 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Vicky
Date: 2003-02-03 04:00
Okay, so I am planning on getting a new clarinet very very soon. I was wondering.......what kind of clarinets do you enjoy playing and why? Also, how much is the cost? Thanks!
Vicky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kes
Date: 2003-02-03 04:04
I like buffets, and you can get a reasonably priced wooden E-11 for like 600 bucks at woodwind brasswind. (You can see their webpage...I think it is www.wwbw.com)
I love their tone, and they have great quality clarinets.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: madvax
Date: 2003-02-03 05:08
There is a very good article relating to your question right here on woodwind.org at:
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Friedland/Article043.html
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Friedland/Article043.html
It also might be helpful for you to mention what level of clarinet you are seeking, such as student, intermediate, or pro line.
In general, it is wise to stick to the big four clarinet makers, Buffet, Leblanc, Yamaha, or Selmer. You really can't go wrong with any of these makers.
You need to play test the clarinet yourself to determine what is most comfortable for you. One persons treasure may be someone else's junk. The three most important playing characteristic to look for in a clarinet are intonation, intonation, intonation.
If price is a strong factor, you might want to consider buying a clean used clarinet. You can usually get a good used pro model for about the same as (and often less than) a new intermediate model.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Vicky
Date: 2003-02-03 06:27
I am looking for a pro model clarinet. I actually have an R-13 Buffet right now. It just gives me problems. I like Buffets a lot, but I would also like to explore all of the other possibilities out there! :D
Vicky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Colin B
Date: 2003-02-03 09:48
I have long held a wish to own and play a Peter Eaton Elite, which I believe is a favourite of the likes of Gervase de Peyer, Michael Collins, Lady Emma Johnson, and the wonderful Jack Brymer. Sadly, as they are priced at almost £3,000 (over $4,000) it just isn't going to happen without the aid of a lottery win.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hans
Date: 2003-02-03 15:13
I am still happy with the Selmer Recital which I bought new in 1988 for $2162 (Canadian dollars). Assuming an exchange rate of .65US/1CDN, that would have been around $1400 US. I don't know what they cost now. I did not have to try a large number to find a "good" one, so I think there must be effective quality control at the factory. It has never given me any problems other than replacement of a few pads and minor alignment and my wife says she likes the tone. I have two Selmer saxes and they have served me well too.
Hope this helps,
Hans
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2003-02-03 15:15
Currently, I am playing Buffet R13 A & Bb's, a Buffet E11 C, a Yamaha Eb and Buffet Prestige bass. I have also play tested some Rossi clarinets which I liked and I also own a set of LeBlanc Copncerto clarinets--A & Bb--which are excellant instruments, but are currently on the "in-active reserve roster." The bottom line, however, is that clarinets are a lot like reeds--you have to try a few to find the right one and then you will probably have to have it "tweeked" (by poeple like the Brannens of Evanston) for optimum playing potential. But whatever brand of clarinet you choose, you should try numerous instruments of the same model to find the "right one" for you. For the present moment, I just prefer the Buffet line--and as mentioned above, the E11 student line of Buffet instruments is, IMHO, the best currently on the market. But if you can afford a proline R13 or the equivelent RC and Prestige models, you would be artiscally and economically wise to pursue that "quality" of clarinet. If you take the time to find a "good" one (one that you like) the result will be an instrument that will last you a lifetime and, for the foreseeable future, never go "out of style."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: James
Date: 2003-02-03 18:09
I am even a little bit more picky than someone else that posted. Stick with Buffet or a Leblanc. I have never liked yamaha and loathe selmer clarinets.
I play R13's. For some reason when I play on my horns, I focus less on equipment and just on the music (not always the case). They have generally been the choice of most professionals, college and high school students and amatures alike.
R13 is always a good choice when you can find a good one. I was just at an allstate convention (illinois) and Leblanc was there with two of their horns. They had a Concerto II and an Opus. I really liked both of the clarinets and felt they were better than any of the buffets that were over at the boosey and hawks. Just as a reference, the Opus and Concerto have the exact same acoustics (this is a fact). I say if you go leblanc look at the concertos just for the fact that they are about 1,000 dollars cheaper. More so, check out the new concerto II's. They have key work that is about a million times better than the keywork leblanc is known for having.
-Jame
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2003-02-03 19:00
Hi, Vicky
I'm curious about the part of your statement, 'I actually have an R-13 Buffet right now. It just gives me problems.'
I'm in no position to tell anyone what to do, but I think I would look into gettin the R-13 checked out before running out to buy a new instrument just because the R-13 has a problem.
You don't mention what problems it gives you but my guess is that it might be worthwhile getting it serviced even if only to put it in playing condition as a trade-in... unless you just don't like it and have lots of money to spend.
-ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Peter
Date: 2003-02-03 21:01
Vicky,
I like Leblanc instruments, however:
Beyond saying something like stick with the "big four," its not easy to actually recommend a clarinet.
A clarinet is like a tooth brush: A matter of personal choice and clarinet players are so finicky, that what works for one, almost never works for another in the same way.
Give yourself a treat and try them all, or all you can. That's the best way for you to find out what you like, and what will suit you best.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Josh Schultze
Date: 2003-02-04 14:24
This may be a silly question but what instrument does your teacher play? Have you been with your teacher for a long time? And do you intend on staying with your teacher for a long time?
It is often easier to get alternate fingerings from a teacher who has the same clarinet as you do. Of course you should have your teacher come with you to make your selection.
I have a friend who spent two years in Munich. He brought his Boehm clarinet but after two lessons he realized that he that much of what his teacher said about fingerings was totally irrelevant. So he rented a Würlitzer that his teacher recommended and spent two years playing on a different system. He now plays both types of clarinets.
Although this is an extreme example, it really does help to have the same model as your teacher.
Take care,
Josh
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Stephanie
Date: 2003-02-04 16:21
I personally like the Leblanc line. I have a Concerto, and I love it!
The only difference between it and the Opus is the Opus has an extra key (and the Concerto II's keys are styled a little bit different)
Yeah, for pro models, I'd stick with Leblanc or Selmer......though Yamaha does make a couple of really good pro horns. You'll have to look around. It really depends. It's really a personal thing. There's a bunch of really good horns, but that doesn't necessarily mean that any one of them will fit you.
i do agree with ron_b though, you should have your R-13 checked out first.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Stephanie
Date: 2003-02-04 20:29
d' oh.........i mean Leblanc and BUFFET. dont know where i got Selmer from (not really familiar with any of their stuff so I cant speak as to whether it's good or bad)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clager
Date: 2003-02-05 03:44
If you have available funds, definitely try Eaton clarinets. I just bought a set of Internationals, and was so excited after I started testing them out. well, testing the Bb out, the A wont be coming in for about 6 months. (backordered). To describe the sound it produces, the words velvety, smooth, and fluid all come to mind. It is extremely consistent (tone, pitch) in all registers, low E to C7. I am coming from my 3rd set of R13's. and the the biggest contrast between the two clarinets i can think of is that the Eatons are much warmer sounding. Plus, the keywork is fantastic!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Musicbabe512
Date: 2003-02-23 14:47
i LOVE, emphasis on love, Buffet horns, they're really nice....Depending on what level player you are could determine what type/kind you want to get....I have an E11 and R13, they're both very nice =) You should get a clarinet professional, or an assistant, to help you try out many differnet kinds of clarinets and see which fits you the best =)
-Casey
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sue
Date: 2003-02-23 15:14
I recently started playing again after I'll just say several years!. I have recently bought a used LeBlanc it was a little over my buget but after trying several makes the intonation and (how shall I say it?) just the feel works best for me I love it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2003-02-23 16:38
I second madvax and ron b's advice. Both gave you great comments. Look into getting your R-13 serviced.
jbutler
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
