 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: davidsampson
Date: 2008-04-21 02:35
In the next year or two, I will be getting a bass clarinet. Right now I am playing on my schools selmer 67, but I am getting a bass of my own before college. I am pretty sure I will get either the Buffet, or a Selmer of my own. I am wondering what the differences are between the two. I have heard that the buffet lacks an articulated G#, and has no thumb-key Eb, both of which I rather like on my Selmer, but I am willing to have those added to the buffet by a tech if the buffet is better. What should be aware of in these models?
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-04-21 05:21
Hi
First I have to say they are both very good instruments, so you really just need to choose the one you prefer if you can.
There are several differences. Starting with the keys, like you said the Selmer has a thumb Eb, but the Buffet has a thumb D and a total of three D keys. I happen to prefer that over a thumb Eb but that's your choice.
If you just want a regular articulated C#/G# it is pretty easy to fit one on the Buffet since the keys already work but only the arm missing. You can see I recenly posted a thread about making an easily removable one. That's because I use a lot of fingerings where lower stack keys are closed but the C#/G# key is open. If you don't use those fingerings then you will probably prefer the art. C#/G#.
Another difference is the neck. Although Selmer made the new necks with steeper angle like Buffet, it is still a bit different. Selmer also has the less angled neck as an option if you prefer that. Also the necks are two parts, and Selmer use a metal tenon and a screw to tighten it, while Buffet use a close fit but loose metal tenon with cork for friction (without a screw).
Maybe the main differences are in the feel of the keys and the sound. The instruments just feel different. I have my preference but you really have to play both. I am sure almost anyone could get used to either of them. The sound is also different, and I've always thought the Buffet sound a bit more bassy while the Selmer a bit more trebley. I can't really describe it better than that.
One of them could also be (considerably) more expensive than the other, if that's an issue. Which one depends on where you buy it!
One more thing, if you do get to try both you can email me before you do and I'll give you the details of something specific you should compare and the exact way to compare it.
Nitai
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-04-21 10:11
"I have heard that the buffet lacks an articulated G#, and has no thumb-key Eb, both of which I rather like on my Selmer, but I am willing to have those added to the buffet by a tech if the buffet is better."
How many thumb keys does the Selmer have in total? I didn't think any of the French basses had a thumb Eb - only low D, Db and C (though German system basses have the thumb low Eb).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-04-21 14:28
"How many thumb keys does the Selmer have in total?"
I'm pretty sure I remember correct - three thumb keys, Eb, Db and C.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2008-04-21 18:30
My Selmer Privilege has three right thumb keys, the low C, Db, and Eb.
(Corrected per Clarnibass' observation. Thanks.)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
Post Edited (2008-04-23 19:27)
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Author: William
Date: 2008-04-21 21:58
My Buffett 1190-2 Prestige low C has three rh thumb keys as well: D, Db & C. It also has a lh Eb/Ab lever which I really like--wish my other sopranos had one as well. As for performance, I play it mainly in concert bands but occassionally in orchestra--this coming weekend for Mahlers 4th--and no matter what the venue, I am totally satisfied with its sound, intonation and the ability to project which is often the complaint I hear regarding Buffets vs Selmers. If you can, try them both, but FWIW, I like my Prestige.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-04-22 09:22
"My Selmer Privilege has three right thumb keys, the low C, C#, and D"
Can you double check? I remember the Privileges I've tried had an Eb thumb key and not a D. I also aksed a player with this instrument a few months when I needed to verify this.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2008-04-22 12:09
I traded in my Selmer for a Buffet two years ago and am VERY happy with the Buffet. Think the greatest difference is the feel and arrangement of the keywork but the intonation is also superior. I do miss the articulated C#/G# that my Selmer had in things like Daphnis and Chloe where it really helps in fingering the rapid passages. Guess I need to have mine altered as described by others in this post.
Have been trying other mouthpieces to get the sound on the Buffet "beefier" like the Selmer and the Grabner and Garrett mouthpieces seem to give a lot of that sound, although not quite the same. One of my friends described the Selmer as a "wooden bari sax" and the Buffet as a "low Bb clarinet". He may not be far off. Neither is better in my opinion, but they are somewhat different. So, if you're accustomed to one sort of bass clarinet sound concept then you will probably lean more to one than the other.
Eefer guy
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Author: William
Date: 2008-04-23 19:09
I use a vintage Grabner CXBS model mouthpiece on my 1193-2 and like its sound and response, partiuclarily in the upper register. But it was a Winslow ligature that really enhanced my bass clarinets sound in terms of pure volume and resonance. Too bad they are no longer being made--available only on auction sites......for a price!! (but, IMHO, worth every penny)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-04-26 02:18
Hi David, I have to give you my standard answer. You can’t take someone else’s preference and decide what you like. You have to try as many instruments as you can and choose what you like best, not what person 1 or person 2 prefers. I use an old Selmer 33, it has three thumb keys, D, C# and C, no extra low D key, though I had one built on years ago in the left hand and after more then forty years of playing in the BSO I’ve never needed to use it. I don’t have an articulated anything and never have a problem playing any of the standard rep. I’ve had lot’s of things done to my horn over the years and prefer it to anything I’ve tried. It’s just a personal preference. I use, and recommend, the Selmer C* mouthpiece, if you can find one you like, their all different, as are all mouthpieces. David McClune modified the one I use; he does a wonderful job on them. After using a C** for 40 years, I played one of his C* at one of the Clarinetfests and fell in love with it. I like some others too but, a I said, it’s a personal preference, What’s good for me may not be the best for you, try many, pick what works best for you. I also use a Rovner ligature, but that may or may note be best for you. Try it and see, try others as well. I think it’s great, that doesn’t mean you will too. Here's McClunes web page. www.mcclunemouthpiece.com ESP www.palanker.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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