 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinete09
Date: 2010-08-19 03:14
What are the best features and main problems of each model?
differences between the two models?
Which model you personally prefer and why? "
Experiences with these buffet clarinet models? any anecdote is welcome!
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Author: clarinete09
Date: 2010-08-19 03:18
Furthermore, it is worth paying two thousand dollars more for a Tosca if you can get an R13 for $ 3000?
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2010-08-19 03:29
Although this does not directly answer your question, it is a good idea to try out many different brands of clarinets to pick the one that sounds best for you.
I believe that the Tosca has a L.H. Eb/Ab key, and a separate key for low F.
Brian Chau
University of British Columbia Concert Winds
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Author: andrewsong
Date: 2010-08-19 03:44
Everyone will prefer one insturment over another, no matter what brand it is or how expensive it is. Similarly to what Brian said, the reason we prefer one model over another is that each has a distinctive sound. Some may prefer the sound of the R-13, while others may prefer a Tosca or an RC model. It all depends on how much you like each.
What I like about the Tosca is that (for me) it has a unique sound. The Tosca generally sounds to me "velvety-smooth" in a way. It is not as "dark" as the RC prestige, but it is definitely not overly bright either. There's also a ncie "core" to the sound. I just really enjoy the sound. Also, the wood is definitely high quality; that's the best you will get from Buffet. The extra keys also serve to facilitate your playing also.
Of course, I think it's best to try the Tosca and R-13. If you end up prefering the Tosca, you'll have to decide if the big price difference is worth it. With these prices, you'll probably be with the insturment that you choose for a while. So while the price difference may be big, it may be worth it in hte long run.
Good luck with your decision.
-many of the terms I used are subjective, so others' usages of them may differ
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2010-08-19 11:35
"Furthermore, it is worth paying two thousand dollars more for a Tosca if you can get an R13 for $ 3000?"
It is worth paying it if it is worth paying it.
From a limited amount of Tosca I've played, I would add that the key layout is distinctly different than the traditional Buffet models. The RH trills keys (including the Eb/D# first finger key) are significantly higher.
Do you agree Andrew?
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: clarinettist1104
Date: 2010-08-19 11:45
I tried the R13, the Tosca, the Festival, and the R13 Prestige, and the only one that I liked was the R13 Prestige. I would at least recommend you try that before buying a Tosca. The Tosca for me was kind of stuffy, but I especially liked the key configuration. The R13 Prestige was darker, more pingy, and just had a Buffet sound. I CANNOT live without the left hand Eb/Ab lever either. The saying stays true "you get what you pay for" even more in clarinets than I think most other situation.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2010-08-19 11:52
>> I tried the R13, the Tosca, the Festival, and the R13 Prestige, and the only one that I liked was the R13 Prestige. <<
I tried all Buffet models and the ones I liked were... several of almost every model.
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Author: William
Date: 2010-08-19 14:58
I have a Buffet 1193-2 Prestige bass clarinet and have learned to love the extra Eb/Ab key. If I were purchasing a new Bb-A set of soprano clarinets, I would definately chose ones with that extra key. Nevertheless, I think that if you try enough clarinets of any model, you will find some that play better than others--R13, Prestige, Tosca, Festival, etc. And that goes for Yamaha, Selmer, Leblanc, Rossi, Patricola.....whatever. If the clarinet plays "good" for you, than it is "good". But if you are just starting out, buy a set with all the extras--and learn how to use them :>)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2010-08-19 15:39
Drucker usually plays a Prestige, although recently he has been seen using a Tosca.
He had the LH Eb key removed. When I once asked him about it, he said (paraphrased) - "I haven't needed it for 60 years, so I guess I don't need it now."
...GBK
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Author: andrewsong
Date: 2010-08-19 16:40
Tobin: I agree. The new keywork is different. For a lot of people, the new design fits nicely under the fingers and is smoother to play. However, some people don't like it and against it. The trill keys are higher I think. It's not a radical difference, but yeah, I think they are higher.
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Author: claribex
Date: 2010-08-19 21:11
I have a pair of Toscas. I find the keywork great and really comfortable and easy and smooth to play, particularly over the break. I played Buffets from age about 15 to mid 20s then had a brief detour via Selmer before returning to Buffet. They keywork is definitely different to other Buffets and I'm sure won't suit everyone but suits my hands and playing style really well!
I have to say that I don't rarely use the LH E flat key and only use the low F correction key even less!!
The sound is gorgeous, particularly for chamber music I find... I do revert to the Selmer for wind band playing as for me and my set up it gives me a bigger sound.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-08-19 23:00
Just out of curiosity, have you tried any other makes of clarinets besides the Buffets? The reason that I ask is that I really like the feel of the Buffet keywork, and played on them for years, but I recently discovered the Leblanc/Backun Symphonie, which is a first-rate professional clarinet. If you haven't considered one of these, you owe it to yourself to try one (or a Legacy, for that matter!). Just for the sake of comparison, if for no other reason. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2010-08-19 23:01)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2010-08-20 20:00
Correction:
I was just recently informed that Stanley Drucker no longer has his Tosca clarinet(s). They were sold.
...GBK
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