 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DTrinh09
Date: 2005-11-13 04:57
Well, I'm pretty much asking for the pricing and specifications on Buffet B-12 Bb Clarinet. If you please can, try to answer at least the following, because I've checked many websites and their sources aren't consistent or accurate:
Body work: Plastic or wood? What's the difference between a plastic with a "wood appearance" and just a plastic? Does it enhance anything or is it just for appearance? Also, what does "ABS resin" mean? How does it compare to other student model clarinets' body such as a Yamaha CL250?
Key work: Are the keys nickel plated or silver plated? I keep getting different answers from online music sites like www.wwbm.com and www.music123.com. Is there a choice between the two then? If so, how are pricings affected? Also, does the Yamaha YCL250 have nickel or silver plated keys?
Mouthpiece: What mouthpiece is included with purchase of the B-12?
Case: What kind of case typically comes with the clarinet?
Pads: I've checked around and I've read that the B10 (I'm assuming it's the precedent of the B12) has "Valentino" pads and that the Yamaha YCL250 also uses those pads. However, the B12 uses "Double fish/skin"? What difference does it make between using those kinds of pads?
Tone holes: Does the B12 use straight or undercut? Many of my sources differ in answers so I don't know which to trust.
Pricing: How much do these typically go for at local stores? Most online shops say $463 or something, but a few local stores reported prices under $400. What would the optimal price be?
Overall opinions on instrument: [your personal response]
Other recommendations for clarinets within 400 dollars: Nyeh, nyeh?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2005-11-13 09:15
> The Forte clarinet is a much better instrument than the B12.
If I were only able to navigate their web site with Firefox...arrrgh.
--
Ben
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-11-13 09:20
The first B12 I saw I was disgusted with Buffet.
The one I saw had a split bell tenon receiver, because Buffet is now making the rings from a easily-snapped plastic, nickel plated to pretend to be made of metal.
The whole idea of these rings is to provide the strength of metal in a place where it most definitely NEEDED!
To use plastic rings is to make it even weaker than dispensing with the rings altogether, because an unglued laminate is a lot weaker than the same profile made from solid.
Furthermore I head that replacement rings are not available. I hope that has changed. A lot will be needed!
How could Buffet stoop so low! Head for Yamaha.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-11-13 14:41
I bought a B12 new based on the theory that , being a Buffet, it had to be good. Wrong. Based on my experience the only thing good about it is its light weight which might be an advantage for a young player.
Bob Draznik
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2005-11-13 19:37
It's plastic. ABS is the specific type of plastic. The surface is made matt rather than shiny so it looks like wood from a distance.
In the UK, the B12 and the YCL250 both have silver-plated keys. This may not be true everywhere, I don't know. Nickel might be a bit cheaper- it shouldn't make a lot of difference to the price, if it did, I'm sure nickel would be offered as an option in the UK.
The B10 is cheaper than the B12, and doesn't have such a good reputation.
The mouthpiece that comes with the B12 is a Buffet mouthpiece, which has a poor reputation. The standard Yamaha mouthpiece is better, but not spectacular.
The case is a hard case, which is perfectly adequate.
In the UK, most students start on either the B12 or the YCL250. We produce plenty of fine clarinet players.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-11-13 21:03
"It's plastic. ABS is the specific type of plastic. "
No offence here David but I always wonder how people can make such positive statements about plastics. If you had said, "Buffet ads say they are made from ABS" I wouldn't mind. It takes quite a bit of expertise to identify a type of plastic. And there are various "recipes" for versions of ABS also. Certainly one can learn to play on a B12, no question about that, but the Buffet name commands an undeserved premium for this horn.
Bob Draznik
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2005-11-13 21:15
Besides, isn't ABS a thermoplastic? Zat good for a horn?
--
Ben
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Author: Shorthand
Date: 2005-11-13 21:45
While there is a good correlation between the quality and design of mid-range instruments and the professional instruments of a certain make, the beginner instruments are often outsourced, stenciled, or simply beneath the dignity/time value of the top designers at a company.
I believe that with a polycylindrical bore, the Forte is more similar to a Buffet R-13 than a Buffet B-12 (or maybe even an E-11).
There was that cool-looking clear B-12 with copper-plated keywork awhile back, though.
I would recommend that Forte find a new web designer, though. The current Forte site looks downright unprofessional.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2005-11-13 23:29
> I would recommend that Forte find a new web designer, though.
<raises hand>
Needn't be a designer. Any old content management system would do. I use a simple wiki system.
--
Ben
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-11-14 03:26
(Disclaimer - I am a maker of the Forte')
A revised web site is in progress. My report from the Bands Of America National Finals - Indianapolis: I did a pretty comprehensive survey (during the 14 hour show days) of band directors and players on a number of issues. Caveats should of course include that these are well funded and supported premier marching bands in the US. The majority of finalist bands were from the Midwest, TX, CA, and FL.
The majority of bands are using Yamaha clarinets followed by Selmer, LeBlanc and Buffet. Overall, band directors indicate that they feel the quality of student, marching band use clarinets has deteriorated in the last two years as opposed to previous year's specimens. The most common mechanical problems are caused by students - bridge keys, bent keys, and the lower keys out of adjustment. However, initial quality fit and finish, and setup of clarinets purchased is not up to expectations with many major initial problems that required a technician to fix.
I will not go into specifics about problems noted for each manufacturer because it would be hear-say and biased.
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: DTrinh09
Date: 2005-11-14 03:46
Well, since many of you have returned negative feedback toward the B12, I'm hearing Forte and Yamahas as a better way to go. Anybody else have in-depth opinions/facts of the Forte? I have never heard of that manufacturer until now and I'm interested about its quality and worth. =) THanks.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-11-14 13:07
There have been several reviews and threads on the BB about Forte' - a search of previous threads will give you information.
L. Omar Henderson
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