 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Donnie Christian
Date: 2004-10-28 03:33
If given a choice which would you choose and why?
Buffet E11 Eb
or
Patricola Rosewood Eb
Thanks in advance for the info!!
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-10-28 06:19
I can't say I've tried both Eb models, but I have tried both models in Bb and A and here is what I found.
I really liked the sound of the Patricola. It's different from the Buffet maybe a little thinner (not sure how to describe sound, most people use vague words like dark and bright) but very unique. If sound was the only issue (and it's the most important issue for me) I would buy the Patricola A clarinet in a heartbeat, but they had some serious problems. The throat (thumb and index finger) Bb was rediculously stuffy. The side Bb was actually great but the thumb one was too stuffy to even consider. The keywork was pretty bad overall (for example when playing right pinky C you can't avoid touching the B key as well). Maybe these problems don't exist on the Eb clarinet, but all the As and some of the Bbs had them.
The E11 was mechanically very good. In my opinion, in terms of comfort of the keywork, Buffet has the best clarinets. The problem I had with it is when I started playing it I didn't hear that special sound I'm looking to find in a clarinet, but I'm in a minority here I think. Most pepole like matching Bb and A clarinets etc. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the E11 sound, just not my taste. All E11s were pretty consistant.
I'm very much against buying an instrument (and especially a clarinet) without trying it first, but since you asked this question it sounds like you might not be able to try it before you buy. If that is the case and you will order online or something like that, do not buy the Patricola, but I think the E11 is a pretty safe bet. If you are a beginner also I recommend against the Patricola since it's easy to miss all those problems as a beginner and then you will have to work so much harder to advance. Much more important to beginners is a comfertable clarinet and sound is in second place. If you are advanced and will be able to try both then you don't really need my advice, but really look at everything you possibly can think of in the Patricola before buying it.
Good luck.
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Author: Kev
Date: 2004-10-28 07:53
As clarnibass said, you really should try them out (maybe at a local store) before ordering them from some place. In defense of the Patricolas, don't forget that the "stuffy" throat tones might be a result of your mouthpiece / barrel choice.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-10-28 10:26
Kev,
When you say "you really should try them out (maybe at a local store) before ordering them from some place" are you suggesting not ordering from the place where you try the clarinet.
I don't think any music store owners will be real excited about you trying their instruments so you can then order elsewhere.
HRL
Post Edited (2004-10-28 10:47)
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2004-10-28 11:58
Hank,
I have tried instruments in 3 different shops before making up my mind about the brand/model.... The one who sold it cheap and give good service will always win
The instruments may already be in the local shop, so why shouldn't he try them there......maybe he will find a great instrument there and end up buying it....
Post Edited (2004-10-28 13:02)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-10-29 20:37
Kev wrote: "In defense of the Patricolas, don't forget that the "stuffy" throat tones might be a result of your mouthpiece / barrel choice."
Absolutely not the case. With the same mouthpiece I didn't have that problem on the Buffets and other brands. It was only the Bb that was stuffy too, the A was fine. I tried closing the "Bb mechanism" that is suppose to help and there was no difference at all. I used the stock barrels on all instruments I tried so if the Patricola barrels are that bad (again I didn't have problems with stock barrels of other brands) it's another reason to avoid them. But it can't really be the barrel since only the Bb was stuffy. the A and G# were fine. Must be something in the design.
Post Edited (2004-10-30 06:58)
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