Klarinet Archive - Posting 000596.txt from 2002/04

From: David Naden <dnaden@-----.org>
Subj: RE: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 18:15:42 -0400

Tom--

The Festival was a regular Buffet model, first introduced in Europe as the
Festival DG. It is listed in their literature, but is no longer listed in
US catalogue or literature. It just didn't do well.

This model was not designed for those who can't afford or decline to spend
the extra money on Prestige instruments. Because US availability is
limited, the cost is lower in the US. From what I've learned, the Prestige
and Festival models are priced comparatively in Europe.

Do not make the mistake that more money means a better clarinet of better
materials. The cost of a product is often inflated due to marketing and
advertising costs...and brand name recognition.

As far as Buffet's advertising and the advantages of each model goes, I have
discovered that the advantages listed in the brochures are mere selling
points meant to gain the attention of the buyer. As I have owned and played
both the Prestige RC and Festival, I can tell you that the silver plating on
the keys is the same, both models use tenon caps, the wood is comparable,
etc. It is possible that the wood, although select quality for both models,
may be more from the center rings for the Prestige, and a bit more towards
the outside rings for the Festival, but that can not be proven. Neither
model uses carbon fiber on the tenons for added strength, but both use tenon
caps (stated previously).

I am sorry that you had a bad experience with your Festivals many years ago,
but even Prestige instruments can crack. I can tell you that I have NEVER
had a clarinet crack, be it R13, Prestige RC or Festival...with one small
exception: I dropped the bell to my R13, and the impact caused a crack that
extended about 1/8 inch below the top ring.

Check the Buffet web site (part of the Boosey and Hawkes web site) and do
your own comparison, but I believe that the differences between the Prestige
and the Festival are few (bore design is the BIG difference).

David S. Naden

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom.Henson@-----.com]
Subject: RE: [kl] Prestige RC vs. Prestige R13

David,

If what you say if true (no reason to doubt this), and also given the fact
that the Festival is a model not advertised, and sold only through certain
stores, you may have hit on a secret about this model of clarinet.

Buffet, in producing this clarinet, seems to filling a niche by people who
want a professional grade clarinet, but either can't afford to or don't want
to spend the extra money on the Prestige. In other words, marketing
approach.

Indeed, this is actually along the lines of what I was trying to say, but
evidently it did not come out well. I was being factious in using the term
'poor' man's Prestige. And agree that the Festival is very much like the
Prestige, at least in appearance, only for less money. I have not tried an
RC yet, but will next week. Then I will be able to compare the two models
more fully, regardless of price.

Supposedly, there are some differences that Buffet advertises to suggest the
reason for the cost difference.

1). Prestige has keys pre-plated in copper before silver plating.
2). Wood is supposed to be a little better, from older stock and cut from
the center of the tree ('darker' sound they claim)
3). Carbon fiber on the tenons to give added strength.

Since I have never played on a Prestige before I thought I would try some
and compare.

IMS does sell Festivals and Lisa offered to send a couple of Festivals to me
prior to my asking for the RC's when I told her I didn't like the R13's.

My concern was that I owned two Festival Bb's about 12 years ago and they
both cracked on me within one month of purchase. I was told by the repair
tech at the time that the wood on both instruments was at fault. She said
she felt the grain pattern was not good and it was very large and
pronounced. The grain had deep openings where she felt the wood had not been
properly aged. I also realize now that they may have been improperly stored
at this store.

I was able to return both of them to the store and ended up buying an R13 at
the time. I guess this has left a negative thought in my mind toward wooden
Festivals. That is the reason I bought a Bb Festival Greenline originally.
To avoid the potential of cracking.

My thinking was I would get the RC A clarinet now, and then in the future
upgrade to an RC Bb as well. I don't plan on getting rid of my Greenline Bb
as it can be used in conditions that you would not want to use a good wooden
one in.

There are no Festival Greenlines available as far as I know and if you
haven't heard already, their machine for manufacturing Greenlines is broken.
No information as to when and if it will be repaired.

David said: << Festivals are NOT poor man's Prestige instruments (to
paraphrase your post). The materials and workmanship are in fact
comparable. >>

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