 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: concertino
Date: 2005-04-03 22:35
I've decided to get a Leblanc clarinet. I need help deciding between the Rapsodie or the Sonata. Any help is appreciatied, especially about the Rapsodie.
Thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-04-03 22:46
Ask yourself, and answer these so we can help you even more:
How old are you, what is the price range you are looking at, what styles of music to do you play, what is my future in clarinet playing, and why have you decided to go Leblanc?
Try all of the Big 4 manufacturers (Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc, and Yamaha)
http://www.wwbw.com/Leblanc-Rapsodie-Clarinet-i117880.music?t=4
http://www.wwbw.com/Leblanc-Sonata-Bb-Clarinet-i54086.music?t=4
Test them out first and try at least 3. I would say try as many as humanly possible to pick the one you like the best. Take it to a reputable repair person before you actually buy it to see if it's in good condition and see if they think it would be a good horn to buy.
Hope I was accurate and that I could help at all!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2005-04-04 14:21
Not familiar with the Rhapsodie, but the Sonato model is an accoustical twin to the Opus model, Leblancs top-of-line clarinet. When I was at the Kenosha LeBlanc facility auditiong clarinets, Tom Ridenour--LeBlancs head accoustician who designed them (back then)--made the comment that, "if it were me (him), I would buy a set of Sonatas and save a lot of money". He went on to explain that the same set of tools were used to make the Sonata clarinets as made the more expensive Opus and Concerto clarinets and that they essentially, "played the same". But you have to try a few to make certain that you find "the one" that is best for you. And try other clarinets--including the Rhap.--as well.
Bottom line--disregard the label and buy the clarinet that plays best for you.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2005-04-05 16:00
I have never touched a Rhapsodie or Sonata, I do play a Bb Concerto and Opus A. However I was talking to Eddie Daniels just after he had play tested a Rhapsodie and he was really singing its praises. Understand he is a leading Leblanc artist so you'd expect him be pro Leblanc but he was very enthusiastic and said it was the best intermediate clarinet he had ever played.
I would second the advice to play test as many horns as you can get your hands on and take a tuner with you and if possible an experienced player to listen as you test. I personally think every brand has some real gems along with some real dogs and it is easy to get enamered with a new horn only to relaize later that you will never be able to play certain notes anywhere near in tune or that great new tone you thought you had isn't as great as you thought.
Good Luck
RW
Best
Rick
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
