 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: sherrietanner
Date: 2004-01-10 23:51
made in the past, not current production. Which brands, specific models would you choose? I spent the day playing old Selmers, Radio Improved, and a BT & CT (this one I'm familiar with). I also played a Buffet from the 20's. All were sensational & all sounded quite different. My new best friend and Clarinet instructor has a beautiful collection of instruments that are in tip top shape...and tone. Since I had only played on a CT for eight years, I had no idea (until today), of the different tones each Clarinet emits. Wow, I was in a Clarinet Cookie Factory! So, if you could own any horn made in the past hundred years or so, which? I'm still going to purchase a brand new instrument, but I'm thinking why not a BT backup? Time now for a BTL! Bye
Sherrie
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2004-01-11 03:20
After four R13's, an SML King Marigaux, and a Buffet Super Dynaction, I'm now playing a Centered Tone and loving it. True, I'm not in a position to have to blend with a section. But I just love the sound I get with the CT. It's not as refined . . . it's not as tight . . . but it's a BLAST to play!! I'll always keep my '66 R13 and the King Marigaux, but the CT is what I'm packing these days.
But let me tell you . . . I believe in variety. Give me $2500 to spend on "a" clarinet, and I'd pick up three or four used clarinets instead. One used R13/Concerto/10G, a great old Selmer, a great older Leblanc, and maybe something else that catches my eye. It sure takes the pressure off when little repair issues crop up.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-01-11 15:16
I like clarinets that play evenly, allow flexability of expression and are easily played in tune. Given those factors, the basic sound really doesn't matter--if it is in tune, it is good.
Now, having said that, I would really like to own a set of American bore clarinets by Rossi. The few that I have played more than met all of the above requirements. Problem is, I already own a sets of LeBlanc Concerto and Buffet R13s that are great, and my wife can't understand the logic of buying another set of instruments. GBK, could I borrow your wife for a couple of days (for clarinet reasons, only)??
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2004-01-11 16:20
William wrote:
> and my wife can't understand the logic of buying another
> set of instruments. GBK, could I borrow your wife for a couple
> of days (for clarinet reasons, only)??
I'm very fortunate that she has no problem with my "addiction". Thankfully, she supports the philosophy "you only live once and can't take it with you, so enjoy everything now." (some disposable income also helps too). If you want, I'll have her give your wife a call (just kidding, of course).
Actually, to be serious I just acquired a clarinet which I had always wanted. A very lightly used 86xxx Buffet R-13 A clarinet (1966), fully restored from top to bottom - now in better than factory fresh condition.
I had always wanted an R-13 A clarinet from this vintage as they have the shorter register vent tube as well as (at least for this one), nice tight grained wood, very fine intonation and are free blowing with little stuffiness...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2004-01-11 16:30
If I could have any (past-) production Bb clarinet (and had to live with it exclusively), I would choose the 1963 Buffet R13 that I have been playing for the past 40 years (with the Chicago Kaspar 14 mouthpiece I have been playing for even longer). I have tried quite a few clarinets (including more recent Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha and Leblanc professional models) and mouthpieces (including Vandoren, Lurie, Gennusa, Gigliotti, Pomarico, Borbeck, Portnoy, Wells, Bay, and Smith) over the years and have found a few that came close but none that I like better.
BTW, I tend to think of the Selmer Balanced Tone and Centered Tone models as part of a line that ended with the Series 9. If you are thinking about a Selmer large bore for a backup, I would recommend you also try some Series 9's if you can find any. Be careful, though, there is also a Series 9* that is a small-bore instrument made to compete with the Buffet R13.
And it sounds like you haven't even discovered the bass clarinet yet.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-01-11 16:39
GBK--thanks for the offer, but--as you well know--I was just kidding, a bit (as usual).
However, it may be of interest to you that my R13A is of the same vintage (86XXX) as the one you just acquired--bought mine in 1965 for my graduate recital. And I agree on the "free blowing with little stuffiness" (except on long B, as usual), but mine tends to go quite sharp in the upper register, if I am not careful. Otherwise, it is a great clarinet, but, alas, it is just resting in its case as I am currently playing my LeBlanc Concerto A which is just as even and easier to control in the higher register, but does not "kick out" the sound of my Buffet. Too bad I can't mix the two clarinet parts together and have the best of both instruments. A Buffertto, perhaps.
Or maybe a Concuffet..............(oh well, 'nuff for now)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-01-11 17:55
>>>Made in the past, not current production. Which brands, specific models would you choose?<<<
(SML) King Marigaux model "350". Stradivarius of clarinets.
Diamonds in the rough:
Buffet R13, 1955-56 s/n 50XXX-51XXX,
Selmer BT, CT, Series 9.
Leblanc 176, Symphonie 3.
R. Malerne "Proffesional".
Couesnon "Monopole"
Penzel-Mueller "Super Brilliante" (rare) not "Brilliante".
Conn "444N".
Boosey & Hawkes "Imperial 926", "1010".
Kohlert, LP models from 1930s
Thibouville Freres "Concert"
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-01-11 18:56
My #1 is a 1954 Sel CT, my #2 is a LeBlanc L7, #3 a LeB Dyn 2, others also-ran. Would like to try a Rossi and other "elites". Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: hans
Date: 2004-01-11 19:53
I would like the clarinet that Artie Shaw recently gave to the Smithsonian :-)
Hans
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: john gibson
Date: 2004-01-11 23:17
My favorite so far is the R-13 I picked up at a trade in music store. A 1967--68 model serial 96xxx. It is the best clarinet I've played. My second favorite is my double walled SILVER KING.....then my Leblanc LL.......I also have a Boosey 2-20 that is in excellent condition thanks to Dave Spiegelthal(a sneezy sponsor).
What I'd like to have is a Selmer BT.....or CT (2nd choice) and maybe a Selmer 10G.
I'm also curious about those old Albert systems. Wouldn't mind having one of those to just goof around on. And a Bass Clarinet.....played one in high school....loved it....even have a recording the high school band made....we did an album....and man....did I play bass clarinet!.....Texas bands kick butt!!
JG
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RM
Date: 2004-01-12 21:39
A set of Peter Eaton Elite's, or a set of B & H 1010's
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-12 23:03
Hmmm. I'd be hesitant to pick a GREAT clarinet because then everyone including myself would know that it's ME that sounds bad, and I'd lose the saving grace of blaming the horn.
But if I did have a pick of any clarinet I wanted, made in the past hundred years or so (and since I have no experience with them and can only go with what I hear about them), I'd have to choose a handpicked, well adjusted Selmer Center Tone. Heard good things about them. (and as I recall, they were good enough for Gervase de Peyer and Paquito D'Rivera.)
Or maybe I should choose that buffet metal clarinet that Woody Allen wanted so badly (with the sole purpose of getting some megabucks from him as I sell it).
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JimV
Date: 2004-01-13 03:18
If I could have any clarinet I wanted ------- let's see, ah ------ yes, it would definitely be the one I have. It is a LeBlanc 15mm large bore Pete Fountain model with articulated G#, forked Bb and gold keys. It was picked out by a super pro. What I wish is that my back up was as good!
Jim
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kenbear
Date: 2004-01-13 03:33
Herbert Wurlitzer reform boehm, built by the man himself. (one in "A" as well)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: R13A
Date: 2004-01-13 14:25
not current production ? hmmmm, can interpret that as the s/n was already produced and won't be duplicated ![[happy]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley12.gif)
My R13A from 1960 that belonged to my old teacher, Russianoff
Chadash Bb (these are not simply 'produced' & is homebound)
R13 s/n 147xxx (homebound)
my eefers, esp one found for me by Hadcock
can I add:
Selmer SA 80 series l
yamaha 875 sopsax
yamaha 481 flute
I'd have to include my C clarinet, simply cuz I get to play the Oboe parts: oh, what great solos
hey, life's too short, enjoy it now, this isn't a rehearsal
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sherrietanner
Date: 2004-01-13 15:51
Hello, Wow, what a nice response! Just one more question, please? I have read on past posts that the newer horns made of Grenadilla are not quite the same as the older...In what respect? Is the wood on the BT that much different than the Signature? Does it greatly effect the tone and life of the instrument? I'm also intrested in the "cutoff point", when did the changes start? How many years ago did the makers start using young wood? I also learned in my reading that you have a man of science aboard, "the doctor", is the doctor in the house? I bet you know the answers! Tea Time..
Sherrie
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-01-13 22:22
Hi,
A recently acquired a Buffet Academy 87XXX that is outstanding (see the other post about Academy versus R-13) but my best clarinet is a Selmer Series 9*. It is amazingly in tune and has a great sound (ala R-13).
However, I have two Leblancs, a Dynamic 2 and an L 200, that are quite nice. The Dyn 2 is huge but with a wide 12th; the L 200 is as well in tune as the 9* but does not have quite as big asound.
The total that I have invested in these clarinets is less than what a new R-13 would cost. I really like classic instruments.
HRL
PS I have a Series 9 with 7 rings/17 keys that is great but it has one note that just does not want to play in tune easily.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2004-01-14 07:37
Without doubt, a Hammerschmidt 24 key Oehler. The export price out of Austria for these starts at 54,000 Austrian Shillings.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
