 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2002-11-19 15:42
I really like the option of having a good to very-good non-wood clarinet to fall back on when I really don't want to subject my prized clarinets to adverse conditions. If we can agree to exclude the Buffet Greenline momentarily, what non-wood clarinets have you been pleasantly surprised with? And secondly, do you believe that there are any decent pad options that would further compliment this foul weather option?
I personally like my Vito V-40 very much. Needs repadding though.
By the way, don't feel limited to current models. There were some pretty nice non-woods from yesteryear that might be among the best choices . . . and they're CHEAP!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-11-19 16:53
For better foul-weather traction, Dr. Michelin recommends leather and/or cork pads over bladder (skin) pads.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Frank Mochol
Date: 2002-11-19 17:43
I recently bought a Buffet B12 from ebay for around $100, for the same reasons you mentioned. I was very pleased with it, and plan on using it next summer for outdoor gigs....it even looks like wood, if that matters! My repair tech who I trust in all matters concerning woodwinds recomended the Vito for a "kick around" clarinet....but I still like the B12
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-19 18:05
I'd second the above, Fred. The V-40 is a pretty good all around, all weather horn. And, you already have that Leather pads (or Norbecks or Prestinis, take your pick), and a few cork ones if you want to go all out. A thorough checkup and adjustment of the mechanism should have it ready for any and all interior/exterior adverse playing conditions that come its way.
So much for the instrument. I don't know of anything that will keep your fingers functional in blizzard conditions.
I've found some of the plastic Conns and Pedlars of yesteryear surprisingly good players. I have an old Cundy-Bettony plastic horn that really astonished me. I've invested about $40(U.S.) total to make it quite easy-blowin' playable with regular double skin pads. Which all proves nothing, I guess... except maybe that cheaper is not always worser.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-11-19 19:17
My "Combat" Clarinet is also a V-40, and I have no intention of replacing it. I don't really "fall back" on it, as it seems to be an excellent instrument. Repadding it is another matter, and as you likely know, there are many opinions as to which are the best waterproof pads. I suppose I'll just pick a brand and go with it when the time comes, replacing them if they don't perform well enough. Ersatz corks are no doubt also in the cards. And yes, I do want this thing eventually to be as waterproof as it can possibly be.
Regards,
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Guido
Date: 2002-11-19 21:16
I, too, use the Buffet B12, owning two of them for kick-arounds. Paired with a fine mouthpiece, they provide surprisingly fine sound IMHO.
I keep an ole Bundy as well, carrying this atop mountains to play, where really tough conditions may exist. I keep a lightweight plastic SKB case for packing purposes in the mountains.
Only the mouthpiece I pack along has value!
G
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2002-11-19 21:26
There probably isn't anything better than what you have. But there are others that are just as good.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-11-19 22:01
I agree that the Vito and Buff B 12 are good choices for a fall-back/foul-weather clar. Prob. all Valentino padding would survive rain, but you might want to check out what we-all may find out about the Ed Meyers new syn. pads [close on this BB]. Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-11-20 01:41
Where can I get a decent Vito V40 - I am not an EBay fan for a number of reasons (off the line responses are welcome). Recently I have had some not so nice weather hit me and my wood clarinet. I have tried the Greenline (nice horn with a slightly different sound than my other B's) but do not want to spend that kind of money on an outside gig horn (unless the pay goes up significantly for nursing home jobs = 0).
Thanks,
The Doctor
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: super20dan
Date: 2002-11-20 01:58
i am suprised no one has yet suggested the older hard rubber clarinets of yesteryear .conn,betneoy penzul-muller and prefuer all made very good sounding hard rubber clarinets . i would much prefer to play one of these vintage classics than a souless plastic new vito or bundy
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2002-11-20 03:11
I was wondering when someone would bring up the hard rubber clarinets. I think Dave S. has had some experience with these - maybe he'll give us his opinion.
I will say, however, that the V-40 isn't soul-less. Nice undercut tone holes and a woodgrain appearance to make it look and sound nice. Besides that, it feels good in the hands.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2002-11-20 03:30
Super20dan, don't you play a Pruefer Silver Throat? Is it rubber? I think Pruefer made both, didn't they?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Colin B.
Date: 2002-11-20 09:22
I recently bought a Hanson HE-V3 ebonite clarinet from the manufacturer, and have been delighted with it. The tone is very similar to that of wood and it is unlikely to crack. It came with a Vandoren mouthpiece, BG Revalation ligature, chamois pull-through, and some reeds. It plays decently, has a five year guarantee and , if bought from the maker, carries a 55% discount (£229). They also make a Greenline-type clarinet, which with the discount, sells at about £120/130 more. I hope this is helpful.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brent
Date: 2002-11-20 13:43
Selmer Paris also made hard rubber clarinets--or at least one. I have one that is a full Boehm, and aside from not being used to the extra keys, i like the way the instrument plays. Intonation requires some adjustment here and there, but not bad. The sound is quite nice as well--entirely comparable to a wooden Selmer of the same era.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-11-20 15:04
My non-wood instrument of choice is the old Bundy Resonite by Selmer. Impervious to weather conditions and indestructable even in "combat" situations (I once dropped mine down an entire stairway of cement steps, picked it up and played a concert), they were touted--when first introduced in the 1950s--as the premier professional "plastic" clarinet of the future and manufactured with care. Regretably, my parents traded that great old Bundy in for my first "quality" wood clarinet--wish I still had it (it made clarinetting fun for me).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob
Date: 2002-11-20 17:31
Interesting no one has mentioned the low end Yamaha which I find to be a decent horn.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-11-20 17:46
I'm indeed a big fan of hard rubber clarinets --- currently playing on a 'pseudo-matched' set of '30s-'40s vintage hard rubber Couesnon Bb/A clarinets, a hard rubber M. Lacroix Eb clarinet of similar vintage, and a late-50's hard-rubber Kohlert-Winnenden bass clarinet. Personally, I prefer hard rubber over wood for reasons of durability, maintainability, and easier repairs and modification. Sound-wise, I don't believe there's any difference; in fact, a couple of years ago I sold my wood Kohlert bass clarinet after buying the otherwise identical hard-rubber version and finding that it sounded slightly better than the wood one! I agree with Super20dan --- anyone looking for a good backup or outdoor clarinet should definitely consider an older hard-rubber instrument.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-20 18:24
If ever there's a gathering for testimonials to the indestructableness of Bundys, yours will certainly take First Place
I've seen some pretty good examples of instrument near-death survivals but yours is truly astonishing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-11-20 18:27
Oops! Forgot to address the above response... to William :
(for a great, and touching, 'war story':)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: super20dan
Date: 2002-11-20 21:46
yes i indeed do and highly recommend the pruefer 'SILVERTHROAT".i agree w/daves.s there is little diff in the sound of wood vs rubber. in fact i prefer the sound of rubber .its warmer sounding to me at least.it also projects better wich is important to me as i am mostly a jazz player. climate here in florida is most unkind to wood also
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-11-21 09:17
A metal clarinet may also be an option. They were made for outdoor and marching use primarily. Just oil the springs regularly to stop them rusting and choose the pads carefully.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: linmaria
Date: 2002-12-04 15:49
Hello.
Can you recommend a repair person familiar with the Pruefer Silver Throat Deluxe? I have one that needs to be gone over by someone who doesn't ask "Pruefer Silver Throat? Is that a clarinet, then?"
Can you also recommend an easy-blowing, even-regisetered mp?
Thank you.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
