 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: windmom
Date: 2012-09-15 20:17
The given is that we should buy a Buffet R13. After that, we have questions. New or used? I hear good arguments on both sides. Also, how important is it to have the clarinet "fitted" to the player? If it's essential, what points should be considered in order to get a good fit?
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-09-15 21:07
There are plenty of fine clarinets out there, other than R-13. R-13's are known for their easy blowing, full sound. There are fine Leblancs, Yamahas, Selmers, even older Noblets and new rubber Ridenours. Some people prefer older Buffets. There are many good choices out there. One must play the instrument in order to know what is a proper fit.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2012-09-15 22:53
I agree with Garth. If you have a son or daughter in school who is considering a career in music, the R-13 could be a great choice, although there are other fine clarinets as well. If you're not sure what your son or daughter will do after high school and/or you're on a tight budget, don't feel pressured to buy one.
For a serious high school student who isn't planning to major in music, the Yamaha 650 is an excellent choice at an affordable price. For slightly less, there are other nice options--the Yamaha Allegro, Yamaha 450, and the Bliss.
The Buffet E-11 and Limite are also good instruments. One of the most important things to consider in your purchase is the mouthpiece. Spending the money for a good mouthpiece, one that suits your son or daughter well, can make a world of difference.
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Author: dream62
Date: 2012-09-16 06:50
hi everybody
For my part, the best for a beginner, which do not have the resources are:
- Yamaha 450
- Noblet 45
- Leblanc Sonata
- Selmer prologue II
While those with resources, some may be moving towards :
- Buffet E13
- Selmer 10 s
- Yamaha 650
- Amati 621
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Author: rmk54
Date: 2012-09-16 14:44
Dear Windmom,
You have a fine symphony orchestra in Charlotte. I would contact a member of that orchestra to get an informed opinion.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-09-16 15:05
If you can afford a new one, go for it. However, there's quite a bit of variation. A pro should help pick one out. The three most important things are INTONATION, INTONATION and INTONATION. Also 4 through 10.
Ken Shaw
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2012-09-16 21:00
Dear Windmom,
All good thoughts, above. Especially Ken Shaw's emphasis on intonation. Please take that to heart.
And if you do go the R13 route, you might want to visit and consult with Phil and Pam Muncy at Muncy Winds in Boone, N.C., about 100 miles northwest of Charlotte. Many on this bulletin board will join me in attesting to his expertise, particularly with Buffet products.
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-09-17 11:15
If the main consideration on buying a clarinet is intonation, I would have passed up my R-13. Yamaha has Buffet beat on that one issue.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-09-17 14:42
I was about the say the same thing as Ken Shaw said above so I'll just agree. As far as which brand, try before you buy. Four years ago I went to help a student buy a new Buffet and while there I tried some Selmers. Having been a Buffet player since my school days on Bb and A I loved the sound and feel of the Selmer so much I purchased it. I now play a Bb Selmer and an A Buffet. Try before you buy, everyone has their own preference. for feel and sound. If you don't trust your own ear, and a tuner of course, it will pay to ask a pro to help you out but you have to make the decision of which brand and model you want first.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: rmk54
Date: 2012-09-17 19:01
I think some of you are missing the point.
The OP is not a musician (I'm assuming here), but a parent who is trying to do right by her child. She can't determine whether an instrument is in tune or what tonal qualities the instrument has, and her child probably can't either.
So, I believe the best course of action is to consult a professional, either the child's private instructor or a local professional musician. If she could get to Muncy's, then I would trust Phil's judgement as well.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2012-09-18 18:46
I don't knoiw what you mean by "having the clarinet fitted." An instrument is either in tune or out. It is either resistant or free. Have a professional or your child's music instructor help you select an instrument within your price range.
I also don't know why an R13 is a gives. as mentioned above, there are any number of high-quality clarinets availavble for a wide range of prices, many for substantially less than a R13. Does it have to be an R13 because of "herd mentality?" There is noothing wroing with the Buffet, but it is not the only instrument out there. I have played R13s, Leblancs and Ridenours with equal success.
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."
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-09-18 20:11
windmom -
We're missing some basic information. How old is your son/daughter, and how long has he/she been playing the clarinet?
For at least the first two years, a student will actually be better off with a plastic entry-level clarinet, which can take a lickin' and keep on playin'. You do need a good student mouthpiece, but that's about all.
If the kid has talent, in my opinion it's best to get a top level clarinet such as the Buffet R13, rather than an intermediate "step-up" instrument.
There are many excellent clarinets being made now, and the R13 is definitely one of them. You won't go wrong with it so long as you have a professional player help pick it out. Don't let yourself be bullied by a band director who says "R13 and nothing else."
"Fitting," called "tweaking" in our world, involves small adjustments to the bore and the tone holes to improve intonation and response. It has nothing (or very little) to do with fitting the keys to the player's hands. Tweaking is expert work and is done best with an advanced player and the tweaker sitting on opposite sides of a table and trying tiny change after another.
It's also possible to modify keys to adjust for small hands or injuries, but it's done only where the instrument is almost impossible to play. It's certainly not done routinely, but only for persistent pain.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-09-18 22:18
I'm sending my R-13 to Wesley Rice this week. I hoping he'll recommend a little "fitting" here and there. I'm so tired of hearing about talented repair people who take the time to carefully fine tune the instruments to their customers. There ain't no one down here in brain dead Miami Florida who does this kind of work. I've tried them all. I'd love to retire and move back to civilization.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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