 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2005-03-26 11:23
Yup, this is a Buffet vs. Leblanc post, you'd better believe it!
I've played on Leblanc for a good 2 years now and love them and have got a lot out of them - they've really helped me learn.
But I'm in my final year of college and next year when I move into the 'real world' of clarinet playing, I want to be accepted, and I want to get gigs.
Now there's a situation where I have the opportunity to buy (second hand) the most perfect pair of Concertos. They play fantastically even and are just so resonant.
But on the other hand, if I'm selling my current pair of Leblancs, should I just make the leap and get Buffets? I know I'm going to have to switch sooner or later.
What do you all think?
Thanks.
__________________
Don't hate me because I play Leblanc! ![[down]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley23.gif) Buffet
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-03-26 11:31
If you play well, you could show up with a garden hose, and get paid.
Brand perception may be less entrenched amongst those playing other instruments in the pit - particularly the director.
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Author: Erdinet
Date: 2005-03-26 13:10
The whole idea that you will not get work if you do not play the proper brand of instrument is simple ridiculous to me. I first heard it about two years ago when a doubler told me that you will not get work playing a Yanagisawa sax since it does not blend with the vintage Mark VI's. (Um...isn't the first point of good good jazz playing to develop your own sound? Then you MAKE that sound blend with those around you. Has any one listened to the Ellington sax section?!)
Now, I like that think I have a pretty good ear for things musical. I have produced a few recordings, played a few dates, jammed a few sessions and so on... Never once can I recall thinking or hearing a single person state, "Get that guy a different horn, he is not blending." I can recall looking down the line in sax sections seeing what looked to be mouthpieces that were going to be difficult to make sound part of a section (like any time I would see metal Link or Dukoff or any Claude Lakey on an alto sax). But I never looked at a horn and thought, "Man that guy is gonna have some time playing in the section."
It all comes back to, can you play? In tune, on time, every time in a musical and appropriate manner. If you prefer LeBlanc then play them, plain and simple. Any further discussion as to the superior nature of any instrument in my mind starts to wander off in to the land of egotism and silliness. Its fun to talk shop and express one's opinion, but I have played too many not so great Selmers, Keilwerths, Buffets, and Yamahas (can't find a place to try a lot of LeBlancs or Yanagisawas in my area...go figure) to say that one brand is superior. Its about preference...personal preference and that is taking personal responsiblity for how you sound. If you think you sound better on LeBlanc go forth. If you like the feel better on Selmer but don't sound as good then make that decision as well.... No one said this music and Clarinet thing was easy.
I am sure you will make the right decision for you. Now, my Prestige bass is calling! Later.
Adam
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Author: Douglas
Date: 2005-03-26 14:12
A "perfect pair" of clarinets? Do they really exist? I think I just saw the Easter bunny.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2005-03-26 14:41
I realize that not everyone is rich but I would look at the big picture here. If you are a serious clarinetist I would suggest holding on to your present instruments and try to purchase others when you can afford it . You will make up your own mind eventually as you compare them. I think many clarinetists own more than one set of clarinets. Your main concern should be resale value of the instruments in question.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: pewd
Date: 2005-03-26 14:59
i've played buffets for over 20 years.
my 2nd in the symphony plays a leblanc.
and she's always perfectly in tune with me.
so.... if it ain't broke, dont fix it...
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-03-26 15:09
" If you are a serious clarinetist I would suggest holding on to your present instruments and try to purchase others when you can afford it . You will make up your own mind eventually as you compare them. I think many clarinetists own more than one set of clarinets. Your main concern should be resale value of the instruments in question. "
Totally disagree. If you are a serious clarinetist then you should have the set of instruments that allows you to sound your best right now. If you are choosing this path as your career, you invest (or borrow) now to get your payback later. Nobody is going to hire you on the promise that your tone will be better or your pitch more accurate once you can afford that great set of instruments. As for resale value, again, if you are a pro, who cares. If you invest $5,000 US and never get a cent in resale, but you work for the next 30 years, you made the right choice.
In answer to the main question, try a variety of instruments, and invest in the ones that let you play at your best. The audition committe isn't hiring a Buffet or LeBlanc, they are hiring a player.
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Author: Dano
Date: 2005-03-26 16:23
I find it unbelievable that someone would think that they are someday going to need to switch to Buffet in order to make money playing clarinet. Can't imagine that there is anyone so "brand brain washed" as that. I think this must be a joke question and LeWhite is laughing because he got any response at all. Good one!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-26 16:32
"...the 'real world' of clarinet playing..."
"...and I want to get gigs..."
Each year (just in this country alone), conservatories and universities graduate hundreds of clarinetists whose playing ability borders on the unbelieveable.
The sad fact is that most will never earn a dime by strictly just playing the clarinet.
When you are young, the notion of being a "professional clarinetist" sounds noble and intriguing.
However, after a few years, when your friends have moved on and bought their own homes, have retirement plans in place, have disposable income, medical benefits, and treat themselves to the better things in life, the "professional clarinetist" monicker loses its luster very quickly.
A struggling musician is not a pretty sight...GBK
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2005-03-26 17:54
"should I just make the leap and get Buffets? I know I'm going to have to switch sooner or later"
You are joking, right??! Surely playing on a non-Buffet clarinet won't inhibit your chances of getting work?
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2005-03-26 18:34
Reasons you wouldn't get a nice professional gig:
95.50%: Scarcity of jobs and overabundance of applicants with equal or greater qualifications.
2.00%: They don't like your playing.
0.45%: They don't like you.
0.05%: They don't like your horn.
2.00%: Other
(Note that 42% of all statistics are made up on the spot)
If you manage to get an orchestral job that you can live off, they'll likely buy you a new set of horns anyways.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2005-03-26 21:12
Or, maybe Le White just wants those other clarinets.
So maybe he should go ahead and get them.
Of course, none of us (looks around the room) have more clarinets than we can use or that we bought "just because" . . .
Susan
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2005-03-26 21:57
Well this is quite a turnaround in opinion since two years ago when I was thinking of getting Leblancs. Two pieces of anecdotal evidence:
- On this very board, I very distinctly remember being told that if I ever wanted work I should play on what's acceptable. I was also told that I should look at what all the pro's here in Australia are using and follow suit (The thread is probably still here)
-Yesterday at a clarinet festival, there were a few students and a few pros (i.e the principal of Sydney Symph, Melbourne Symph. etc.) all trying this massive range of Buffets. The pros were extremely helpful with the students and genuinely wanted to help them find a nice Buffet. I was trying Leblancs and just got funny looks. In fact, the only contact I had with any of the pros was when I was in the way and he said "Excuse me".
In their defence I didn't go out of my way to ask for help, but neither did the students trying Buffets.
That said, thanks for the advice; I know for a fact that if I play well, what instrument I play on is of no consequence, it's just good to hear other people say it. I got 1st in my youth orchestra over 2 Buffet players so there's my first little shred of proof.
So, I think I'll get the 'perfect' pair of Leblancs...!
Thanks all.
__________________
Don't hate me because I play Leblanc! Buffet
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-03-27 00:34
My advice is to land the gig first and assert your principles later. v/r Ken
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-27 00:38
Ken has a very good point.
It all depends on which one you think will affect you moreso in the begining. If you think you can overcome whatever biases might be against you for playing a leblanc with your skill, then get the best set you can for your money (which seems to be the leblanc at this time).
If you think that you'd honestly have more of a chance landing the gig by playing on buffets, EVEN THOUGH they're not quite up to this perfect set, then go that route.
First and foremost is to get a position somewhere and hold it. Cause without the position, NO ONE will care what clarinets you play.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2005-03-27 05:23
Alexi and Ken
Yes, that's closer to the point I'm trying to make - I want to actually get SOMEWHERE first, then I can do what I want as my career gains momentum. Well, provided I can even get one to begin with, but that's another matter.
In a new revelation, today I had the pleasure and privelage of trying 5 Toscas, and they are worlds apart from not only all the other Buffet models, but from my Leblancs as well. Unfortunately they're just SO expensive.
__________________
Don't hate me because I play Leblanc! Buffet
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Author: William
Date: 2005-03-28 14:35
For what it might be worth--and mind you, this is just heresay (I heard it, he said it)--a New York "professional" clarinetist once told me that he "loved" the Concertos but was forced to play Buffets because "the kind of players I play with (in NYC) demand the Buffet sound".
Also, when my old clarinet professor switched LeBlanc Opus clarinets (early 90s), the other members of the universitys faculty woodwind quintet would not let him play them but rather demanded he continue using his old R13s. (To my ears, he sounded the same on both)
As for "expensive", for the present, that may be true. But ten years down the road, you may think, "what a bargain!!" Maybe, owning great a set of each LeBlancs and Buffets would be the "way to go". In situations where everyone can play "all the notes and rhythums", sometimes the least little advantage gets the gig.
Remember, the buzz phrase in the business world is "dress to impress". So--as a rookie--if you want to sub in the NY Philharmonic, perhaps Buffet would be appropriate. But in the Chicago Symphony next to Larry Combs, maybe LeBlancs would be a better choice. That is, if you are first good enough!!
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Author: larryb
Date: 2005-03-28 14:41
better get a set of Selmers too, if you want to sub in the NY Metropolitan Opera orchestra, I guess
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2005-03-28 14:59
And a set of First Acts if you want to play in the Wal-Mart/Sam's Club company band.
/shudders to think of the horror a First Act A clarinet would be
________________
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
Post Edited (2005-03-28 15:00)
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2005-03-28 15:14
After about 100 answers....finally someone(William) sort of agrees with my first post. Owning a set of Buffets and Leblancs seems fine to me. As a doubler my flute costs about as much as three of these instruments. Heaven help you if you were a bassoonist! Time will eradicate all doubts about what you prefer and what is practical to own in the performance field if you own both sets of instruments. If you feel the new Concertos are ABSOLUTELY superior to what you are playing presently then buy them. It is not so easy to say with certainty which instruments are better...especially just when trying them in a store for a short period of time. So only you have the answer to your question. It's your preference..as both instruments are widely used in the field.
Freelance woodwind performer
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