 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Cookie_monster_ct
Date: 2003-08-04 20:30
Hey! I'm a 15yr old Bb Clarinet player from England, I've recently passed my grade six and I am currently looking for a professional Clarinet as I find the one I am using at the mo doesn't produce a good enough sound, (or maybe thats just me!) My current model is the Yamaha YCL250 which is just a basic student model that has done well to take me this far as it is aimed at students doing grades 1-5. I'm unsure as to which Clarinet to get next I would prefer to buy a Clarinet that will take me all the way so to speak. I don't really want to have to buy another one! I've been looking at other Yamaha Models such as the YCL650 and also at the Buffet E11 but I would like to find out about other makes professional Clarinets. Selmer isnt very popular over here and you have to find a really large Clarinet warhouse to find a selmer model these days. I know Selmers are quite popular in the US but I don't know much about the models!
I need a Clarinet to see me through to University and on to becoming a music teacher. I'm in several Jazz bands too. Also could anyone recommend some good mouthpieces too?
Thanx!
Claire
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-08-04 23:11
Look on the BBoards and do some searches. You'll find TONS of stuff about different clarinets, how they play, etc.
My advice is, save up and buy a professional level clarinet. I know a lot of people that moan and groan about paying "2000 DOLLARS!![[whoa]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie10.gif) " for their clarinet! Well, be glad you don't play the violin. Or cello. Or tuba. Or trombone. Or, for that matter, ANY OTHER instrument seeing as the clarinet is one of the cheapest instruments they make. For a "decent" string instrument I've heard at least 5 grand. That five thousand will buy a top level clarinet, brannenized, with gold-plated keys and a pair of fuzzy dice too. Get a pro level now, and, if you take your time and choose correctly, take care of it, and have it properly adjusted, you will never look back.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: William
Date: 2003-08-05 00:19
Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc & Yamaha (the "Big Four") all manufacture excellant professional level clarinets that will "take you all the way." You will need to try as many different models (pro level) as you can before you can make an informed choice--that's what all of us have done. There are other makers "out there" (Rosi, Patricola) that produce find instruments, but most player that I know play either Buffet or LeBlanc. Personally, I play either Buffet R13's or LeBlanc Concerto's, depending on how I feel at the time. But I really think that I could play just as musically on anyone's clarinet, given the time to get used to it, having it adequately tweeked (as with the Brannens of Evanston) and if it was a "top drawer" instrument ("Pick of the litter" so to speak).
Try a lot of clarinets and pick the one that plays best for you. It is as simple (as as difficult) as that. Sticking to the "big four" will improve your odds of finding "the one". There are simply more of them out there. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!
BTW--there is nothing wrong with selecting a used "pro" instrument if it is a good one.
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2003-08-05 07:13
I found that the best instrument I have ever played was actually used. The guy who owns a local music store who I bought my Buffet R-13 Bb through and whom I am very good friends with knew I was looking for an A. His friend told hima bout an A clarinet that he wanted to trade, so he traded an antique clarinet to get it. He totally repadded it and polished it, and then sold it to me for 700 dollars. I have never played a more magnificent instruemnt, Bb or A. There is no stuffiness at all, and the horrible Buffet throat tones do not exist at all. So, though this did little to really help you, be very open to used instruments, they will save you a ton of money and you just may turn out with the best instrument you ahve ever played.
So many instruments to play........so little time to play them!
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Author: javier garcia m
Date: 2003-08-05 15:43
Howarth, in London, produces a professional line of clarinets. They also have a good stock of Buffets, Selmer and Yamaha professional clarinets.
Call them and ask them for trying the horns.
<www.howarth.uk.com>
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Author: RM
Date: 2003-08-05 16:38
What about Peter Eaton, they're wonderful instruments!
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Author: thechosenone
Date: 2003-08-17 22:00
Buffet R-13 is the choice of most professionals in the Eastern United States. I recommend it -- it is an extrememly fine instrument. I wouldn't play on anything else. As for mouthpieces, I'm acquainted with the Vandoren M15 at the moment. However, mouthpieces need to be tried and tested before you buy them, just like reeds. Any mouthpiece from Vandoren is worth a good look.
And watch out for the prices as well. Don't pay over $2,000 for a professional R-13 with silver plated keys and the case, or else you're getting ripped off. For mouthpieces, not over $70.
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