Klarinet Archive - Posting 000293.txt from 2001/05

From: David Naden <dnaden@-----.org>
Subj: RE: [kl] buffet clarinets
Date: Thu, 10 May 2001 18:45:12 -0400

Ragnhild--

Up to this point, I have only read this thread, but now I must add my views
to the discussion. Between June 1985 and January 2001, I played on a set of
Buffet RC Prestige instruments. They were absolutely the best horns that I
have had the opportunity to play on. Unfortunately, the instruments were
stolen on 5 January 2001, and I was placed in the unfortunate position of
having to replace them.

I was originally going to purchase a new set of RC Prestige, but they needed
to be ordered, and time was critical. I also tried Buffet's Festival model
instruments. The Festival model is made of wood comparable in quality to
the Prestige, but the bore is related to the R-13. The key mechanism is the
same as the RC Prestige--including the low Ab/Eb lever (the extra key).
Needless to say, I found an excellent Festival A, and an excellent Festival
Bb--and saved over $2200 U.S.

What I discovered during this process is that the Buffet Festival model
compares very well with the Prestige RC model even though there is a
difference in the bore design of each model. It became clear in my mind
that the increased cost for a set of RC Prestige was largely due to
marketing. If marketing costs were the main reason that Prestige RC
instruments cost more, I simply could not justify spending extra money for
RC Prestige instruments when overall quality of Festival model instruments
were comparable.

David S. Naden, MMus
Cal State University Los Angeles

-----Original Message-----
From: Ragnhild [mailto:rkbrek99@-----.no]
Subject: RE: [kl] buffet clarinets

thanks for your input, I appreciate any feedback I get :) It's of course
not only because of the extra key that I am thinking of getting a prestige
model - I'm not that keen to spend my money! As I've understood it, the
Prestige is a better instrument, that's what I'm looking for. I have been
happy with my RC so far, but have gotten a few hints that I might think
about getting a more superior model. What do you professionals out there
think, and which brand and models do you use?

At 05:13 PM 5/10/01 -0400, you wrote:
>Ragnhild --
>
>You might pose the question to the professionals on the list: How many
have
>had this key removed after trying to get used to it as being more trouble
>than it was worth?
>
>In addition to the cost factor, I was influenced by the fact that the
>Principal Clarinetist of the Southwest Florida Symphony had removed this
key
>from his horns for this reason, when I purchased a pair of Leblanc
Concertos
>a couple years ago.
>
>I am a retiree and not a professional and play and study for my own
>amusement and occasionally amazement. Naturally, I have encountered a few
>places in my studies (advanced) when the extra Eb/Ab key would be handy but
>hardly essential. I believe that any problems that are solved by the "key"
>can also be easily solved by the judicious use of the slide that all less
>wealthy clarinetists use. (I know that there will be a learned
professional
>or two on the list who can relate some "impossible" note combinations that
>can only be played using the Eb/Ab key. God only knows what happens in
some
>of the very modern music.)
>
>Just a thought and question before you spend your money.
>
>Best of luck,
>
>Gene Nibbelin
>Cape Coral, Florida
>USA
>
> -----Original Message-----
>From: Ragnhild [mailto:rkbrek99@-----.no]
>Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 4:11 PM
>To: klarinet@-----.org
>Subject: Re: [kl] buffet clarinets
>
>Hello!
>Thanks for answering my questions, I eally appreciate it! I am concidering
>buying a Prestige model maybe next year, but there is, as you said, the
>price tag.. it costs a lot of money! (which I don't ecaxtly have..) I would
>really like to have the extra Eb-key, which I feel I almost miss now, have
>needed it some times! I guess it'll take some work getting i "into" your
>fingers, but i'd think it'd be worth it.
>Thans again,
>Ragnhild
>
>
> At 03:52 PM 5/10/01 EDT, you wrote:
>>Ragnhild,
>>
>>I'm playing on RC Prestige clarinets and love them! The extra Eb/Ab
>alternate
>>key is great. The prestige wood is stronger and more dense, since it is
cut
>>out of a more select, older, longer seasoned wood. The wood makes the
sound
>>more present/more intense (not necessarily more bright or more dark,
etc.),
>>and the wood is less likely to crack. It does have a price tag though.
It's
>>about $800 US more than the regular R13 or RC counterpart. I personnaly
>think
>>it is worth it. Try a new RC up to a new Prestige RC and see if you don't
>feel
>>the difference in playing quality.
>>
>>Here's some info about the other Buffet clarinets you asked about.
>>
>>The R13 is a professional level instrument, made in France, which comes in
>a
>>regular model and a prestige model like the RC. The R13 has a
>polycylindrical
>>bore that is smaller than the RC. The R13 is very popular in the United
>>States, but is less popular in other parts of the world. The R13 is closer
>to
>>the "Festival" model than the RC, if you have the "Festival" model
>available.
>>
>>
>>The B12 is a plastic/resin clarinet for beginners. It is made in Germany,
>not
>>in France. It has undercut tone holes, and nice keywork, but I am not
>>impressed by the sound and ease of playing for a student. It is more
>expensive
>>than it's beginner equivalent counterparts in LeBlanc, Yamaha, and Selmer
>>(over $100 difference in some cases.)
>>
>>Ragnhild <rkbrek99@-----.no> wrote:
>>> Hi!
>>>
>>> In this discussion on which clarinet brands and models to choose for
>>> beginners and in a discussion on another clarinet list I'm on, I've
heard
>>> mentioned a couple Buffet models i've never heard of before .. ignorant
>>> little me..lol So I was wondering if someone might be able to enlighten
>me
>>> a bit on the Buffet R-13 and B-12 (i think that was it..) models. The
>>> Buffet models I had heard of are E-111, E-113, RC and RC Prestige (and
>>> maybe one even "higher"?) I have a Buffet RC myself, which I am very
>happy
>>> with, thinking of getting a Prestige model some time soon. Any input on
>>> that as well, while "I'm at it"? Thanks!
>>>
>>> Ragnhild
>>
>>Get free email and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1
>>
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>>
>
>Hi,
>Please go to http://www.adsenger.com/default.asp?ref=rkbrekke to check out
>a neat, easy way to earn some extra money
>***************
>
>please visit my X-Files site at http://www.geocities.com/rkbrekke
>
>
>Ragnhild Kristine Brekke
>
>
>e-mail: rkbrek99@-----.com
>homepage: welcome.to/ragnhild
>phone: 91762095
>
>
>*Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others;
>Responsibility for all your actions
>
>
>
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Hi,
Please go to http://www.adsenger.com/default.asp?ref=rkbrekke to check out
a neat, easy way to earn some extra money
***************

please visit my X-Files site at http://www.geocities.com/rkbrekke

Ragnhild Kristine Brekke

e-mail: rkbrek99@-----.com
homepage: welcome.to/ragnhild
phone: 91762095

*Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others;
Responsibility for all your actions

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