The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: clarin
Date: 2007-01-30 05:46
I want to buy a new Clarinet for about $1000. Which one is better? Buffet, Selmer?...
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sockmonkey70
Date: 2007-01-30 05:53
I have played both brands...I had a student grade Selmer that actually played very well for the 5 years I used it with a mouthpiece and barrell upgrade..When I upgraded my entire clarinet, I got a new Buffet R-13 which I absolutely adored. I did have to use a different mouthpiece...Didn't really like the feel of the stock mouthpiece. I loved they way the keys felt..Very smooth to play.
Anyway..If you are in highschool band still, you may can get a discount on a clarinet like I did. I got my R-13 for $1500 through my band director. Otherwise..you probably would have to buy used to obtain an R-13 in your price range. As long as you stick with Selmer, Buffet, LeBlanc, or Yamaha, you should do just fine.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mags1957
Date: 2007-01-30 11:16
At that price, nothing comes close to Tom Ridenour's Lyrique clarinet. do a Google search on his name and check out his website. There is a debate going on about whether his clarinets are as good as (or better than) the top-of-the line Buffets, Selmers, etc. which run $3000-$4000 and up. And their are differing opinions about that, to be sure. Some respected players choose the Lyrique over any other clarinet, price not being a consideration. But for under $1000 for a brand new clarinet, I would not hesitate to recommend the Lyrique over the E-11, or any other clarinet. Also, you get your clarinet set-up, with undercut tone holes, cork left hand pads, and finished very finely by Tom Ridenour himself (the designer of Leblanc's top-of-the-line Opus models). Do NOT overestimate the importance of having your clarinet properly set-up by a master technician. I've played a LOT of my students' R-13's that were almost unplayable out of the box. You also get 2 very nice barrels, and a $180 custom mouthpiece. ALL for under $1000. Unbeatable, IMO.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2007-01-30 14:14
Seconded - the Lyrique line for Tom Ridenour is a giant killer.
Don't be fooled by the "professional clarinets are wooden" reasoning.
Professional oboe and English Horn players make a good living with plastic and hard rubber instruments.
FYI - New instruments are VERY expensive. If you wait a few more weeks, many players will be giving up their nice clarinets (in Spring).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-01-30 16:50
Alternatively, if you have some time, you can check the woodwind.org (this site's) classifieds. I've found three gems of clarinets through it. And some VERY good deals.
Alexi
PS - Just do it smartly. Protect yourself by using receipts, or anything else you know of to document that there was a transaction.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|