 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Niente
Date: 2008-01-16 13:30
I'm approaching high school graduation, and it's becoming apparent that my Yamaha 20 clarinet just isn't going to cut it when I go off to college. I've been looking at various professional model clarinets, and I will be trying out a few models in the coming week at a music store.
However, I would really appreciate feedback from other players on which sort of proffessional model strikes you as the best. Also, keep in mind that I am a poor high school kid. Please include advice on where to buy the instrument and it's defining qualities as compared to other instruments.
I've been thinking about the R13 as it seems to be one of the least expensive proffessional level clarinets. Could someone tell me about this instrument and how well it plays?
Thank you,
Niente.
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2008-01-16 17:00
It really depends on your major. If you are a music major, don't buy anything until you talk to your new teacher/professor. Many have VERY specific opinions on what you should play in their class.
If you are majoring in something else and will just play for some humanities credits (and/or a few extra bucks), there are many good used professional models would do quite well and won't break your budget.
Do a search here for underappreciated clarinets and many good choices will appear.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-01-16 17:54
For any horn, try before buy, keeping in mind no two instruments are alike, and , even of the most expensive makes and models, only a small percentage of factory fresh, unculled instruments are of artist quality. Thus, once you do buy, the probable next step is to place it in the hands of a master technician.
richard smith
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-01-16 21:26
As you try the horns, make sure to take someone experienced (like a teacher/professional clarinetist) to listen to you playing. Many times they will spot small, annoying quirks/defects that might pass you by. And ifd there is a problem, they might also know if it is easily remedied.
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: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-01-17 13:25
How do you define the word "professional" when referring to a clarinet? That is an important definition, especially for you, a "poor high school kid" as you yourself describe.
It is very important to know where you are going to attend college, what your major will be, and what it is exactly that you wish to pursue while there.
As mentioned whomever your teacher will be will have a preference, usually to the exclusion of all others.
Financial considerations are always important, so considering all of that I would suggest you contact William Ridenour, perhaps the most respected designer of clarinets.
And finally, considering excellence of instrument,preparation and guarantee and the kind of use you will be giving the instrument, and your financial situation, consider the Ridenour "Lyrique" instrument.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2008-01-17 15:48
I agree that the Lyrique is an excellent instrument that would serve you well for much less money than a new R-13. But, if you want a wood instrument that plays well under any situation and you won't "outgrow," I always recommend the Buffet R-13. It's a good buy for the money. If you decide to go withthe R-13, I would recommend using someone like Walter Grabner who hand-selects the instrument for you and it comes well set-up and ready to go. I have recently purchased a silver-key R-13 from him and am extremely well pleased with it.
If you go with the Lyrique, get one of the ones that Tom has set up for artist-level playing. These all get his personal touch and are great. Since you probably don't live close enough to Dallas to run by his shop and play some in person (as I got to do when I bought mine), you can trust that he wants you to be pleased with the instrument and will work with you to get it just right. However, remember that shipping back and forth can add up, so communication right from the start is key here.
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Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-01-17 17:05
Well, I must say that the number of students coming in to me with R13 barrels virtually fused to the first joint of their good, flaking keyed, plastic doweled Buffets was virtually 100% after a two-hour band rehearsal. Many teachers told their students to keep the barrel permanently pulled out so they would not fuse. The plastic dowels in the lower joint also broke frequently. A buyer must be aware of these good buys out there at around two grand.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2008-01-17 18:20
Another vote from me for the Lyrique. I bought one while deployed and he worked with me even from shipping to and from my APO. And I couldn't be happier. It plays phenominally. Much better than any of the recent R13s I've compared it to (about 5 or 6 that are brand new, 2 or 3 of them were greenlines).
Alexi
PS - And the wooden R13s were actually R13 prestiges.
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2008-01-17 18:20)
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2008-01-17 19:07
For some reason people still think it is acceptable that Buffet still sell clarinets with incorrect socket fits..this in the barrell and upper joint fit especailly. This seems to occurr on the R13 models alot!
How hard is it to cut the wood correctly? Must be incredibly difficult because I have seen numerous R13s in the last five years that always fuse together in the upper joint. Taking them apart would require the strength of the entire 7th Calvary division ..
I have never encountered this issue on any of the Selmer and Yamaha clarinets that are new.
David Dow
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-01-17 21:01
The question is: Why do majority of players still buy Buffet R-13 clarinets and Prestige when the standard Buffet models R-13 and RC(none prestige) cost the same or even more than for example Selmer Signature, Leblanc Opus and Yamaha custom series? And still they complaine about wide 12ths uneven resistance,broken nylon pins and the need of setting them up. It's just that the same goes for clarinet makers as mouthpiece makers if someone want's to pay that price for a clarinet then the maker keep making them. So if you think that the Buffet are to expensive and have poor quality control then stop buying them and hopefully Buffet will get a reality shock and do something about quality control and prices.
I mean it's strange to complaine about these things but still buy these faulty things.
The reason I bought my Buffet Festival and not Selmer or Leblanc was because I get more warm and colorful sound out of them and I can play more expressively on them. And from R13 prestige,RC prestige,Tosca,Selmer Saint-Louis and Leblanc OpusII the Festival was most cheap of them all. Under 2800$ 2.5 years ago.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-01-17 21:19
Sorry, I missed responding directly to your question. I played several R13s over the years . They were not as well-tuned as my Ridenour Clarinets ( all 5 of them). But perhaps most important for you would be the fact that you can work with Ridenour the salesman/technician/ designer / actual person, which is most unusual if not unique in the business. I suggest you visit his web site and then call for more specific, detailed information.
richard smith
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