The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Matt English
Date: 2000-07-08 01:07
I just bought an R-13 , s/n 102,xxx, that really plays
well , and was curious to know if there are specific
ranges that players here feel are the better ones ?
I've heard that many prefer ones before 100,xxx , but
again I don't know much else .
Anyone ??
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Author: Paul Lester
Date: 2000-07-09 23:35
Hi Matt;
I've just received a reply from David Hite and a reply from Tom Ridenour regarding this very same question. Tom stated that it is a myth. And David Hite stated that the current R13s require less help with intonation and response than the older production runs.
I guess the answer is -- the newer R13s are as good or better than the older R13s.
Cheers,
Paul
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-07-10 05:40
I read there are people who seek late Moennig tuned R-13s, The number might mean that there are a little possibility that some of them might include these ones?
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-07-10 05:40
I read there are people who seek late Moennig tuned R-13s, The number might mean that there are a little possibility that some of them might include these ones?
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Author: HAT
Date: 2000-07-10 17:12
It seems to me that this is a golden age for picking clarinets. Since the Boosey takeover, quality control at Buffet is better than it has ever been. 10 years ago it was difficult at best to find a very good R-13 A clarinet. Now it is not a big problem. Tuning is more consistent as well. All this without a price increase of any significance.
In addition, Leblanc, Selmer and Yamaha are all making morecompetitive models (at varying prices) and one can even buy a handmade clarinet from several sources (I have not tried any).
Matt English wrote:
-------------------------------
I just bought an R-13 , s/n 102,xxx, that really plays
well , and was curious to know if there are specific
ranges that players here feel are the better ones ?
I've heard that many prefer ones before 100,xxx , but
again I don't know much else .
Anyone ??
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Reply To Message
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Author: Matt English
Date: 2000-07-11 01:38
Thanks to those who've replied to my inquiry .
So, I'm gathering that , perhaps this business of the
older R-13s , being 'superior' is largely ...mythology ?
I did manage to find an article Re: intonation on
Clark Fobes website, where he mentions some of the charac-
teristics of the various serial no. ranges ; although I
must say that I did not come away w/ an impression that
he favored the older Buffets .
All things often being subjective , I'm satisfied with
this instrument , for the time being , until finances
permitting that I can afford the new Selmer Signature
clarinet . I have read a very glowing review of that
instrument on their site , written by none other than
Mr. Tom Ridenour .
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-07-11 11:28
Matt English wrote:
-------------------------------
I did manage to find an article Re: intonation on
Clark Fobes website, where he mentions some of the charac-
teristics of the various serial no. ranges ; although I
must say that I did not come away w/ an impression that
he favored the older Buffets .
-------
Interestingly enough, that article is right here on Sneezy. Clark's site links back to it.
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-07-11 14:54
Modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) methods and quality control management techniques have made almost all mass produced articles much better than 10 years ago. For example, today's R-13 is milled on a computer controlled lathe. Add to that the fact that Buffet was struggling before the Boosey and Hawkes company bought them, and you can figure out the approximate date ranges for statistically perhaps not as good horns versus statistically good horns. As with anything hand made, you will find variances in clarinets. You may hear of anecdotal references to a truly great Buffet R-13 from the 1950s or 1960s, but chances are that particular horn was hand picked by a pro out of perhaps dozens of trial horns. Nowadays, it's much more difficult to pick out the very best horn from a dozen or more trial horns. The good news is that the quality of the horns across the entire industry today is better than ever. That's a good thing for pros and amateurs alike.
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