 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Buster Brown
Date: 2004-05-20 16:31
After a 40 year hiatus I began playing the clarinet and saxophone again. During the intervening years I played guitar, bass (not electric), banjo and sang in a couple of groups. When I put the clarinet down, I was playing in a small regional symphony, a community band and several jazz groups. I was a reasonably competent clarinetist (but certainly not great).
After two years I am playing first clarinet in a reasonably good community band and 3rd alto in a good 18 piece big band. I own two clarinets; a Leblanc Noblet (50 years old), and a Buffet Evett Schaeffer (25 years old). I use old Portnoy's and Woodwind's mouthpieces with 3.5 od 4 VD v12 reeds. I prefer the ES clarinet to the Noblet by a lot (with the Portnoy). I also own an old classic Buesher Alto (Selmer C* MP).
Now for the fear, for the first time in my life, I plan to buy a pro clarinet. I will look at all the Big 4. I have no real preference although Selmer Signature appeals to me. In two weeks I will go to WWBW and test clarinets. I hope to purchase one that day and bring it home with me. I have read all the info, the good, the bad, and the ugly, on new clarinets on this board and it almost makes me not want to take a chance on a new one. The ES is not bad. Perhaps with a good overhaul it will be good enough.
I need one of you pros out there to help me understand that the good of playing a new clarinet outweighs the potential negatives. I want a new clarinet bad. I also plan to buy a new mouthpiece or 2. Need some encouragement.
Thanks in advance, BB
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-05-20 18:07
I'm no "pro" by a long shot, B. Brown. Like you, I now play just for the love and the fun of it. The part of your post that prompts me to respond, as a fellow player and older returnee(not quite 40 years but a long time), is ... "I want a new clarinet bad." In my book, that's good enough reason for anyone.
It's a big step financially too; not a TON of money but a pretty significant amount to "spend on yourself" - enough to cause most of us to have second and third thoughts about it. However, it appears from what you say that you're playing quite a lot and with some pretty good outfits. The clarinets you have are not bad instruments and with a good overhaul will probably be good players for a long time to come. On the other hand, they will never ever again have that "new horn smell". Nothing ever matches up to a new car, dishwasher, house, lawnmower, pair of shoes or... musical instrument.
This is not a whim. You've certainly been musically active enough all these years, playing guitar, banjo, bass. I can't envision the clarinet leaning in a corner after a few weeks. You came back to music-making with your old clarinet because you love making music. It looks like you've done your homework about choices and have a good idea of what you want. Make sure you get a good warranty - I've never dealt with WWBW but I understand they're good people. More people are happy with them than not 
In my opinion, the confidence you'll feel and pride of ownership you'll have with a new instrument lean in favor of a new clarinet. You might want to get the old ones fixed up to have for those outdoor gigs, or pass along to someone you'd like to encourage to get involved....
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-05-20 18:28
No pro here, but I say go for it. I'm sure you've thought it over and you're prepared for the financial investment. And it sounds to me from all that you're doing that you look like a dedicated player and would ENJOY having a new clarinet. And that's what music is about in community bands, is it not? Having fun and making music?
One article I'd like to point out (in case you haven't noticed it yet from browsing) is Tom Ridenour's article on how to choose a new clarinet. Very good ideas in there including pick the best clarinet that you have, and rotate the barrel of that from clarinet to clarinat. Cause maybe ( just MAYBE), it's just a really good barrel and the clarinet itself stinks. Anyways, I'll post some links at the end.
Once you find that special clarinet, keep in mind taking care of it and breaking it in. Also, if you REALLY want to look into a full blown custom clarinet, for probably around 100 dollars, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, you can probably send it to a shop after it's been broken in and have them custom tune it (through tone hole modification mostly) and have them fully adjust all the springs and everything. I had that done to my new clarinet and it plays like a dream, and MUCH less stiffer than when I got it. All the rings are perfectly set and it can be manipulated even with a very light touch of the fingers. Gorgeous.
For the record, I had Graham Golden do the final tuning/adjustments on it after having David Spiegelthal repad it with his choice of leather pads (and my choice too). Both did superb jobs.
Here's some links.
Alexi
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/articles/select.htm
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/articles/wood.htm
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/Care/index.html
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-05-20 18:34
I think getting a new instrument is kind of like getting a new spouse (without the moral implications).
Whatever you choose, you will have to get to know it intimately, and learn its quirks and strengths. You will sometimes feel like you've made a mistake, and then sometimes will be just so glad you chose the one you did. And you will have to know that issues MAY arise which will require outside help -- either because of something that you could be doing better, or something that is not quite right with it.
My favorite instrument, from a playing standpoint, is still my ancient (1926) Buffet. My new R-13 (now 10 years old and counting) really took some getting used to, many different mouthpiece trials, and finally, a professional setup. But despite the effort it took, it is a glorious instrument, and I'm so pleased that I hung in there with it.
Susan
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-05-20 18:35
Don't be married to the idea of buying on that day. If they don't have anything that feels right, wait for the next shipment.
South Bend isn't that far from Chicago, so consider making a trip to International Musical Suppliers if WWBW doesn't have what you like.
Don't predetermine what brand/make you'll get. Try the Sigs, but give others a fair shake. Some on here have posted that the Sigs aren't well-suited for ensemble playing. That's their opinion, but make sure you find something that suits you in all your playing situations.
And go say hi to Murf at the Morris Inn bar on the Notre Dame campus.
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2004-05-20 18:38
The only suggestion I can offer is to spread the decision making process over multiple weekends instead of doing it all in one weekend, if that's possible. I think there are so many variables that you'll be overloaded and unable to balance all the instruments against each other.
WRT the new instrument, I'd say go for it if you want. Just don't sell your favorite older instrument for at least 2 years!
MOO,
Matt
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-05-20 19:05
Aside from the obvious characteristics used for selection (tuning, eveness of scale, response, quality of sound, resistance, etc...) look very carefully at the quality of the wood (especially in the first 1/3 of the upper joint).
Although never a guarantee against cracking, look for tightly grained wood with no checks or flaws. Look inside the tenons, receivers and bore and inspect it as well.
If a crack warranty is offered, take it ...GBK
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Author: Buster Brown
Date: 2004-05-20 20:38
Thanks for all the kind words and advice. I'm psyched! I'm heading to Chicago from South Bend (visiting grandchildren) and will have time to visit International Music Suppliers. Incidentally, I live in North Carolina now and I am only a few hours from Muncy Winds. Do you think purchasing from someone closer to home is more sensible? I understand they do a nice job. Local music stores are few and poor where I live. Golf on other hand is terrific.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-05-20 22:10
Both the Muncys and IMS will have a significant selection of instruments.
I believe IMS will have some that are 'B' and 'C' stock.
If you can get down to Raleigh, check in with Rodney Marsh.
<www.marshwoodwinds.com.
For what my unsolicited advice is worth, I would NOT buy a new horn.
The depreciation is outrageous. I would also not buy from the NYC dealers, as their gear tends to be heavily worn - and pricey.
The Selmer Signature is a gorgeous instrument, but so is the 10S, the direct ancestor - at much lower cost.
The LeBlanc Concerto is nearly the same instrument as the Opus, with a savings of nearly $750! (that one little key must cost a stack)...
I would never have forked over so much cash for my Opus if I had played the Ridenour TR147 first. It's just a piece of hard rubber with some holed drilled here and there, but MAN what a sound!
******
I would also consider the Amati line, which are bargain priced and serious instruments. If you can find a Couesnon Monopole, that's another sleeper.
Your Evette may be the diamond in the rough. Some of those were amazingly good instruments, with a superior scale and good sound.
*******
All that being said, there's nothing like buying a new instrument.
If it were me, I would take the drive "Up the Mountain"...
just bring some biscuits for Hunter, the Lord of the Manor.
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-05-20 22:30
Buffet Evette & Schaeffer clarinets made during the 70s are excellent semiprofessional instruments. Get rid of your original barrel and buy an R-13 66mm barrel. Moennig barrel would be even better choice.
By the way, with a little tuning/undercutting work (by the expert) E&S will be as good as any R13 out there.
Vytas Krass
Pro clarinet technician.
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker.
Former pro clarinet player.
Post Edited (2004-05-21 04:23)
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