Klarinet Archive - Posting 000448.txt from 2001/06

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Professional Clarinets
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2001 21:24:49 -0400

At 06:21 PM 6/14/2001 -0400, Phil Smallwood wrote:
> As a new subscriber I want to apologize upfront for my question, as I
>know it's probably been covered before. I'm an adult amateur and wish to
>purchase a professional level clarinet. I know the proof is in the playing
>but I am interested in the collective wisdom of the group. I'm interested in
>the Buffet, Selmer, and Leblanc. I know there are numerous models made by
>the three but I'm only interested in the top of the line models in the 3-5K
>range. Any and all suggestions and thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank
>you.

And

>Specifically I was looking at the Buffet R-13, Vintage and Elite. The
>Selmer Paris 10G, 10S, and Signature. And the Leblanc Opus, Concerto, and
>Opus II.

The best thing to do is to try some of them yourself. Buffets are fine,
and seem to be the consensus choice these days. But some of us like the
Selmer sound, and the Signature is a terrific instrument. The left pinkie
Eb key takes some getting used to, but is removable. I was just trying out
a new Leblanc Sonata in our store the other day, a little lower on the
price scale, but still in their pro line. The key layout, as in all
Leblancs, is virtually identical to that of Vitos and Noblets. That could
be a very good thing if your hands are relatively small, but I find them a
bit cramped, with the trill keys in particular too close in to the body for
my long fingers. It sounded fine, but, as has been pointed out on the list
lately, Leblanc seems to have quality control problems. I had to have our
tech adjust the seating of the register key to make it play properly.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://homepages.go.com/~zoot14/zoot14.html
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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