Klarinet Archive - Posting 001177.txt from 1997/08

From: Gary Hopkins <ghopkins@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Bass clar. price and more
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:33:48 -0400

Bill, it does appear that the majority of the advanced clarinet players in
the US picks Buffet over the rest, but that sure does not mean that it is
the best. Leblanc, Selmer and Buffet all make good clarinets....as do other
companies. However, I do feel that the Buffet R-13 has always suited my
particular needs better than others. I love the way the keys lay on a Selmer
Paris clarinet, and dislike the way the Leblanc top line keys feel (except
the Concerto and Opus). It is all personal preference. I have owned several
French Selmers...Series 9, 9*, 10G, BT, Centered Tone and Recital. They were
all fine instruments, but not what I really liked sound-wise. I did play a
friends Series 10S a few years ago that I would love to have. It was a GREAT
clarinet.

My current clarinet is a Buffet Vintage that I got about a month ago. It is
fantastic. The best new clarinet I have played in the last 20 years.

>It does seem strange that the R-13 seems to be the only clarinet out there
>that is considered appropriate for anything beyond junior high marching
>band. At least you have Eddie Daniels on your side. I am still playing
>the Selmer Series 10 I bought new in 1973. I guess it is considered
>firewood by these guys. It's a lot better than my old Rene Dumont! Or my
>"Empire State" metal clarinet. And, with proper care, I expect it to last
>as long as I do.
>
>
>
>Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
>451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
>Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
>
>If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.
>
>