 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: InTheBassment
Date: 2007-11-11 19:48
A bunch of other clarinet majors and I drove to Indiana for a visit to Woodwind and Brasswind. We wanted to try out a ton of equipment, and that is the place to do it in our area as they are the shop with the most mouthpieces, barrels, instruments (of all sizes... contrabass to little Eb), bells, etc. We drove about an hour and a half each way for the trip. We tried out all of the equipment we could possibly want to, and a number of us began thoughtfully considering purchases.
The biggest conundrum for most of us in making out final decisions on purchases was, "What if I like it, and I get back to school, and our instructor doesn't like it?"
Therefore I beg this question: If I like a mouthpiece and invest in it, and my instructor wants me to get something else, who is right?
ALSO, I tried out a couple of bass clarinets including student models all the way up to the Buffet Prestige with the extended range. I am currently playing on a Buffet without the extended range from the school. I am looking to buy an extended range instrument, and my head went straight for the Buffet. However, I played on a Yamaha with all of the same perks as the Buffet prestige and found that it sounded just as great, and it is $2000 less! I guess I'm a bit of a brand whore for thinking that Yamaha really doesn't make great clarinets. Now I'm not sure the Buffet is worth it, what do the rest of you think?
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2007-11-11 19:57
Is this your own money you're intending to spend?
If not, the Buffet will hold value longer.
If it's your money, and it plays well - $2000 will pay for loads of reeds.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-11-11 21:06
"What if I like it, and I get back to school, and our instructor doesn't like it?"
Then you have to figure out why your instructor doesn't like it and make the necessary adjustments. Your instructor will almost always know a lot more than you do, so go with his/her advice - that's why you study with them.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2007-11-11 21:49
I believe the days of Buffet being the benchmark for quality are over. Yamaha holds its value just fine these days. Though I have not tried one of their bass clairinets, I can assure you their sopranos are about the best mass produced clarinets at the moment.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-11-11 22:52
I'm not a fan of the Yamaha except for it's Saxes. Tried the new models and weren't impressed - wasn't for me. I prefered the Buffet and Selmers with Buffet still being my favorite.
But everyone should play what they feel comfortable on. Sometimes price is a factor, sometimes not.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-11-12 13:58
WWBW has a 45-day return policy, and I believe that includes the return of undamaged mouthpieces, so you can take it to your instructor for a thumbs-up/thumbs-down. Just make sure you don't scratch it or anything, until you are sure you want to keep it. Use masking or electrician's tape to protect the piece from scratches from your ligature!
As to the bass, if you like the Yamaha, and your instructor is OK with it, go ahead and buy it. Twwo grand will buy lots of accessories or lessons! Many people also like the Yamaha sopranos. Just because Buffet makes great clarinets, does not mean nobody else does, too. If you can find a horn you like, even if it says Vito on it, it's a good one for you.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: InTheBassment
Date: 2007-11-14 03:05
Thanks for all your input, keep it coming!
I brought the mouthpiece to my lesson yesterday, and he really digs the sound I get on it, though it is a little bright. However, those accursed high notes on the bass are speaking great and with a little embechure modification, the sound can be made darker. so its a thumbs-up!
I'm still not sure about the Yamaha... and I'm now checking out the Selmer professional model as well. Has anyone played the three (or two of the three) side by side? Hopefully, that will be possible for me at woodwind and brasswind in the next couple of months!
thanks^_^
Kelly
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-11-14 04:09
> Has anyone played the three (or two of the three) side by side?
Yes. I preferred the keys of the Buffet, but I wasn't objective because I was used to it when I tried the Selmer and Yamaha. I preferred the tone of the Buffet also but others in the same place (bass clarinet convention) preferred the tone/keys of the Selmer so it's all personal opinion. The Yamaha was very good and didn't have any problems, it's just that I liked the other better.
I suggest you really try hard (as much as you can) not to let your mind fool you and listen objectively to any of the instruments. If you can listen to someone else play them without looking that might be a good option. Other than all the regular things to check (intonation, tone and response in all registers) especially on bass clarinets I would check them like this - play low E and then play legato to middle B (i.e. just press the register key). Do this chromatically for all notes up to thumb F to C. Play this slow, fast, soft, loud. Actually if you get a chance to try all of these bass clarinets and check them in this way I described, I would be very interested to know what you found!
Nitai
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