 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: cnick
Date: 2008-03-28 14:37
I've been seeing the Ridenour 147 on eBay (via one particular seller) very frequently lately. The guy is advertising them as "student" clarinets. They generally do sell, going for around $50-$60 plus shipping.
Where in the Ridenour saga does the 147 fall? Was the 147 made of hard rubber or ABS? Would this be a good clarinet for a beginner? My daughter is 10 years old and just started this year. She is currently using a Frankenstein'd wooden Selmer 100 (I posted about a missing upper joint...sigh...), but it is an extremely difficult set-up to play, let alone learn on. I don't want her to use a cheapie horn, since learning to play an instrument is hard enough without having to struggle with inferior equipment.
Would one of these Ridenour 147s fit the bill?
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-03-28 14:47
They might. The 147 was two generations ago in Tom's production line. The one in between was the Arioso, which was an improved version. Now Tom is selling the Lyrique models.
You might actually want to go to www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com and check out the current offerings. He has a very nice "starter" model, which would come with a warranty and with some customizing as necessary. Check out his site.
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: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-03-28 14:48
Hi,
I have several hard rubber 147s and started two granddaughters on them as 5th graders this past fall. These are outstanding instruments with exceptional intonation for the whole range. These are not cheapie instruments in any way but the price.
My only concern has been that the low register does not have the openness of my Yamaha CS or R13. But hey, granddaughters Zoey and Erin have instruments that that they can play well into HS (then I'll be ready to set them up with one of my backup pro clarinets).
HRL
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-03-28 15:09
I play Ridenour's Lyrique custom, and a student of mine plays the Arioso. I've never played the 147, but it seems that everyone who has one likes it. All three are made of hard rubber. I like the Arioso, but I find the tone of the Lyrique to be superior; I believe the main difference is that the Lyrique custom has a hand-reamed bore. The Lyrique is Tom's most recent offering, preceded by the Arioso, preceded by the 147.
It is also my understanding that there were significant improvements in the keywork design from the 147 to the Arioso. I contacted Tom a while ago to ask him about the keywork; the metal used for the keys on the 147 is a little bit softer than that used on the Arioso and beyond. Again, I've never played a 147, and it does seem that everyone who has one likes it, so maybe this isn't a significant problem.
I found the chalumeau of the Lyrique to be not quite as "powerful" as that of my previous R13; however, this is offset by the fact that the instrument is more even in resistance between the registers. The upper register plays very sweetly, whereas the R13 was more strident. I do believe that Tom designed the 147 with similar evenness, if I'm not mistaken.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2008-03-28 19:45
The Lyrique Custom does, indeed, have a hand-reamed bore and is hand-selected by Tom. I bought one last year (and had to sell it due to expenses for an overseas gig) and several of my friends also bought one. My friends are all still playing theirs on a regular basis. The other 1st clarinet in my community band plays hers and it is very compatible with my R-13. Very good instruments.
Don't know about the TR147, but probably a good one if it's in good shape.
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2008-03-28 20:38
Search the boards here, you'll find lots about the 147.
It was in production for a number of years (until 2006), and the design and build quality apparently evolved during that time. The last ones are said to be the best. I have one apparently from 2005 (the date is part of the "serial" number) which has the inline trill keys, reinforced crow's foot, and ergonomic register key of the later versions. I'm pretty happy with it.
I've noticed a lot of 147s on eBay lately, too. I don't know how old they are, but I do know most of them are in a different style of case than the one mine came in, so I'd make a guess they're earlier. But they seem to be going for well under $100 ($50 sometimes) and at that price I'd say it's worth a try.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-03-28 22:53
I can't imagine 147s in decent shape for that low a price. Better ask some questions....they may be beat-up band instruments.
Bob Draznik
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-03-28 23:06
Hmmm.....guess you were correct. And now....that rings a bell...OHIO....as Drew Carey says. The guy probly bought out a going out of business store. I own one TR-147 and think very highly of it.
Bob Draznik
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-03-29 18:16
I have purchased three used TR147s off the web. They were all good (after some adjustments and repadding with cork and leather) and reasonably priced. I recommend them, but it would be prudent to try before buy, with a satisfactory return/refund policy in effect. Or, consider buying a new Lyrique, particularly the pro model, directly from Ridenour, or a Forte, which has a generous return policy.
richard smith
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-03-30 19:50
Opamambo,
I am puzzled by this, your first post on the Clarinet BB. You have used several phrases such as "these idiots," "hopeless spoiled little brats," and "uselless opnion." What is your basis for making these assertions?
BTW, I only saw the word "new' used once in all the posts. Did I miss something?
HRL
PS I'm not often considered an idiot, nor am I little, and my opinions are usually well thought out.
Post Edited (2008-03-30 19:51)
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Author: cnick
Date: 2008-03-30 20:00
You've all given me some great information. I'm intrigued by the whole ridenour concept. I'm *this* close to getting one of the 147s on eBay right now.
I'm not adverse to taking the clarinet to a repair shop to look over, the only problem being that the one I've been going to lately, I haven't been crazy about (in the work they've done and in their snobby/hostile attitude). If anyone can recommend a shop in the Twin Cities MN area, I'd be happy to listen.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-03-30 21:51
To second Hank, opamambo, every question that Cnick asked was addressed by those who posted before you.
You do not indicate that you have any experience with wooden clarinets, so what is the problem with those of us who do offering a comparison?
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-03-30 23:21
Frankly, I think that this is more a problem of purchasing a used clarinet from this large venue than about the Ridenour clarinet or concept, which has been well- proven. If you have not purchased prior to this , you must make sure of the wording of the description of the instrument. Further, you must be able to see photographs of the entire instrument, close ups of each joint if possible, and finally, you must scrutinize carefully for warranty or guaranty of the instrument. If all of these are not present, you should reconsider purchase. You may also ask questions of the seller during the auction. The rule has always been "Caveat Emptor"
Sherman Friedland
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-03-31 02:17
Cnick,
Send me an email, please. Click on my name above for the address.
HRL
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2008-03-31 14:21
They're tremendous instruments - in proper repair.
Any instrument that costs less than an overhaul will likely need work...
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-03-31 14:58
"I'm *this* close to getting one of the 147s on eBay right now."
Wanna' bet?
Bob Draznik
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Author: cnick
Date: 2008-04-05 01:01
Just wanted to update. I got one of those Ridenour 147s from eBay. It came in the mail today, and the clarinet is overall very nice. I was pleased with the tone my daughter was able to produce. Very easy-blowing.
But (could you feel a "But" coming? lol), when she went to play middle B and C, the clarinet about half the time went very stuffy, and she wasn't able to produce the notes. She and I poked around and concluded that something is amiss with the low F#/C# key and the low E/B key (hope I got the names right). Sometimes they close correctly, other times they don't seem to set right, if that makes sense. The pads themselves seem just fine, so maybe the keys are bent. Or a post is loose. Or something.
I hate to bring it to the repair shop...only because the "big" one here in town has really rubbed me the wrong way the last few times I've been in there (snooty workers). It's a shame, because I suspect that a minor adjustment to something is all that is needed.
If anyone knows of a place in MN (Twin Cities), do let me know.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-04-05 17:27
Not uncommon problem. Ridenour reinforced the crow's foot of the keys you mentioned, in his later models of the 147, but there are possibly many other, solveable, problems which a good technician can fix. (I buy clarinets off the internet, or anywhere else, only if a refund policy is offered)
richard smith
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-05-05 19:43
I found this thread in a 147 search.
I've been looking for a clarinet that can be good for outdoor performances.
I've noticed that quite a few TR-147s being sold on ebay by people in Columbus, OH. This raises a flag in my mind.
Does anyone have information about why all of these TR-147s are coming out of Columbus?
Thanks, Roger
Post Edited (2008-05-05 20:07)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-05-05 21:28
"why all of these TR-147s are coming out of Columbus?"
Maybe that's where they are located?
Bob Draznik
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2008-05-06 11:26
Last question:
I heard the year of manufacture is contained in the TR-147 serial number. If that's correct, how is the date formated? Like the last digit? (xxx5 = 2005).
Thanks, Roger
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Author: lj
Date: 2008-05-06 11:38
Roger Aldridge wrote:
> Last question:
>
> I heard the year of manufacture is contained in the TR-147
> serial number. If that's correct, how is the date formated?
> Like the last digit? (xxx5 = 2005).
>
> Thanks, Roger
If it's the same as his Arioso & Lyrique, there's a date in mmyyyy format with a three digit number below it.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-05-06 14:50
Some of the TR 147s I have use that method (I suspect the newer ones). Earlier ones do not.
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Author: Copland
Date: 2008-05-09 20:06
Just want to give my experience:
I bought one of these clarinets (50 bucks, 12 for shipping) and I'm really impressed. I figured at that price, I really have little to worry about.
I just received it in the mail a few hours ago (This was indeed one from Columbus, OH, so I can confirm that it's legit, but I can't say I know why so many are coming from there). Everything is looking to be in great condition. Case is a tad messed up, but that's no biggie. Everything else is in great condition.
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Author: geneo
Date: 2008-06-07 04:39
I saw one at Brooksmay Ridenour TR147 for about $700. Is the one selling
in internet aution Ridenour 147 for $50 similar to Brooksmay?
Thanks.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-06-07 14:43
A TR 147 is a TR 147. All are made at the same place, and all were designed by Tom Ridenour. Resale value isn't all that high, and most folks pick them up on auction for less than $200. If they are in good condition, they are decent backup horns, or great for students.
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: Low_Reed
Date: 2008-06-08 04:09
Cnick,
I know of a terrific repair shop in St. Paul, where I've had nothing but fabulous work done on my bass clarinet.
Contact me via e-mail, by clicking on my nom-de-bass (Low_Reed) above.
Bruce
**Music is the river of the world!**
-- inspired by Tom Waits and a world full of music makers
Post Edited (2008-06-08 04:11)
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