Klarinet Archive - Posting 000398.txt from 2004/02
From: "Matthew Lloyd" <Matthew@-----.f9.co.uk>
Subj: RE: [kl] can't wait part report
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 06:08:02 -0500
I've said this on the list before but will say it again for Tim's
benefit. The first reasonable clarinet that I played was a Buffet RC.
Chosen as a stop-gap to borrow while I left my pair of Edgware
instruments with Howarth's in London for an appraisal with a view to a
service.
I then, over the next few months, tried probably a dozen instruments
from Selmer, Howarth's and Buffet (the latter including R-13s, RCs,
Prestige R-13s and Prestige RCs). Many of these were also played by my
then teacher, who played Selmer 10S instruments (I think).
Of all of those the original "picked from the shelf" RC was the best -
and by a long way. Much better than all the Prestige RCs that I tried -
and I tried several as I wanted the Prestige name!!!!! - and better than
the R-13 too. It was the instrument I finally bought - having had it on
approval for three months!
Okay, bear in mind that over here in Blighty there isn't the same
culture of regarding the R-13 as something of an aspirational
instrument, being just another of the very good top grade instruments.
I had the Edgware instruments restored to their full glory by Howarth's
and - just for the hell of it - played an Edgware at my last Band
rehearsal rather than my usual RC. It played very nicely - although
differently - from the RC and I certainly didn't feel short changed by
it. My mother even prefers the sound of the Edgware.....
Don't think for a moment that because you preferred the Odyssey on that
one day that if you had another set of the same model of instrument that
you would still prefer the Odyssey in that case. Each instrument is
individual.
You've probably picked this up yourself, but better you hear it twice
rather than not at all!!
All the best - you sound as if you are having real fun.
Matthew
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve White [mailto:bass.clarinet@-----.net]
Sent: 23 February 2004 16:14
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: RE: [kl] can't wait part report
Sounds like you had a great time. Don't build the R-13 up too much,
while I
play one that I love, I have played some real dogs that bear the same
model
distinction. It is likely that a good tech could equalize these
variations
in manufacturer quality and I understand that Buffet is doing a better
job
of controlling this sort of drift in quality nowadays as well.
I think your opinion is well earned. You seem to have done a good job
at
being rather un-biased in your experimentation. I appreciate it as I
have
not had the chance to play these particular instruments, and your
analysis
is informative. Any input is wonderful for me as I have to recommend
instruments more often these days.
Once you decide what model and manufacture of instrument you want, I
would
recommend playing as many of that model as you can before buying. This
will
give an idea of how the instruments within the same model run can be
very
different. It will also give you a much better idea of what you want
out of
the instrument. (IMHO)
I'm trying to put together the time and money to get the clarinet fest
this
year, perhaps I'll see you there.
Steve White
Whittier, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Parks [mailto:tim.parks@-----.com]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 6:45 AM
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: Re: [kl] can't wait part report
I left my notes at home so I am writing this from memory
first-- I had fun.
Second - these are the opinions of someone with absolutely no
credentials to
form such opinions.But I am going to buy a clarinet and ultimately it
will
be my opinion that signs the check. Hopefully as I try more instruments
my
opinion will "mature"
They supplied me with 5 instruments.
1- A special edition Artley
2- CL 201
3- CL 211
4- Odyssey
5- Artys
Odd note-- Selmer provides a C85 MPC with all their instruments. The
dealer
is under direction not let anyone try the Odyssey or the Artys with
anything
but a upscale, close Mpc. They are not suppose to use the stock Mpc.
Good
thing I had my Grabner.
The Artley was a big bore and I did not spend much time with it. I did
not
like the sound. It felt funny and responded poorly.
Of the 2xx series I found the 201 to be better than the 211. Which is
nice
since it is less expensive.
Some instruments had silver keys and some had nickel. I like the feel of
the
silver but it would not be a deal breaker if I like the clarinet. It
would
probable serve as a tie breaker between two otherwise equal clarinets.
Both the Odyssey and the Artys were very nice. On the exterior there
were
alike and you can not tell them apart. The bore of the Artys is smaller.
I
found the Odyssey to be more responsive and tolerate of my less than
good
technique. based on nothing more that a hunch..... I think that a closer
Mpc
and a harder reed may have benefited the Artys. I did not have one. I
played
with a 3.25 FOF and Mpc that I think Walter told me was 1.09 opening.
I played for about 2 hours. mostly going back and forth between the
Odyssey
and Artys but also on the 201.
results-- Artley--- pig
CL211-- not bad but not as good as 201
CL201-- nice. better than the Vito that I play now.A good
instrument if I just wanted to replace the Vito.
Artys-- nice. but edged out by the Odyssey
Odyssey-- the winner on this particular day.
interesting note. No matter how expensive the clarinet, I found that I
still
had to provide support for the notes. some more than others but
never-the-less support was on me. When I fingered the wrong note --
guess
what??? the wrong note came out.
Also, none and I mean absolutely not a single one could keep time. I
introduced each one to the metronome and each one did absolutely
nothing.
just sat there.
(TIC) But then again I was not playing the awesome R-13. now that is
something I really can not wait for.
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