 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-10-04 14:54
I'm sure there was a post about affordable A clarinets some time ago, but just try doing a search for 'A clarinet'!
Anyway, it looks like we may be getting together a small amateur orchestra here and although I have a nice collection of Bb clarinets, I don't have one in A.
I really don't want to spend a fortune at this time and given the number of instruments I've collected over the years, would have problems explaining the cost to my other half without suffering serious injury. ;-)
There are relatively cheap hard rubber A clarinets called 'Wisemann' here in Europe, no doubt made in China. From previous posts I think these are 'Barrington' in the USA and I've heard very mixed reports about them.
Then again, I could buy an old A clarinet from Ebay. There was a Malerne on sale recently, but I've never heard of this make.
Any other suggestions most appreciated.
Steve
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Author: DressedToKill
Date: 2006-10-04 15:19
Malernes are usually very nice horns that play well, and when properly set up, are all the clarinet and then some that an amateur player could probably want.
You might also want to consider the Allora A clarinet, designed by Tom Ridenour, for under $600 at WWBW or Music123.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-10-04 17:08
(Disclaimer - David and I are friends and always go Dutch)
I would contact David Spiegelthal who is the antithesis of the Big 4 clarinet collector (and proud of it) and often refurbishes good quality but not well known brands of clarinets to fine playing instruments. His offerings are very good value. He supplied me with a nice playing olive green hard rubber "A" clarinet that he rescued from becoming a lamp that is a real gem (his eye for beauty is a little screwed but not playing characteristics).
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-10-04 18:10
> rescued from becoming a lamp
I won't tell you what went through my mind when I looked at the pepper mill in the pizzeria today...
--
Ben
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2006-10-04 19:09
Thank you for the pseudo-kudo, Dr. Omar, but alas, I have no "A" clarinets of any brand currently, other than my own personal no-name hard-rubber one. These beasts are very hard to find!
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2006-10-04 19:57
The other option is to pick up a used A and send it to David, or another one of the first class techs that lurk around here, for an overhaul. David rebuilt my Symphonie 3 A and it is the best it has ever been. Even a good quality student instrument will play pretty well after such a treatment, certainly well enough for a start-up community orchestra.
Look over GBKs list of CSOs to avoid and check the archives for recommended instruments outside of the big 4 (Buffet, Leblanc, Selmer & Yamaha), and happy hunting. (By the way, you'll find Malerne on the list of good instruments.)
I hate to recommend this (as I have more than a few clarinets stuffed in nooks around the house), but your significant other may be assuaged enough by the sale of one of the Bb's to allow an A to come in through the front door.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-10-04 22:26
Caveat emptor! A mediocre Bb clarinet can be lived with, but a bad A clarinet is usually aboninable! The poor ones I've seen over the years are usually so badly out of tune that any kind of ensemble playing is torture for all concerned! And some of those instruments are labeled Buffet, Selmer and Leblanc!
A talented student of mine a few years ago needed an A clarinet in a hurry as she won an audition for regional (honors) orchestra. After trying every strategy (they ordered one advertised as a Buffet A clarinmet on eBay -- turned out to be a Bb; the seller thought that "Buffet-Crampon [etc.] a Paris" meant that it was an "a" clarinet). They finally ended up buying a Buffet Festival A at local music emporium, and it is a fine instrument.
Maybe you've got to bite the bullet!
PS: Buffet advertises an E11A in their literature, but we were told (back then) that there are none available in the US.
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-10-05 06:44
Thanks for all the ideas!
- "You might also want to consider the Allora A clarinet, designed by Tom Ridenour, for under $600 at WWBW or Music123." --
That sounds exactly what I need!
I hadn't heard of the Allora but I remember reading some excellent articles by Tom Ridenour about clarinet design, wood vs hard rubber etc. I believe his ideas were rather controversial, but he impressed me by taking into account the opinions of the people listening to the music as well as the opinions of the person playing.
..."David Spiegelthal who is the antithesis of the Big 4 clarinet collector (and proud of it) and often refurbishes good quality but not well known brands of clarinets " --
It was David who convinced me that what I thought was just a 'dirty old rosewood' Couesnon was actually dried-out grenadilla desperate for oiling. He was absolutely right.
Steve
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2006-10-05 11:04
I see used A clarinets all the time in this area. Maybe we just have more failed orchestral clarinetists.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-10-05 16:16
I've seen several (real) B&H A clarinets on that famous site, some Edgwares, Emperors, Imperial 926 and Symphony 1010 A clarinets that aren't hugely expensive - even for a pair.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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