 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: myrnabs
Date: 2006-02-24 22:52
Can anyone please tell me what instrument is considered good professional quality? I have been hearing a lot about the new Oris & Weir. But if I am going to invest in something I want it to be top of the line. I mean this will probably be the last clarinet that I purchase. Appreciate any help in this one.
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Author: Neil
Date: 2006-02-25 00:11
Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc, and Yamaha are the major clarinet manufacturers. Each of them has student, intermediate, and professional models. For a professional quality instrument you'll be shelling out a couple of grand so due dilligence on your part is advised. Search this board and you'll uncover a wealth of information on this topic. Good Luck.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-02-25 00:26
I've always been wary of Orsi instruments - I've seen too many of their oboes that are badly made and this has tarnished their reputation in my eyes, in so much that I wouldn't consider buying anything by them.
I'm not making your mind up for you, but if you can try them ALL out, then do that - try every make that you can, even better is to try them all out at the same time to make direct comparisons so you know which one is best suited to you - and you may be surprised at your final decision that you come away with the one you never would have initially considered.
If I hadn't tried Selmers I would have bought Leblancs, and if I'd never tried Leblancs I would have bought Buffets, and if I never tried Buffets I'd have bought B&H 1010s as my first clarinet was a B&H 2-20 (same as an Edgware).
Probably doesn't make any sense now I've read it!
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2006-02-25 00:41
Often talking to an music instructor will help finding a nice professional horn. Unfortunately every maker has good and bad instruments. You should consider getting some assistance so that you get what you want the first time, instead of ending up with a number of purchases to get you what you really wanted the first time.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-02-25 17:43
"But if I am going to invest in something I want it to be top of the line. I mean this will probably be the last clarinet that I purchase."
I understand your viewpoint 100%. Like you, I have no desire to buy instrument after instrument on some hopeless quest to find the right one.
But I'd be a bit wary of the "top of the line" argument. There are many fine players (and even more indifferent ones) playing clarinets that are not "top of the line". The R13 is the obvious example; it is far from the most expensive instrument that Buffet make, but many players are entirely happy with their R13 and have no wish to trade up to a more expensive model. Similarly, those professionals who play a Leblanc Concerto probably don't do so because they can't afford an Opus.
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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: Vytas
Date: 2006-02-25 19:34
David Peacham said:
****There are many fine players (and even more indifferent ones) playing clarinets that are not "top of the line". The R13 is the obvious example;****
R-13 clarinets made from 1955 till around 1977 are top of the line clarinets.
With the introduction of various 'improved' models the R-13 became professional standard here in US.
Is there a difference between these R-13s made now and then?
Yes!
1. Lousy finish on the current ones that doesn't last longer than 10 years.
2. No hand finishing/tuning on the tone holes.
First impression is that newer instruments are slightly better than the vintage ones, but after several years in the service any vintage R-13 is a clear winner.
It's funny, but you can find a 100 years old Buffet clarinet with a shiny bore. Shiny bore is an indication that the original finish is still there and the wood is dimensionally more stable from those with the dull looking bore. That's way you hear things like "blow out" When finish is gone dimensional instability kicks in.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-02-26 11:30
Hey Vytas,
I'll take the lousy finish and the unfinished tone holes. My R-13, though far from tuning as well as a Wurlitzer, is much better than any of the Vintages that I have tried. But as we say on the BB all the time, it comes down to personal preference. Still, the Vintage tunes quirky, the Prestige is bright and the Tosca dosen't vent the low E - what is Buffet thinking??????
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: dbourque
Date: 2006-03-12 15:41
John Weir was in Toronto this weekend to show his new clarinets. For what it is worth, I think that Weir has got something here.
He has 2 models - a Euro and an American model. They have done considerable research on barrel/mpc matching and, boy, does it make a difference. They are very well made instruments, superb wood (both grenadilla and cocobolo versions are available), have an excellent scale and are voiced very even.
I think they are worth trying for sure. Two of my TSO colleagues had the chance to try them as well and were quite impressed.
David Bourque
Bass Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
dave@davidbourque.ca
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Author: dbourque
Date: 2006-03-12 15:45
Re: the message that suggests to avoid Orsi instruments, you need to know that the Orsi Weir instrument is a brand new partnership between the Italian make Orsi and the Canadian designer John Weir.
This clarinet has absolutely nothing to do with previous Orsi efforts. It has been designed from the ground up by John Weir. The bodies are made to his specs at the Orsi factory, then they are shipped to Canada where Weir custom fits the keywork and tweaks the instrument if necessary. They are of the highest manufactured quality.
David Bourque
Bass Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
dave@davidbourque.ca
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2006-03-12 15:49
I also saw John Weir this weekend - we had a display of Orsi & Weir clarinets at the store I work for. They are absolutely top notch. I got to try them in context as well. VP of the company, Patti Goodwin and I played duets on just about all of the varieties of clarinet they brought. I loved the response and sound.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2006-03-12 15:49
I do think it's interesting (though certainly not important) that in a history of ownership of - I don't want to say how many - clarinets, I have bought two new, "top-of-the-line" horns. Neither of them is still with me, but the stuff from the 30s and 40s will be in my music room at my death.
Bill.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-03-13 14:04
I always recommend a Buffet R-13 to people who are wanting to buy a professional-level instrument that will last their whole career as a player. It's pretty much the standard. There are many others as well, but stay within the BIG four manufacturers, Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer or Yamaha. And buy from someone who lets you return or play-test the instrument.
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Author: SVSorna05
Date: 2006-03-14 06:24
I recently bought an Orsi &Weir Barrell. It is superb. I talked with them before I bought it and tried many out. The wood is fabulous and the workmanship is top notch. The Barrel sound beautiful. These guys are for real
-Dain-
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2009-04-06 08:58
These are great instruments as good or even better than Buffet R13's. John Weir does all of the key work by hand making this a custom instrument in every way.
jmsa
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2009-04-06 10:54
jmsa - Please fix your email address ASAP. You can choose to hide the email address, but I require a valid email address on file.
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