 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: yakkom
Date: 2000-05-20 03:29
Hello Everyone,
I am a long time enthusiast that has been using a Yamaha 72 for forever and am very happy with it. However, I am looking for a new sound. I recently heard a performance in which the clarinetist used a Buffet Elite. The thin wall produced a very unique sound. Before purchasing an Elite I wanted to know what all of you think about this instrument. Thanks in advance.
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2000-05-20 13:33
According to a Buffet retailer friend of mine who has been working at the BC factory, the Elite model is the same as the Festival, except for the thin wall and the exterior design. My experience from listening to colleagues who play the Elite is that it doesn't carry so well in an orchestra. It sounds a little thin and weak. For chamber music it might be more suitable. In my own opinion it's hardly worth the price though since it's more expensive than any other model. My friend calls it "a dentists clarinet", meaning an instrument for rich amateurs who wants a glittery instrument to show off with.
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Author: William
Date: 2000-05-20 14:49
I have played several Elites and never found one that I liked over my old R-13. FYI--If I had enough money to Buy a new Elite, I would buy a Rossi instead. His clarinets are superb. Try one before you decide, International Music Suppiers, DesPlains, Ill., has some in stock. Good luck.
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Author: William
Date: 2000-05-21 14:35
Chris--the website for IMS is www.intlmusicalsuppliers.com
They are located in DePlaines, Ill, and have the most complete stock of clarinets and supplies that I know of in the Mid-West. The owner, Lisa Argiris, is a professional clarinetist and I shows in the way she stocks her shelves.
Hope this info is what you wanted.
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Author: Kim
Date: 2000-05-22 02:08
My private teacher plays an elite and he sounds great on it. He plays in an orchestra and I have heard him hundreds of times and have never really percieved a problem with his sound getting barried. I know one of the reasons he really likes it is that it is very light weight and it doesn't bother his carpel tunnel as much. I have tried it out as well and found it to be nice but didn't really play it long enough to form a sound opinion. Ofcourse, that's just my personal opinion. It really depends on who's behind the instrument. Good Luck
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-05-22 22:23
Kim is on target, IMHO. It's the player who makes the horn, not the horn that makes the player. If weight is a substantial problem, fetch a neckstrap and retrofit the horn for it. If you can make the thin walled Elite dance and sing without getting buried, go for it. If it's the Elite that you simply cannot live without (if money were no object, I'd have a shelf full of Rossis... dream on), then buy it. If you have nothing but a plastic piece of junk and you can earn first chair with it, more power to you. I also absolutely believe in the "try before buy" concept. check it out against all other horns before you commit to the purchase.
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