Klarinet Archive - Posting 000432.txt from 1996/03

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.US>
Subj: What the best clarinet? I plead the 5th
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 1996 21:33:12 -0500

Fernando,
I've tried almost all the makes and models and just recently
replaced my 27 year old R-13 with (drum roll) a new Buffet R-13. I've
tried the Leblanc Opus and Concerto - they're good horns, the low register
is very dark and rich sounding. The Yamaha's are good. I haven't played
that many Selmers but I did like the new S-10 (I think that's the model)
and the Recitalist has a very dark sound, but the extra weight was too much
for me. Last year in Oklahoma, I really liked the Hovarth (french bore)
clarinets - very even resistance throughout. The year befor in Oklahoma
(the OK clarinet conf), I played the Buffet BG (or DG I think). This model
was a prototype or not available in the states. I was very impressed.
So why another R-13? I bought my R-13 at Tim Clark's. Tim had 29
Bb Buffets to choose that's one reason. Many people fell (myself included)
that you can't beat a good R-13. I spent 4-5 hours going through all the
clarinets, checking intonation, voicing, even resistance through the
registers and tone. After that Tim does a complete overhaul and setup on
it.
When I'm playing in an orchestra the rest of the section are on
R-13's it's easier to match them if I'm on the same horn. I do own a set
of Hammerschmidt Boehm system that I used to play but for any orchestra
audition or job I use my Buffets. I love the sound of my Bb Hammerschmidt
but the A has some major intonation problem that have to be fixed.
So it's really a personal preference. Try as many clarinets as you
can to find that one for you.

Dan

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Daniel A. Paprocki
dap@-----.us

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