 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2004-08-18 05:34
I'm looking at getting an A clarinet, so I was in a music store today trying out a few models.
They didn't have many, but the ones that they did have were
A Buffet E-11.
A Yamaha Custom.
The great and wonderful Buffet R-13.
I'm not going to talk about the E-11 as it is unfair to compare intermediate models with professional ones. It was an acceptable instrument.
As for the other 2...
First of all, I had to get used to the fact that they sounded a semitone lower than a Bb clarinet, and were more resistant.
There something not sealing properly on the Yamaha, so I suggested that the store should get it checked out.
The Buffet had a better response, but I prefered the sound and intonation of the Yamaha. In particular, there was a rather serious roughness on lower clarion B and C that was present on the Buffet but not the Yamaha. The Yamaha also had a more even sound across it's range and just felt better to play. So I think that will be the one that I go with when I can afford to.
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-08-18 05:58
G'day Rachel
Sounds like you made some good assessments based what was available at the time. If you're in Sydney ... Sax and Woodwind (Annandale, just off Parramatta Road) normally has a good range to try out. Can I suggest you diversify your search a little bit more? Perhaps look at a variety of R-13s plus Selmer and Leblanc ... I've played a pro yamaha once or twice, I too was very happy at just how even they are across the tonal range.
diz | sydney
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2004-08-18 06:07
I'm in Brisbane.
I do plan to widen my search.
I tried a LeBlanc Opus Bb a couple of years ago and was unimpressed- it was stuffy and no better in tone etc than my Yamaha 34. But maybe the A is better, I'll have to try it.
I was quite taken with the Yamaha though...
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Author: donald
Date: 2004-08-18 07:59
try playing the Yamaha really loudly- i have extensively played two Yam As and found them both fabulous, but neither sounded great above mf/f (i loved both instruments when playing solo at low dynamics, but neither projected well in the orchestra or for concerto solo etc)... may be a problem exclusive to me, but take the time to check it out
donald
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2004-08-19 00:56
Donald- I did try it through a range of dynamics. The problem that you mentioned wasn't there.
I am planning on trying some other clarinets, but in my experience I've found that Yamaha clarinets work better for me than anything else I've tried.
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-08-19 01:51
Rachel ... the Yamaha pro brand is a good one ... to be sure. Remember ... I don't give a stuff what pot the coq-au-vin's cooked in, so long as it tastes wonderful.
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Author: LeOpus1190s
Date: 2004-08-19 03:51
Even though I don't play them, Check out the concerto clarinets by leblanc, more particular the first generation of the concerto's A clarinets. They are awesome A clarinets, with great intonation and evenness, they practically play themself.
Perhaps woodwind and brasswind would have a few left over. If you order, the longer ago the horn was made the better in my opinion.
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Author: vrufino
Date: 2004-08-20 16:15
I play on an R13 A to which I have had a Moenig register tube inserted in place of the original. The instrument plays much better with the Moenig tube. However, my biggest caveat is do not settle for an instrument, since very few clarinetist will replace their A's because they wore them out. I agree that brand does not matter (although I have played Buffet for 45 years).
If a music store is agreeable, ask if you can give them a deposit and take the clarinets to your home and play them where you usually practice so that you hear them under familiar conditions, and to play them for several days not just the time you have in the shoppe.
Dr. Vincent J. Rufino
Professor of clarinet and saxophone
St. Elizabeth University
Morristown, NJ
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2004-08-21 06:39
I still haven't had a chance to look at anything else yet... I do seriously think I will go with my original choice, though, because as soon as whatever was not sealing or not aligned properly is fixed, that instrument will be EXACTLY what I am looking for. Unless of course I find something that's beyond my wildest dreams.
I have a cold. :(
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2004-08-21 16:07
With the Buffet A clarinets make sure there is not a drastic colour change from the Chalumeau C to D and also upper chalumeau E to F throat notes
This is a problematic area on many newer Buffet A clarinets.....
David Dow
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2004-08-22 00:38
Hi, Rachel.
I'm also testing out A clarinets these days. With recommendation from a teacher, I tried 2 Selmer 10 G A cla's the other day. One felt better than the other. The shopowner promised me to give some discount, because it seems now adays not many people look for Selmers here...
However, I'll also try a used Festival A next week, and finalize my selection between two. New Selmer or used Festival...The price difference is not so great.
Lucy Lee Jang
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