 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ruben
Date: 2026-04-24 16:31
Does there exist an affordable, half-way decent e-flat clarinet? -Chinese maybe. As I would only seldom use this instrument, there is no point in spending too much money on one. Thank you.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-04-24 18:37
Ridenour makes one: $2,395
https://www.rclarinetproducts.com/libertas-ebsoprano
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist Homage and MT36 mouthpieces
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 & #5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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Author: lmliberson
Date: 2026-04-24 20:46
Well, Ruben, no matter how expensive or how inexpensive an E-flat clarinet may be, if the intonation is questionable the instrument is useless.
That really should be your primary criteria in seeking out an E-flat clarinet, aka "the weapon".
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Author: donald
Date: 2026-04-25 03:03
My old Leblanc LL (2nd hand from a retired pro) had very ergonomic keys and fine intonation. I switched to an R13 for better tone but always had little niggly problems here and there. A pro Symphony here in NZ owns a Noblet which I had to borrow for a gig once, and it was surprisingly good, I'd look for one of these if on a limited budget...
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2026-04-25 08:22
Older Leblancs are often relatively affordable and not bad.
I have an old Vito (I bought it new in 1990) and it's decent, but sharp with the stock barrel. You can open it a lot or get a different barrel. It's not the best, but it might be the lowest cost option that is half decent if you find one. A semi professional orchestra sometimes borrows it from me so it's good enough for that at least.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2026-04-25 09:42
Donald: Noblet is a good idea. Their C clarinet was very good. Noblet was a student-model Leblanc.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: ruben
Date: 2026-04-25 13:43
m1964: This seems to only be a b flat clarinet.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: ruben
Date: 2026-04-25 19:35
Micke: I think you've nailed it! The Thomann seems the best buy. The Selmer E-flat Muse costs ten times as much!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-04-25 22:48
ruben wrote:
> Micke: I think you've nailed it! The Thomann seems the best
> buy. The Selmer E-flat Muse costs ten times as much!
The law of diminishing returns?
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