs. The salesman said that was the opinion of most people that
>> did this comparison.
>
>
Roger,
The R-13 is the dominant model here in the U.S. I read in an
interview with Walter Boykens (of Belgium) that his RC is 2 mm shorter than
the R-13. Thus, there must be some differences in the bore
size/construction to keep the pitch equal in that case. I believe the R-13
has a nominal bore size of around 14.64 mm. I don't know what it is for the
RC. The R-13 comes standard with the usual 17 key/6 ring Boehm mechanism
and nickel plated keys, although you can buy one with silver plating. Even
though the Buffet by far the most popular professional level clarinet here,
many players, myself included, complain about problems with the workmanship.
Are there a lot of complaints in France as well?

The E-13 sounds like a less expensive model ["E" for "e'conomie?"].
Is it?

In any event, bienvenue!

David Gilman