 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-10-13 00:52
A wee bit over a year ago, I came in need of an E-flat clarinet. After several "test drives" I purchased a new Buffet E11 (made by Schrieber in Germany). I found the horn quite pleasant to play, very in tune, and a nice ringing tone. I did convert to a Fobes mouthpiece, barrel and bell extension. It was smooth going. The E11 even gained me a position in an area Professional Wind Ensemble.
But....
Eventually, with enough practice, the chops have a tendency to get better and better! I really love the E-flat lifestyle. But I encountered some difficulties. The E11 would choke up on altissimo staccato passages. It would give me what I would describe as a shredded sound - almost a sub-multiphonic response. I couldn't get away from it. Otherwise, Mrs. Kennedy really enjoyed the parade...
I have some friends in a Chicago Suburb at a wonderful music store, owned by a fabulous flautist, also a monster flute tech, and she employs other monster techs, as well. They are a Buffet dealer, so I decided to give one of their R13s a rip. And, WOW, am I glad I did! The R13s I test drove when I chose the E11 a year ago must have been real dogs, because this new R13 wee beastie I blew - really blew! Totally mind-blowing! Powerful tone, very good intonation, comfortable on the hands (important to a chubby-fingered Hebrew boy) and I instantly fell in love!
I traded in the E11 (took a bit of a loss, but - such is life) and clutched onto my new best friend! Haven't stopped playing it since, except for eat & sleep periods! Yes, still using the Fobes mouthpiece and bell extension, though I've gone with a Backun barrel with the reed cut-out (I'm lazy, and don't hack-saw things very well)
So, there really is a big major difference in what they call an intermediate clarinet, and a professional instrument! -- At least for me!
And I am a happy man.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-10-23 02:02
Well, I've been playing this R13 Eeffer for a solid 3 weeks, getting very into it - more every day!
Some news - I've shelved the Fobes extension, maybe for a short period, not totally sure. I noticed a remarkable improvement using it on the E11, but I can't discern any noticeable change on this R13. Actually - middle D (4th line) speaks clearer without it! Weird, eh? - I do really like the Backun barrel, and using B-flat reeds really makes a world of difference.
The feel of the fingerboard, quite quick and easy. Great warm "non-screaming" tone, I dig it! Very glad to have this horn!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: rmk54
Date: 2015-10-23 03:08
Otherwise, Mrs. Kennedy really enjoyed the parade...
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What a sick comment.
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