 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Guido
Date: 2003-03-04 21:39
Perhaps addressed previously, at least in parts...
With my Buffet Festival in a sudden crisis with St. Patty's gigs looming, I'm now fumblin' with the stiffness of tired B12's which serve me on the streets and in the hills. I'm not looking forward to fingering a B12 fast enough to keep time with nimble violins come St. Patrick's day.
The whole situation invites the question, is the plastic Vito or Artley or some other plastic instrument "better" than those toughened B12's for outdoor play??!? What _is_ the "best" [sic.] plastic clarinet out there???!? Is the greenline the choice??
Guido
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Author: Joel Clifton
Date: 2003-03-04 21:45
I'm very biased toward Vito Resotones. They are excellent. I've had it for six years and it still works perfectly and wonderfully.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-03-04 22:41
I don't think anyone has yet provided any evidence that the Buffet Greenline is any better or worse than the "ordinary" R-13. In fact, it *is* an R-13. Of course, it also *costs* as much as a "regular" R-13.
I use a Vito V40 for any "combat" situation. Many others do. Leblanc identifies the V40 as an "intermediate" plastic instrument, and it is surely better than any student instrument I have ever played.
The V40 frequently can be found on the used market for $200 or less. My suggestion: it's a good buy.
Regards,
Joh
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-03-04 23:07
Sounds like your B-12 is not in proper working condition. It shouldn't be difficult to play.
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-03-04 23:14
Another vote for the Vito!  You can probably do a search for my name and "Vito" to find previous times where I've stated why I like it.
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-03-04 23:26
The Vito my parents bought me back in high school (MANY moons ago) still plays very well today. I used it all the way through high school and into college for outdoor concerts and marching seasons. I've only had to do general maintainence on it through the years. In my book, you can't beat it!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2003-03-05 15:26
I agree about the Vito V40. Also, you might check out the Ridenour model on the Brook Mays website. That's got all the band directors around here excited. They think it sounds and plays great. I've never tried one, so my personal expertise isn't available. But, I've tried several V40s and found them to be the best made and best playing of all (except the Ridenour-which I have not played).
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-03-05 15:53
My daughter uses her Silver King by H. N. White for outside work. It has the projection for outside work, and being metal, is impervious to the elements.
Mark
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-03-05 19:36
I can't say anough good things about the Vito. The one I got (which I recently posted about) is just too good for words, but then again, the manufacturer's name says it all: LEBLANC!
Peter
Post Edited (2003-03-05 20:37)
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 2003-03-05 20:48
I cannot comment on the plastic Buffets since all of the Buffets I have ever owned or played have been wood.
For several years my utility clarinet of choice was a slightly modified older Bundy Resonite.
I also have had good experiences with the plastic Vitos.
My current favorite for severe service is a Yamaha 20, which has a smaller bore than the Vitos or Bundys (570 something for the Yamaha; 584 for the Vito and 590 for the Bundy) and seems IMHO to play with a bit more "center" to the tone and slightly better intonation and more even response note to note than the others.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-03-06 02:46
Hey, Guido:
Just curious, are you the same Guido who won the V40 (2510059815) on eBay today? At a bit more than the usual selling price, but wow, that thing looks to be almost new. If it truly is as good as it looks, it is likely well worth the price.
Regards,
John
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Author: Ed
Date: 2003-03-06 12:24
without question, I have found the Yamaha to be outstanding.
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Author: William
Date: 2003-03-06 14:10
Selmers Bundy Resonite (I prefer an older one, like 1960s vintage)
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Author: Guido
Date: 2003-03-06 21:25
Thank you all for the input and recommendations. As usual, this forum has provided great support.
I have been using B12's for outdoor play (atop 4,000 footers in New England/canoe tripping in Maine/Salvation Army December pot details at 30 degrees), and an ole Bundy resonite for really tough situations (e.g.- three weeks backcountry climbing based 14 miles into the Wind River range of Wyoming at 12,000').
Based upon your recommendations, I have added a Vito V40 (righto, John!) which looks like a fine candidate as the "best of bunch" to use in my street musician efforts in the city's parks come May.
But by St. Patty's day, I'm still hoping my Buffet jazz festival is fixed, as those fiddles fly through reels and jigs at lightspeed. I can use every advantage quality instruments provide.
Again, my thanks and regards to all,
Guido
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-03-07 06:21
Guido:
Do let us know how the instrument works for you. And congratulations on skillful bidding! Winning it by less than two bux was great.
Regards,
John
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-03-07 23:39
Gee Heather, you gettin' a piece of that Ridenour Action?
I think the operating motive here is not bad for CHEAP and the TR147 ain't.
I vote for the local source of a well-maintained beater, that can be tried prior to purchase with a minimum fuss.
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Author: clarinetdaddy
Date: 2003-03-09 13:52
I just got back from the MusicMessa here in Frankfurt Germany. I also tried many clarinets. Since I'm in the army band we play many gigs outside. We have been looking for a good plastic clarinet. Out of all the vendors that were there,(which was all) the best one that we found was the Jupiter.
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Author: B-flat Andy
Date: 2003-03-10 06:55
The best plastic clarinet I have ever played was Rodel (German-made Bohm system clarinet)
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-03-10 16:22
Jupiter? Argh! It must have been one of those "One in a Million" that happens whether they try to make it right or not!
Peter
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Author: Guido
Date: 2003-03-18 10:41
As a final note, that Vito V40 arrived in need of repairs to four pads (Eb, F#,A, Bb trill), some pad leveling, and alignment to some actions. The instrument was, however, otherwise pristine and essentially new.
The repairs were performed by a superb 37 year technician in our area for a courteous $31 which the Ebay seller gladly reimbursed. Not all Ebay deals are dogs...just need to pick your sellers carefully!
With St. Paddy's behind us, I'll drop my Buffet festival in for an overhaul, and move onto the Vito V40 in anticipation of playing the streets shortly. I like the V40's bore immediately, and feel it parallels the jazz festival more closely than the B12's I usually play.
Regards to all for your helpful advice,
Guido
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