 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CCclarinetgirl
Date: 2003-04-05 00:52
being a freshman in high school as i have said in a previous post, i was wondering if it would be a good idea to upgrade to a professional style clarinet from my student selmer. ![[huh]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie11.gif) i was thinking about purchasing a buffett and if there are any suggested versions that are preferred.
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-05 01:20
Being a fellow freshman that is ordering a new clarinet as well (LeBlanc Concerto II) I think it is good for you to have a professional horn. If you plan to pursue music , then buy the best clarinet you can because it can last a lifetime.
I suggest that you try ALL THE CLARINETS YOU CAN to make sure you make the right choice.
Good Luck!
Bradley
Perfect practice makes nearly perfect!
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Author: wjk
Date: 2003-04-05 01:31
I tried several "big bucks" Prestige clarinets and was not at all impressed-- thats just my opinion obviously. I played a whole bunch of R13s to find one that was "perfect" for me---- the difference between my R13 and my "student" Selmer Signet is astonishing, and to me, well worth the investment of time and money!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-04-05 21:10
You may get more mileage out of good reeds, lessons, a better mouthpiece and a tune-up on your existing horn than plonking down $1800 for a pro clarinet....
If you pursue a music major, you'll need a better 'axe' at University.
Most of the top players I know would sound good blowing a cardboard tube with holes poked in the side.
Don't dismiss your instrument just because it has served you well for awhile
the cost of a professional instrument may be better put into an investment that will help pay for your tuition.
If you must have a 'new' clarinet, take a look at the classified ads.
These are first rate players, with high quality instruments at a savings.
Bottom line for a decent, new R13 seems to be around $1800 US.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-04-05 21:57
I got my first (and only) Bb R13 20 years ago, when I was a freshman in H.S. My folks bought it for me used, and I still use it as my primary axe. Nothing wrong with getting a used horn!!! It can save you bucks and take you farther than your current horn.
At any rate, I agree with S.B. If the choice is between a $1500-$1800 clarinet OR a $500-$800 USED horn PLUS a great mp, lessons, etc....
Then go with a used horn...
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Author: Music Geek3
Date: 2003-04-06 02:58
I'm a fellow freshman as well and I just got a brand new R13 three days ago. (Well, I wanted to wait till my junior year but alas, one of my parents is deeply threatened with the aspect of losing their job next year, so it was now or never.....) If you just get a "basic" model they're about $1600- really, that's not bad, you should be thankful that you don't play basson -those are really expensive!
And it plays so beautifuly!! The responce is so instant...The keys are so quiet ans smooth.....And the only bad thing is that I'm so paranoid about hurting it!!
I say if you can afford to spend that much money on an instrument, go for it. Chances are that you'll only have to do it once!
MG3
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-04-06 03:46
On this board, you're going to get mostly recommendations for Buffets (especially R-13s), but as Bradley said, CHECK OUT EVERYTHING!!! Leblanc and Selmer also make fine clarinets, and I'm sure Yamaha does too, but can't say from any personal experience.
Just because a million other people in the world swear by their R-13s doesn't mean it's the best horn for you!
Also, you may want to see what a better mouthpiece will do for you before getting a new clarinet.
S.B. and Katrina make a good point about used clarinets . . . I got my pro horn used, but many a used horn will require an overhaul or at least a bit of repair . . . So, that "$400" eBay clarinet could end up being more like a $700 clarinet by the time you can actually play it.
No matter what you're planning on getting, search out what bore size you like, etc., and watch out for the differences in older models if you're looking at any. For instance, a Selmer Series 9 and a Series 9* are quite different instruments although the names are similar. Also, an R-13 from the 40's will be very different from an R-13 made today. Just watch out for that kind of thing and you should be OKeh.
Good luck in your search!
Post Edited (2003-04-06 05:01)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-04-06 04:09
Benni said: "...R-13 from the 40's..."
No such thing...GBK
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-04-06 04:30
Hi,
I have three really great clarinets, a Selmer 9, a 9*, and a Leblanc Dynamic 2. Each cost me between $300 and $500 and only one needed pads right away. I got them all on eBay with a 7 day return. I tested tham all and found them to be excellent and well in tune.
You can buy some really great used professional model clarinets if you are patient and insist on a return policy (I sent one other Leblanc back). I work these clarinets hard and they have many years of service left.
You can really stretch your dollars with a good used clarinet. ![[up]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley24.gif)
HRL
PS I have sold 4 clarinets on eBay, a Selmer 9, a 10S, and two E & S Master Models; all were in top shape and went for fair prices. Each buyer had a 7 day return as well.
Post Edited (2003-04-06 05:32)
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-06 05:12
GBK- Lets give him the benefit of the doubt and think he meant to say the 50s. LOL
I know I'm probably putting my life into my own hands by saying this, but I refer to R13 players (that get new ones) sheep. This is jokingly ofcourse, but there is some truth behind it. Everyone raves about the R13 like its what a deity handcrafted, and so new players getting Pro horns just go with the norm, follow the bandwagon and get an R13. I of course think that the new R13s are average, and feel like intermediate clarinets (once in a while I'll get lucky and get to play a good one- or an old one- either gives the same effect lol). Please, whatever you do, try ALL the respectable brand's comparable models, because I am sure I am not the only one that scorns R13s and so other models will suit us better. Make sure to try many clarinets under the same exact model name to try and find the best of each and compare them (for longer than 5 seconds).
Bradley
The anti- new R13 LeBlanc player
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2003-04-06 13:18
Don't discount (no pun intended) close out models either. LeBlanc Concerto's are going for about $1350 new now that the new Concerto II is out. Only key design is different from what I've read. Also LeBlanc made an Ambiance that is VERY good. Stopped making it last year but can still be picked up for a little over 1K. It was just under the Opus and above the Concerto when manufactured. I got one last summer and really love it. It bored "similar" to the R-13 (.575 polycylindrical bore, reverse cone taper)
New Yamaha SE's, CS, CX (older pro models) can be found new being discounted heavily due to new models manufactured. Check online at wwbw, Weiner, IMS, etc for reference on prices.
Finally, good used pro instruments are a good investment as others have posted. Good luck in your search.
jbutler
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-04-06 14:05
Bradley wrote:
> because I am sure I am not the only one that scorns R13s and so
> other models will suit us better.
Beware of falling into your own group - "scorning" a brand is exactly the same as picking a brand because of being a "sheep".
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-04-06 14:59
Bradley and GBK - yes, I meant 50's (the 4 and 5 are right next to each other on the keyboard!), and Bradley, I'm female, hence the 'i', not a 'y.' *makes a mental note to preview posts before posting them*
Mark said: Beware of falling into your own group - "scorning" a brand is exactly the same as picking a brand because of being a "sheep".
Very good point . . . that's why I try to stay away from saying that I don't like Buffets (because I know some people who sound great on them). I just get sick of the people who worship at the Holy Shrine of Buffet.
Me? I love my Series 9, and the Concerto is a great small-bore.
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Author: Dawne
Date: 2003-04-06 15:11
I think investing in a professional horn at this point is a little premature. Even if you are a careful, consciencious music student, there are other kids who will screw around and knock into things and knock things over...and then there are the perils of marching band and pep band in the bleachers during your high school career, as well as riding busses. I can almost guarantee that you will encounter at least one mishap in the next few years.
If you are unhappy with your current horn, look at some good student resonite horns...vito or yamaha and others. There are some brushed surfaces out there that look very much like wood. I played a Bundy Deluxe in high school, and did very well with it. Things did happen to it that would have made me heartsick if I had a "pet axe".
When you are a senior and marching band season is over, and you are still very serious, and intend to play at the college level, get a professional horn then, and try out others besides Buffet. You may find you like another brand better, as I did.
And keep your student horn. If you go to a university, they may require that you do marching band, as they did me a Michigan State. You don't want to take a good horn out in the weather.
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Author: clarinetmama
Date: 2003-04-06 15:21
I purchased a used Marigeaux (SML) on ebay, had my tech go over it completely, and the whole thing cost less than 500 dollars. I had not heard of the brand, but did some research and decided to give it a try. it is a really nice professional clarinet. I also bought my A Leblanc through Taylor music as a "closeout". It is a model no longer being made (this one was brand new). Again, an excellent pro clarinet. I think it set me back 900 dollars. Both were bargains and have served me well. There are ways to get a better instrument without breaking the bank. Do some research and be patient.
And, yes, keep your student horn for marching and other hazardous details. If you plan to play outside you might not want to play your "good" clarinet outdoors.
Jean
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Author: cyso_clarinetist
Date: 2003-04-06 15:27
sheeesh.. definately a question that will get infinate responses. Personally I agree with Synonymous Botch. Perhaps waiting and getting a good mouthpiece and such would be a good idea. I kind of think of it this way. The more advanced you get as a clarinetist the better horns you can pick out because you know better. Why not wait a while so then you can pick out an awesome Leblanc, Rossi, Buffet or whatever else is out there? Just my advice.
Goodluck,
James
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Author: fermata
Date: 2003-04-06 17:04
I'm also a freshman in highschool and got a professional horn not too long ago. I definitely think it was worth it, plus the clarinet will last you a long time. It is always nice to have a good quality clarinet to improve on and that will last until you are atleast college if ya take good care of it.
Good Luck
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Author: CCclarinetgirl
Date: 2003-04-06 20:31
Many people have suggested getting a good mouthpiece before buying a new clarinet. Since i have no idea if i will go into music in college, this strikes me as a good idea. how can i tell what mouthpiece will go with my student selmer? or do i just have to test around until i find what i like. what brands are out there? thank you everyone for your suggestions! they could save me a lot of money!
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Author: glin
Date: 2003-04-06 21:52
CCclarinetgirl,
Years ago, I purchased a student (intermediate grade) selmer after many years of not playing. My B12 Evette student model was really in need of a major overhaul after 4 years of high school and on/off again playing in college. I just wanted a decent horn to play, not a professional. I got hooked on playing again, and invested in private lessons. My advice is to invest in private lessons-they are so important and valuable. Your teacher can give you an assessment of your clarinet skills and give you insight on improvement that a new R13 could not do. Also, your teacher can probably recommend some good mouthpieces to outfit your student selmer.
Without knowing your setup, I would recommend the following mpcs: selmer france (many models-you'll have to try a variety of them), David Hite mouthpieces, Clark Fobes mouthpieces, and A. Gigliotti mouthpieces. Several people have had success mathcing a selmer mpc with a selmer instrument-so that might be the first place to start. Also, be careful when you do your mouthpiece search, that you pay attention to tuning. Some mouthpieces are designed to play more sharp or flat than others. One common trait of student line instruments is they play more sharp mainly because students don't have a developed embouchure than advanced players and pros. If you have a fairly good embouchure, you may seek to look for a lower pich mpc. When I played on my Selmer CL210, the C85 Selmer mpc that came with it was ok, but I played sharp and did not have too much luck with lipping down. I then tried a Gigliotti P34 - that worked out for me. It produced a great sound on my Selmer CL210, IMHO.
In conclusion, invest in lessons if you can, and stay with the Selmer student model. Many people, including myself, were able to be successul with a student instrument/intermediate grade. Fine tune it to meet your needs with a good mouthpiece and maintain it well. If you continue to play in college and are really serious continuing beyond college, at that time it may be time to upgrade. I no longer play on the Selmer, but it did serve me well. Just my two cents.
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Author: ginny
Date: 2003-04-06 23:42
I don't hold by the idea of playing on a faulty or mediocre instrument. My son's Vito, nice as it is for marching, simply cannot play as well as his R-13 or my Festival, no matter the reed, the mouthpiece. Practicing the instrument's faults is not worthwhile, each of us took huge leaps when we got better instruments.
I got my son a used R-13 when he was in the eighth grade. It cost much less than half of a new one and I don't feel AS worried about it being stolen or otherwise distroyed. We got it from a Sneezite who lives a couple of hundred miles away from us . I think it plays somewhat better than my Festival (Buffet) which I got new. We just bought a very old Buffet A clarinet for orchestra from a local clarinetist who finally had enough money for an R-13 A. It sounds great, and will probably serve my son well. It sounds very very much better than the E-11, (student model, which we had rented) even with the work we had done to tweak the rental.
In short, we've had very good experiences with used clarinets.
Ginny
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Author: cyso_clarinetist
Date: 2003-04-07 00:31
Eek... As a performance major going into college and being in your position not that long ago I will say as I said before. Wait! Seriously you can handle being with out a professional clarinet. Coming from Chicago and playing with a lot of players and some not getting professional horns til this year did a great job on their horns. Heck, one person I know who is among the best at eastman didn't get an R13 until her senior in High School. She kicked everyones rear with her intermediate buffet. And for whoever said it, vito's are very decent horns They come with quasi stable intonation, my R13 is by no means better in tune with its self.
As far as mouthpieces. What works among my peers for the most part are Richard Hawkins, and very recently some Vandoren M30 13's. They work, so why not try them?
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Author: Dawne
Date: 2003-04-07 06:03
Try out a Selmer hs* when you test mouthpieces. It is a good all around mouthpiece...and a very "forgiving" mouthpiece.
Dawne Morgan
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-04-07 12:28
Mouthpiece selection is like buying shoes for the prom...
No way to tell what's will match your dress if you're not wearing it.
******
If you have a decent local music store that caters to wind and band players, you will be best served there. Mouthpieces may be easily sterilized, so a used one may fill the bill.
If you don't have a local (small) store, I recommed using mail order over the MegaStores... it is unlikely you will find someone familiar with your plight.
International musical suppliers
Woodwind and Brasswind
Muncy winds (my choice)
All offer a trial period, which is not free, on mouthpieces. I would recommend placing a telephone call to any of these three, speaking with the Woodwind section and spelling out your situation in clear terms.
Do NOT discuss clarinets with them unless you've got $2000 burning a hole in your pocket.... they're employed to sell stuff, obviously.
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Author: SusanB
Date: 2003-04-08 05:03
I recently tried a LeBlanc Ambiance that was a closeout. (Yes, I am a Buffet Baa-sheep right now.)
It was a lovely instrument. The wood grain was beautiful. It had metal tenon rings and silver plated keys. The sound was great. I would have kept it, but there was a layoff scare at my husband's work, so we decided together that I should send it back and not purchase it. Bummer.....
I played my plastic student clarinet thru college because I could not afford any sort of horn. I had just enough money to pay for school each year and that was it. So I didn't get my R-13 until after I graduated from college and got my first real job. The difference between it and my student clarinet is phenomenal! I have had it for 14 years now and I love it. The LeBlanc Ambiance I tried was every bit as nice, though.
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