 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CaptK
Date: 2016-03-07 06:47
Current Buffet E11 developed a crack, playable but need to replace instrument or have repaired. Daughter in middle school, wants to continue to HS & maybe beyond. Trying to decide if I should get a used R13 or a used Intermediate level E12, E13 or YCL 52 or 450. Considering costs & pros/cons with each. Thoughts from the group??
Post Edited (2016-03-07 06:49)
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Author: nron
Date: 2016-03-07 07:23
My thoughts would be to go for a used R13. So long as you get an okay deal, you should be able to sell it for the same price you got the instrument give or take.
Secondly playing on a professional instrument rather than an intermediate level may inspire a new found passion to play and practice by hearing that she already sounds better and the way the fingers are able to flow across the instrument.
Lastly, sometimes I feel in the clarinet world (I can admit i've thought this too) if someone plays on an R13 or higher level instrument they are stereotyped as good and committed player. Ideally this could result in an advantage in being picked over other players for competitive first chair band spots.
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Author: fernie51296
Date: 2016-03-07 09:23
My R13 cracked. I just ordered a Ridenour clarinet. The 576 professional clarinet is only $960 and is highly recommended on this board (for the most part). I think it's worth looking into, the price is just so good.
Fernando
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Author: CMM
Date: 2016-03-07 11:02
I would personally recommend going for the Yamaha. In my experience you just can't beat them when it comes to build quality and intonation.
But, in agreement with what nron said, you can get some really great used horns. Just be wary of your sources! I had a great experience securing a used R13 for one of my high school students from Lisa's Clarinet Shop. It came fully set up, sold for a fair price, and played beautifully. I was tempted to keep it myself! haha
As for the Ridenour, I have found them to be wonderfully in tune, but, in my experience, the keywork feels a bit awkward and the sound, while very sweet and beautiful, just too small for my liking.
Best of luck!
Joshua Anderson
Chamber Music Michigan
http://www.chambermusicmichigan.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-03-07 11:15
Nron makes several good points about the R13.
There are retailers who specialise in professional Buffet instruments who would consult with you and your daughter, and provide a good used R13 that should meet her playing needs now and into the foreseeable future.
I strongly advise you to skip an intermediate instrument altogether. In this day and age, a serious student will want and/or need a professional clarinet by the end of high school. Why put yourself through the extra expense and potential headaches of acquiring an intermediate instrument now and a pro clarinet a few years down the road? Get an R13 now and be done with the process.
With the escalating costs of new R13s, a good used one is very likely to cost more in the future than it will today, making it even more expensive overall to buy a step-up horn now and an R13 later.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-03-07 11:35
If getting the best bang for your buck is a prime consideration, there's another option: Go for a good used Leblanc Paris professional instrument. These can often be found for around what a good used YCL-450 would cost, and you would most likely NOT have to upgrade it unless and until your daughter heads off to college with it--and perhaps not even then, if she becomes a Music Education major.
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