 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Christi
Date: 2000-01-01 17:06
I am looking at buying a new clarinet. Cost doesn't matter. I have been playing on my very old wood bundy for six years. It's sound isnt the best but is better than some new plastic horns. What brand is good for wood clarinets? Where can i find them
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-01-01 17:14
Christi,
Check the Resources/Retail section of Sneezy to get names of manufacturers and distributors.
There are the big 4 - Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha
Then there's the specialty makers: Eaton, Howarth, Patricola, Rossi (and a few more that escape me) for French systems.
Then there's the German - with the big 2 - Wurlitzer & Hammerschmidt - and I don't know _how_ many specialty makers after that.
The most popular "pro" level clarinet in the USA is currently the Buffet R-13 - but popularity and best aren't necessarily the same thing. Be advised that the pro level clarinets of all the above makers have a pretty fair market.
You'll need to try out a number and see for yourself. If you live near one of the big retailers, you can go and visit them. If not, you can make arrangements with the mail-order merchants (and assuming you have a substantial credit limit on your credit card & you live in the USA) order 2 or 3 clarinets at a time and select the one you like best.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-01-01 20:01
Actually, with good planning, an airline ticket from the boondocks to one of the big cities is pretty cheap. Just pick the major dealer and set up in advance with them so that they can be sure to be ready to work with you and have sufficient instruments on hand.
This is the approach I plan to take when I can manage to save up enough for the instrument.
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Author: HIROSHI
Date: 2000-01-01 23:23
Other things to be considered.
1)Cost does matter. German or Austrian models>>Peter Eaton and Rossi>>Pro model of mass markets of Buffet,Leblanc,and Selmer.
The ratio of price may be roughly 4:2:1.
2)Selmer Signature is becoming noted to have very good intonations.
3)If you buy German or Austrian models, it should be considered that their original key systems are not Boehm system but Oeler system. They make Boem systmes also but with additional costs.
4)Rossi's is made of one piece body. They make also clarinets of other materials than grenadilla such as rose wood.
5)If cost does not matter, customized clarinets based on mass produced pro models are also available at some shops.
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Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 2000-01-02 17:31
I should echo Mark. I think it would be better if you went to like Muncy on the East Coast or Woodwind and Brasswind on the West Coast. I have a reason!!! Hear me out. This is because generally the mail-order places will only let you try 2-3 at a time, so what happens when you find one you like in one try and another in your second try and you sent both back and you can't compare them without the place sending them out again. You'll probably need to try about 5 to hedge your bets--you know trying all the makers and after you find the maker you like you'll have to compare different clarinets of the same model (yes, there are differences). I would do what Dee said. Next year I get to splurge and get my pro clarinet! YAY.
The Freshman,
Nicole Y.
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Author: Kim
Date: 2000-01-06 00:24
Any brand is good for wooden clarinets. The best thing to do is try them out. I prefer Buffet R-13's, but you should try instruments out to see what you're comfortable with. Good brands are Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, and Yamaha. I have no preference other than to try the instruments out.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-01-06 02:52
Kim wrote:
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Any brand is good for wooden clarinets.
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This is not correct. There are bad wooden clarinets. Anyone who gets stuck with an old Pan American for example has my deepest sympathy. Even today there are some ultra cheap wood clarinets available that are simply a waste of wood.
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