 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gwynn
Date: 2007-12-09 21:37
Greetings
I know there are many opinions out there, but I just thought I would ask for thoughts on these two instruments.
My present clarinet has a leak and I have had it fixed several time with the problem returning. It's an Edgware B & H and I think I should replace it.
My budget is $500. to $700. and I think I can get a nice used clarinet in this price range. I have been researching online and think that either the Buffet E11 or the Leblanc Rapsodie might be a good step up.
If anyone out there could give their thoughts about these two, I would be very greatful.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post
Gwynn
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-12-10 00:42
I haven't played a Rapsodie in a while but both are excellent instruments. If i recall the E-11 has plastic tonehole inserts - I don't recall if the Rhasodie does or not. Both are polycylindrical bores and i believe have silver plated keywork.
You'll have to play test both of them. The keywork layout is different for both of them - my hands favor Leblanc keywork.
sorry, not much help. they both basically fit into the same price market.
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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Author: MattBowmanSmith
Date: 2007-12-10 01:02
Gwynn,
I'm assuming you're talking about a Bb clarinet?
I currently play on a Buffet E-11 Bb clarinet, it was recommended by my private teacher, and I find the instrument to be great. I'm going to continue using it while in college.
If you are looking at a used E-11 see if you can find on that comes with an R-13 barrel. I find most Bb E-11's to be on the sharp side with the stock barrel that is provided. The key work is silver-plate which is a nice feature. Also, the instrument is one of the better clarinets out there, in my opinion, for the price and value of the clarinet.
All in all, I think if you look around carefully you'll find some good values on E-11's.
Try searching this BBoard for post on E-11's you'll find lots of extra info.
Best of luck!
-Matt
Post Edited (2007-12-10 01:04)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-12-10 01:06
The E11 instrument is on the "sharp" side: A=442/the barrel is 64.5 mm instead of the 66mm barrel provided on R13's (pitched at A = 440).
The E11 is really a student instrument, and there is quite a gap between it and the R13.
I have not played enough of the Leblanc line to add anything useful!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-12-10 01:59
If you are interested in a Rhapsodie, Walter Grabner has what appears to be a very nice one on his site at http://www.clarinetxpress.com and it is listed under the "restored clarinets for sale"area, even though it is still new. I think he got it as a trade in or something. It's in your price range, too. I have found Walter to be quite honest and I have dealt with him in the past. Check it out.
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: Gwynn
Date: 2007-12-12 16:36
Thanks so much for the imput. I can alway count on the BB to help with any questions
Gwynn
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-12-12 16:57
I haven't tried the Leblanc Rapsodie. I've played E11s and never really liked them, they were just ok and not so cheap. But a few days ago I tried another E11 after not trying one for a couple of years at least and it played great! Someone just brought to fix something but I played for an hour because of how great its sound was. Except the throat notes which were a bit stuffy it was almost as good as a pro clarinet and had a better sound than a lot of pro clarinets I've tried.
I don't agree completely with the comment about tuning. Maybe the E11 is made to play sharper but any clarinet is not really made to any specific tuning (even if the company claims it is). Only when a specific player using a specific mouthpiece is playing the clarinet it has a specific tuning. I've know people who use a R13 with 66mm or even 66.5mm barrel and don't have a problem playing 441 or 442 in tune.
Post Edited (2007-12-12 17:01)
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-12-12 20:02
I'ved played on my friend's leblanc rapsodie and it played with a very covered, resistant sound. It reminds me of a typical older leblanc where you could overblow as hard as you want, and never sound bad. the only downside is that you have to push alot of air through to have a good sound. So in a nutshell, the rapsodie plays with resistance though even sound.
the buffet e11 (he has both clarinets) he has plays pretty well for his setup, but there is an obvious difference between the e11 and the r13. i wouldn't recommend the e11 as sherman friedland sold me on the selmer soloist when i was starting to search for an intermediate clarinet.
so my recommendation? you can find a selmer signest soloist on that auction site for $300 (make sure it says elkhart and not the U.S.A. version. the elkhart has a slight edge) and with the extra $200, buy a greg smith 1+ mouthpiece chedeville. trust me, you will ENJOY the selmer soloist with this setup.
don't go with the rapsodie. fighting with your clarinet while making music isn't an idea of enjoying what your playing.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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