 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: zhangray4
Date: 2018-03-22 23:05
I bought my R13 Bb about 2 years ago. I didn't think I was going to major in music at the time, so I didn't purchase an A clarinet then. Since last year, I've decided to major in music, but my parents didn't think I was serious about it, and they didn't like the idea too. But now as acceptance letters are rolling in, I guess they finally understand I will be majoring in music, and probably double majoring in something else as well just to be safe. And so a few days ago, they asked me if an A clarinet is a must, which means I'm probably going to go to RDG to pick out an A clarinet sometime soon with my teacher's help.
Any suggestions/tips on how to pick out an A clarinet? Anything in particular to be careful of? I have heard that Yamaha A clarinets play almost like the Bb, in terms of feel. Should I have that same level of expectation when looking for a matching R13 A clarinet? I just want to make sure not only do I find a really good A clarinet, but also I find an A clarinet that matches my Bb very well.
-- Ray Zhang
Post Edited (2018-03-22 23:06)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2018-03-22 23:51
"Should I have that same level of expectation when looking for a matching R13 A clarinet?"
~Yes, but it probably not realistic with Buffet. (I'm prepared for the hate comments.) For example, with my Uebels, I honestly can't tell the difference. Good horns. The Yamaha's (CSVR) I've played were the same. Difference between the horns were negligible.
"I just want to make sure not only do I find a really good A clarinet, but also I find an A clarinet that matches my Bb very well."
~I understand the notion of wanting to stay within the same brand. I know I wanted to. My old Buffet A was excellent after adjusting the vent to stop some grunting. But at the end of the day, it was still 'stuffy' feeling. I'd bet most would understand that feeling is the nature of the beast. At the end of the day, you won't have any problems playing. I've found practicing on A improved my Bb support.
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2018-03-22 23:59
I personally find it much more difficult to find a good A than Bb. So when I am shopping instruments, I always look for the A first and the Bb to follow.
Yes Yamaha does an excellent job with their A clarinets, and they feel more like a Bb than other brands.
For me, I don't want the A clarinet to spread in tone especially in the long-tube notes. So if it holds the sound, and tunes well, you are doing well.
Also make sure the A clarinet responds okay in the upper LH.
Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2018-03-23 03:04
I agree with Brad's thoughts. All manufacturers produce far more Bb than A clarinets, and finding a really good A can take time.
I would actually take the best A clarinet that I could find even if it didn't match my Bb as well as another (although that nuance is probably hard to imagine).
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2018-03-23 06:12
I think it is quite ok to pair your Bb R13 with an A clarinet of other models, particularly considering Buffet has several models using the R13 bore design. I even know some players mix different brands, but in this case usually you need to buy a new third-party double case.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2018-03-25 00:10
Buffet R13 A's have a different bore design from R13 B-flats and so cannot be said to match. Keep an open mind and get the best A you can, even if you need separate mouthpieces and reeds.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: gwie
Date: 2018-03-25 04:17
Yamaha has done an exceptional job matching the behavior of their Bb and A clarinets. I previously owned a set of CSVR's where the A was near identical to the Bb, absolutely fantastic.
My current set of CSG's, upon close inspection, reveals many differences in design between the Bb and the A. Without laundry-listing everything, I would say that I was quite surprised with the physical differences, except upon playing them, there was a stunning consistency and uniformity to the two instruments.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Geronimo
Date: 2018-03-25 07:26
I would say wait to purchase an A clarinet. Different professors that you will study will advise you in different ways. When you know what university you will ultimately attend, have some conversations with the clarinet faculty there, I'm sure they will be able to point you in the right direction. I didn't have an A clarinet when I auditioned for undergrad, and I know many freshmen who were in the same boat as me, and still got in. We spent some time working and developing and when we were ready and better informed we went out in search of A clarinets. Better to do that then purchase an A only to buy a new set a year later after some studying...
When talking specifically about the Yamaha CSVR and/or SEVR A clarinets I think they are fantastic options. Keep in mind that you might get odd comments from people who consider a "matched set" to be the same model and brand for each. For all practical purposes it is ok to have different makes of clarinet so long as they behave the same and you are equally comfortable on them. (don't pick a super resistant Bb and then a super free blowing A for example). I wound up with a great deal on a used R13 A a while back, but the Yamahas (depending on who you talk to and what you try) might be superior horns.
hope that helps
-GM
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
