 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: msboyd13
Date: 2007-02-12 21:33
I have been looking into buying a new clarinet. I don't have that much too spend but I have been attracted by what I've been reading about Ridenour clarinets. I started playing clarinet again in November when my sister gave me an Armstrong for my 40th birthday. Not the best clarinet but it has served me well to get me back into playing (after a 25 year break I might add). I live in Italy and no one I know has heard of these clarinets, including my teacher. I'll be going to the States to visit my family in a couple of weeks and am seriously considering investing in one of the two Bb clarinets.... I have a good mouthpiece (Vandoren B45) and ligature so I was considering the cheaper model (it's about 850)... but I'm not sure how much better the more expensive model is. Any experience out there with the two different Bb models? Any reason why I should fork out the extra 125 bucks (that I don't really have)?
Thanks
Michael
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob A
Date: 2007-02-12 23:32
Before you go, do a little research on the Forte' Bb. Try the 'search' activity and search for Forte' Bb. Good reviews with an outstanding price. Me? Unrelated, unconnected to the good Doctor Omar and buying his Forte' 'C"
Bob A
Post Edited (2007-02-12 23:35)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jaysne
Date: 2007-02-13 01:50
If you can at all afford the extra $125, it probably would be worth it. Quality never goes out of style. I bought an A Lyrique from Tom and am completely happy with it.
But if you really don't want to put up the extra $125, then go with the cheaper model. I'm sure it will play very nicely and you'll probably be very happy with it; plus you won't know what you were missing with the more expensive horn.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-02-13 06:07
I have been wondering about these instruments, too. Are they ment to be 'professional' clarinets or a 'step-up' clarinet? Are the keys made of good metal? How does it hold up over time?
I have a 20year old Festival now and I am wondering if the Ridenour is on the same level?
any advice?
-S
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mags1957
Date: 2007-02-13 17:57
IMO, the new Lyriques are indeed a professional instrument. Whether you personally like them better than a Buffet, Yamaha, Leblanc, Selmer, etc., is another question, but they certainly belong in that company.
There were concerns about the keys a while back, and Ridenour says on his website that they are newly formed, stronger and more durable. When I first started playing my Lyrique "A", I will admit that the key configuration seemed a bit uncomfortable at first, but similarly, I played a Selmer Recital recently, and also found it's key configuration uncomfortable. I am now completely comfortable with the Lyrique - it's just a normal adjustment period, getting used to a new instrument that's a different brand from what you've played before.
Of course I cannot vouch for how well they will hold up over time - time will tell, I guess.
For me, a key part of buying a Lyrique from Ridenour's website is that he hand finishes each instrument. My "A" arrived perfectly tweaked, with all cork inthe upper joint. Just a few weeks ago I got my Yamaha Bb back from Brannen, and they did their usual excellent job - the Lyrique is it's equal in terms of set-up, IMO. And TR stands behind his instruments, offering full service for any of his clients. He always answeres my emails promptly, and has been a pleasure to deal with.
I am in no way affiliated with Tom Ridenour or Lyrique, I'm just a big fan of anyone who can make an excellent instrument and sell it for a reasonable-no-down right cheap price (under $1000 for the hand reamed custom model) It is definately worth auditioning for anyone who is looking for a new clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
