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Bb clarinet buying tips

Author: Edmontongirl
Date: 2005-04-28 21:37

I want to buy a professional model Bb clarinet, but I haven't played in a few years, so I am out of "the loop". Does anyone have any tips on picking one out (good brands, reasonable price, etc.)? I know that I will not buy one without playing it first, and I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, so does anyone know of anything good in my area?
Thank You! [rotate]

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Re: Bb clarinet buying tips

Author: hans
Date: 2005-04-28 23:07

Edmontongirl,

You could try:

Long & McQuade
10204 - 107th Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5H 4A5
(on the north side, just west of 102nd St.)
Tel: (780) 423-4448
Fax: (780)425-6623
Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat: 9:30 - 6:00
Thurs, Fri: 9:30 - 8:00

I've bought a clarinet and two saxes from them with no problems, although not from the Edmonton store.
Hans

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Re: Bb clarinet buying tips

Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-04-28 23:11

The most popular and widely-used professional level clarinet is the Buffet R13 or some of its varients like the Festival, R13 Prestige, Vintage R13, R13 Greenline (guaranteed to not crack).

Many other people swear by Selmer horns such as the Selmer Signature, Selmer Recital.

Leblanc is also a popular brand, which is actually owned by Selmer now I believe. Nice horns.

Yamaha and Rossi clarinets are also great quality. I don't know details about their professional models, though.

You'll simply have to try all kinds of clarinets until you find one you like.

Best wishes,
-T

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Re: Bb clarinet buying tips

Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-04-28 23:46

Also, since you're in Canada I have something else to recommend:

I don't know how close Edmonton is to Vancouver, but there is a shop in Vancouver headed by a wonderful man named Morrie Backun. He is an acoustical designer for clarinet bells, barrels, and coming-soon whole clarinets. He uses exotic woods and different tapers to get different sounds for different players.

Anyway, he also does amazing repair, overhaul, and customization work. He can play around with the corks, padding, tone-hole shaping, oiling, and other things of your clarinet, new or used. He is one of the most highly admired clarinet technicians in the world.

I don't know how the pricing is, but I don't believe that it is outrageous. Just something to consider.

Have fun!
-T

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Re: Bb clarinet buying tips

Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-04-28 23:59

Tyler wrote:

> I don't know how the pricing is, but I don't believe that it is
> outrageous. Just something to consider.

I do know the pricing, and it is outrageous, compared with most anyone else.

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