 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: stefann
Date: 2016-05-02 19:34
Hi ,
I've been following this "blog" for a while , and usually it was so helpfull.
So now , i have a question , but here , i don't find enough answers.
So , here's the thing.
I am considering to buy a better clarinet , for everyday use.
So , i have few options.
1. Buffet E12F , refurbished - $700
2. Buffet E13 , new - $820
3. Buffet S1 , refurbished - $950
4. Buffet R13 , refurbished ( But has a weird C# key , a hole of that key is in line with other holes , not on the side ,you see that on a full boehm clarinet, but it is not a full boehm). - $950
5. Selmer Sterling , refurbished , 2 years guarantee , it has a star beneath the logo. - $650
6. Buffet BC20 , needs some repairs , but nothing serious. - $500.
Soo , i need some more info about theese models , and i want to know how valuable for money they all are.
Since i am not a wealthy person , i was looking not to spend over $700 , but find something good , so i was really thinking of that STERLING model.
Should i do that , and is there something else i should look for ?
I can provide pictures of theese.
Thanks.
Stefann
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-02 20:25
Selmer Sterling clarinets were made for Selmer London in the '50s and '60s by Malerne (in France - later acquired by Marigaux in the early '70s), so they're good quality intermediate level clarinets.
Can you post a photo of it so we can confirm that's exactly what it is.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-05-02 20:29
The Selmer Sterling isn't worth that much, I've had several and I've never paid over $150 in playing condition. It probably won't play that well, either.
Of the instruments you've listed, the E12F will give you a relatively modern instrument that plays and tunes very well when properly set up.
The E13 could be good, a good one will hold its own against an R13, depends on condition.
Same goes for the R13, not all R13's are good, some are dogs.
BC20 could be worth considering as long as the repairs don't cost too much. I've always liked the BC20. Never played an S1, so I can't comment on it.
The golden rule is play before you buy, or get someones whose judgement you trust to play..
Tony F.
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2016-05-02 20:51
Stafann,
You realize that any of us giving you advice like this from a distance and not seeing or trying the instrument in question are just taking a stab in the dark. If you can try the instrument for yourself or with a good clarinet player you know, that is always infinitely better. Everything the previous posters have said is perfectly reasonable based on experience with these instruments, but, then again, the particular clarinets you have in your list may or may not run true to form. There are "ringers" much better than the usual and real klinkers in any of these brands and models.
Having said all that caveat emptor (buyer beware) warning stuff, let me add that Buffet S1 clarinets can play really well. They were designed as professional level clarinets and were used by some top professionals, including Mitchell Lurie. A good one should be very, very good. Since you have doubts about the Buffet R13, it is likely(but not certain, or course) that the Buffet S1 is the best of the lot. If I had to pick one without trying any (which I really would not want to do), it would be the Buffet S1. Do you have my guarantee on this? No, I only guarantee that this advice is indeed a "wild stab in the dark."
Post Edited (2016-09-29 18:25)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-05-02 21:37
There is a lot of doubt on most of the selections above.
Now, not wishing to sound like all I recommend are Ridenour Clarinets, but...
They have a limited supply of a seemingly very good intermediate clarinet -
The Ridenour Lyrique "Noblissima" model, that may very well be a wonderful choice for you.
I would give Tom & Ted a buzz, and chat about this one! Very reasonable pricing, too! And - brand new with warranty!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: stefann
Date: 2016-05-02 22:16
Attachment: E12 f.JPG (16k)
Attachment: E13 1.JPG (73k)
Attachment: S1 2.JPG (70k)
Attachment: Sterling.JPG (108k)
Thank you all for your advices , i've played on some of theese models , and to me , they are all pretty good and responsive , good tone , because , i've been playing for almost 2 years on a Buffet B12 , but not only it is a B12 , it is a chinesse copy of a B12, so , i think you will get the point.
I know Selmers can be good , i've tryed Recital model , and it was perfect , but , since i cannot afford it , it will just stay a desire.
Here are some more pictures for this topic , and i hope someone could tell me some pros and cons of theese. I know that is a stab in the dark , but , you all have more experience than me , so i was hoping that you know a lot of things that i don't know.
Thanks ,
Sincer regards.
Stefan.
Stefann
Post Edited (2016-05-02 23:00)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-05-02 23:32
Here is a link to the "Clarinet Perfection" website, with information on the Selmer-London connection:
http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnSelmerUK.htm
Quite interesting reading!
Good luck, and have fun on your selecting clarinets!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2016-05-03 02:03
Stefan,
Since you have played the clarinets, you are in a much better position than any of us to choose the one that works best for you. Though the Buffet S1 is probably the "aristocrat" among this group (it would have sold for the highest price when new), you don't seem to have much interest in it. Did it not play well for you? You seem to be most interested in the Selmer Sterling. There must be a reason for this interest. Did it just sound better to you and fit your hands, embouchure, and playing style the best? Unless you can get another clarinetist there to help you listen to the instrument, I'd say the choice is all yours.
Post Edited (2016-05-03 02:34)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-05-03 02:26
I don't know when the Selmer Sterling stopped being sold but suspect it was many years ago.
Be aware that there is no connection whatsover between Selmer Paris clarinets and the Selmer sterling so you can't honestly use a Recital as a yardstick.
My own experience with Sterlings was many years ago but I don't recall thinking of them as remotely a professional class instrument then.
However as posters above have correctly said - If it works well for you then don't be put off by whatever anyone else, including me, says.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-03 02:48
See if you can stretch to buying either the E13, the R13 (with articulated C#/G#) or the S1.
I don't know anything about the BC20.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: stefann
Date: 2016-05-03 20:33
Well , thank you all , i have read everything you wrote here , and i will definetely try to stretch out for those Buffets.
Just , i have one more question , is that Articulated C#/G# key a positive , or negative thing to have on a clarinet ?
I know that you don't have to let the key in order to play any lower notes , it goes down by pressing any lower keys.
But is that a good thing to have ?
Thanks again.
Stefann
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-05-03 20:58
I play other instruments with an articulated G# (saxes and oboes), so the articulated C#/G# on clarinet is ideal if you're used to it.
There are some altissimo notes that require the G# key to be open while the RH ring keys are held down, so you'll have to find other fingerings for those notes with clarinets fitted with the articulated C#/G#.
Altissimo Bb is such a note (Sp. Th. xxx C#/G# | xxx F/C) but you can play it using the fingering for upper register C but with the thumb off the thumbhole (Sp. Thumb off xxx|xxx F/C).
You also won't be able to get altissimo F with the full fingering, so you'll have to use the short fingering (Sp. Th. oxx C#/G# | ooo Ab/Eb).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-05-04 03:32
The articulated C#/G# is nice to have, but is not strictly necessary. Many of the worlds best clarinettists do not have it through choice. I have it on some instruments and not on others, and I really don't miss it. For me, its absence or presence would not be a deal breaker/maker.
Tony F.
Post Edited (2016-05-04 07:11)
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