 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Michelle
Date: 1999-12-09 14:59
I am shopping for an intermediate clarinet for my sophomore daughter. I've gotten different opinions on Buffet vs. Yamaha. The e-11 and e-12 Buffet are made in Germany - does this make a difference? Is the e-13 significantly better than the e-11 or 12? Does the Yamaha and 34 and 52 have major differences other than nickel vs silver keys? What about resale value of both? I also found a like new Leblanc Infinity retailed at $2700 and will sell for $1200. Is that a good deal? It seems retail prices are really overblown? I would appreciate any help! Thanks!
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Author: paul
Date: 1999-12-09 16:10
Be careful to compare horns in the same grade. There are student, intermediate, pro, and premium pro grades out there. On top of that, you will find large variations in quality of the student grade horns, which you are already skipping over for your decision.
I believe that the LeBlanc Infinity is a pro grade horn, but check with your sources to verify. The Yamaha horns basically go up in grade by their model numbers. For instance, I had a Yamaha YCL-52 a few years ago. It was significantly better than the YCL-20 series horns of student grade. I don't have information on their 30 series horns, but I would think that your basic concept of the 50 series being better is correct.
As for Buffet, the E-11, E-12, and E-13 appear to be good solid intermediate class horns, and are very popular with the market in my area. I personally saw over 150 E-11s jump off the shelf in less than 2 weeks during the recent Fall school rush at my local large chain retailer. I've heard (more rumor than verifiable truth) that the E-13 may be an R-13 in disguise.
I have a recent copy of the catalog from my local retailer. The new Selmer and LeBlanc clarinets of pro quality were advertised at about the $1200 to $1600 price range, which is a good price for a horn that is essentially the same as the more popular Buffet R-13, priced at about $1800. I also saw the adjoining ad from my retailer that used intermediate horns were being sold off on a "first come first served" basis for about $600 each. I would think that these are the horns that the kids gave up almost immediately after their parents bought them a few months ago. I'm not a salesman for the store, but getting a decent intermediate horn for $600 isn't too bad at all. Email me if you want more information.
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Author: William
Date: 1999-12-09 17:56
Paul!!! Where is that music store where I can get the latest Selmer pro horn for within $1200 to $1600?????? I would like a new Signiture.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-12-09 18:02
All are good instruments.
The Buffet E-11, E-12, and E-13 are various levels of intermediate grade instruments (from bottom to top).
The Leblanc Infinity is a professional level instrument designed to be a direct head to head competitor with the Buffet R-13. I haven't played one but the reports from those who have is that it is a fine instrument.
Yamahas and Selmers are also good.
Basically, it comes down to what the player prefers and can afford. All are a bit different. Some suit one player and others suit another player.
As one of the other posters indicated, be *sure* that you are comparing intermediate to intermediate and pro to pro. Even within these levels there are several models so again be sure that you are comparing "apples to apples". i.e. Don't compare a high end intermediate of one brand to a low end intermediate from another.
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Author: William
Date: 1999-12-09 18:08
I recommend that you try the LeBlanc Sonata. It has the same accoustical qualities as the top-of-the-line Concerto and Opus clarinets (which are excellant instruments) and sells for around $1200--a good deal for an intermidiant instrument of this quality. Lot of local students and adults have purchased Sonatas and like them. In the local community band that I play with, LeBlancs hold the "majority" in the clarinet section.
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Author: paul
Date: 1999-12-09 19:55
I believe the posting immediately above is a fairly accurate reference to the horn that I saw in the ad. I don't have the ad with me, but it was a LeBlanc that I saw in the ad.
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 1999-12-10 21:22
RE: Buffet E-13 .... have heard many say that the E-13 was the closest thing to an R-13 since the Academy models. I have compared the E-11,E-12 & E-13 & also reviewed the Boosey & Hawkes catalogue info. The E-13 is a real step above the E-11 or E-12. That said, its also LOTS more expensive too, IMO. I think before I bought an E-13 I would buy an R-13. That would be my preference. Remember that opinions on clarinets are like derrieres, everybody has one.
mw
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Author: Dave Blumberg
Date: 1999-12-11 02:33
The E-11 has smaller key work. Go with the E-12, 13 or R-13, as they are full size keys.
David Blumberg
www.mytempo.com
Go ahead and question this - I dare ya.
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Author: mark weinstein
Date: 1999-12-12 17:17
Just for comparison purposes, I saw (yesterday) one of (our many catalogue/mail order) sllers had the E-12 for $998. So it seems like the E-12 is probably in the $950-1000 range.
Whassammattah, David ..... you don't like small hands ??? <grin>
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