 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Karen
Date: 1999-10-13 01:20
Hi, I'm right now am in the process of choosing a clarinet to buy. I'm going to choose between a Buffet R-13 and a Buffet R-13 Vintage. I've played both of them and both play well. I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give on which one to choose.
Thankyou!
Karen
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Author: paul
Date: 1999-10-13 01:29
The classic R-13 is the marque of the industry. Okay, some folks may argue the point, but it's been the defacto standard pro grade clarinet for quite a while. Check out Boosey and Hawkes' web site for details on which horn has what features. If you test played both, and you have the cash for either one, then you have a delicious choice. I'm almost envious. If nothing else sways you, go for the one that you like the best for tone, performance, balance, intonation, etc. Go for the one that you feel is the best for you.
For instance, I personally love my Festival and I wouldn't trade an R-13 for it, either. There was a price difference and there are some feature differences, of course. However, in the end, I had to make a decision. I went for the horn that I liked the best at the time and then I never looked back. It has a different tone than the R-13. It has that extra key. The wood and keywork look gorgeous. It plays like a dream (sometimes a nightmare for me as an adult novice, just kidding). I'm sure an R-13 would have done just about as well for me, too.
Again, you are in an enviable position. Which to chose from very good pro grade horns? It's your money, so you decide.
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-10-13 21:34
I can only relate what a nationally-famous repair person told me a few months back, something like the following:
"... the Vintage is a beautiful instrument reminiscent of the clarinets which made Buffet famous. However, for my money I would buy an R-13 and have it customized and leave it at that. Cork the upper joint, check tone holes and tune as necessary. You'll come out dollars ahead with no sacrifice in quality or sound."
Thats the gist of what I was told.
Good luck.
mw
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Author: John Dean
Date: 1999-10-13 22:32
Hi Mark , What do you mean by cork the upper joint- fit cork pads?Incidentally my R13 is almost vintage in age now and I am thinking of changing to a more modern model. I would also like to upgrade my mp from the usual Selmers and Vandorens. Kaspers or imitations?Any suggestions
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Author: paul
Date: 1999-10-13 22:40
When you say "vintage", could you be more specific or provide a serial number? Some of the hand-picked 1960s era R-13s are absolutely exquisite. There are few horns (even today's computer-made horns) that can compare to those fantastic R-13s. I would believe that by putting a very good premium hand made mouthpiece on top of one of those great R-13s would just make it better. Good luck finding the right premium mouthpiece for your "vintage" R-13.
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Author: Daniel
Date: 1999-10-14 00:37
John Dean wrote:
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Hi Mark , What do you mean by cork the upper joint- fit cork pads?Incidentally my R13 is almost vintage in age now and I am thinking of changing to a more modern model. I would also like to upgrade my mp from the usual Selmers and Vandorens. Kaspers or imitations?Any suggestions
If you're wanting a Kaspar, 1) be prepared to pay several hundred dollars for one, and 2) i have a few names of people you can get in touch with to try some (if you want to e-mail me).
I haven't found a single modern custom made mouthpiece that matches the old Kaspars. I'm due for another round of trials from Greg and Clark and a few others at this next year's ClarinetFest in Oklahoma. Maybe someone has gotten a step or two closer. (As for bass clarinet mouthpieces, Rick Sayre [Kaspar's ptrotegé] has the closest thing to a Kaspar out there.)
To avoid attacks from mouthpiece makers and players of their mouthpieces, let me make my usual proclamation: I am, by no means, saying that other mouthpieces made by current custom makers are not good mouthpieces. I played one of Clark's "San Francisco" models before I acquired my Kaspars. And I play Greg's Eb mouthpieces. Unfortunately, the two of them, Iggy Gennusa, Charlie Bay, and Tom Ridenour are the only frequent exhibitors at conventions. Others such as Rick Sayre, Richard Hawkins, Bob Scott, etc., don't set up booths and therefore I have not been able to properly evaluate >ALL< mouthpieces. Also, I am advocate of vintage mouthpieces, as they are what work best for me. etc.,etc.,etc.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-10-14 01:22
Daniel wrote:
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Others such as Rick Sayre, Richard Hawkins, Bob Scott, etc., don't set up booths and therefore I have not been able to properly evaluate >ALL< mouthpieces.
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Next time you're at a CFest, walk around a bit. I selected my Hawkins from about 15 or so that were in the IMS booth. Just talk to Lisa Argeris.
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Also, I am advocate of vintage mouthpieces, as they are what work best for me. etc.,etc.,etc.
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Anything you buy today will be vintage soon ...
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-10-14 01:46
John: By corking the upper joint, YES --- I was referring to cork pads on the upper joint.
Mouthpieces --- I play a Borbeck 12 and like it. My teacher, a Symphony player, just got a new Ridenour and loves it. As was mentioned Clark Fobes, Richard Hawkins, and you should definitely try one by Roger Garrett too. AND lets not forget Mr. Chris Hill of Sioux Falls, SD who is very talented and helpful. If you tell a mouthpiece maker "where" you are trying to go and if they know your setup they can assist in selection. Every mouthpiece maker wants happy clarinetists who tell their friends, other clarinetists, about their mouthpieces. Haven't met anybody yet who wouldn't work with somebody to find the right fit. (OK, OK there is a limit I am sure)<grin>
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Author: Daniel
Date: 1999-10-14 04:27
Mark Charette wrote:
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Next time you're at a CFest, walk around a bit. I selected my Hawkins from about 15 or so that were in the IMS booth. Just talk to Lisa Argeris.
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I don't like trying out mouthpieces from the booths of the mail order establishments because there's always a crowd around their booth and not much opportunity to just sit and go through mouthpieces.
Mark Charette wrote:
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Anything you buy today will be vintage soon ...
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True, but when I say vintage, I refer to mouthpieces from the 60's and before.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-10-14 15:09
Daniel wrote:
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I don't like trying out mouthpieces from the booths of the mail order establishments because there's always a crowd around their booth and not much opportunity to just sit and go through mouthpieces.
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Neither do I. Which is why I asked if I could take a bunch at a time to my room and try them out. Lisa had no problem with that at all.
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Author: steve
Date: 1999-10-14 17:58
daniel said...True, but when I say vintage, I refer to mouthpieces from the 60's and before.
hey...wait a minute...I was playing clarinet in the early 60's...all my stuff was new then (80xxx R-13, kaspar and portnoy mps, old buffet suitcase double case, original cover on bonade excerpts, old cordier trimmer, etc)....I'm not vintage!!! I'm 45 years young!!!
:)..
s.
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-10-14 20:58
Daniel said:
I don't like trying out mouthpieces from the booths of the mail order establishments because there's always a crowd around their booth and not much opportunity to just sit and go through mouthpieces.
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Agree. BUT trying out one or two won't hurt. (grin) Where else can you do this and have a Guy Chadash walk by with his tuner in hand, or Phil Muncy listening intently as he walks by, Robert Dilutis standing by making you a couple of reeds to go, and the list is endless. Pretty heady stuff. And, if we end up getting a free lesson or tip here or there from a pro's pro its a win-win thing. Of course, I too find it a smidgen disconcerting, when that fellow 5 feet away is cleanly, NAILING K.622 and I tell myself, calmly, not to embarass myself by playing Clarion C too loudly. <grin> Good luck all.
mw
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