 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-17 21:52
I have $2000 to spend on a new clarinet but I can't decide on a brand. Buffet R-13 is too expensive and I don't want to buy used. I was thinking either a Yamaha or Selmer professional models. Does anyone have a suggestion?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-05-17 22:00
How much can you get a Yamaha CSG for? As these have been getting rave reviews, I reckon you should consider these.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: patrickryan04
Date: 2008-05-17 22:01
Check out ridenour's lyrique model, I just purchased an A from him and it plays very well. The horn is made out of rubber, however, it IS a professional clarinet in every aspect of it's playing. Tom Ridenour was the original cdesignor of Leblanc's opus, he is also very nice to deal with and will gladly help you out in every step of your purchase. A Bb runs around 900 usd. Use the left over 1100 on a new MP and other clarinet toys!
Just type in Ridenour clarinet products into google and his site will pop right up.
1st Armored Division Band
Clarinetist
Dixie Band
Woodwind Quintet
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: patrickryan04
Date: 2008-05-17 22:02
Chris, the yamaha CSG runs around 2200 USD.
1st Armored Division Band
Clarinetist
Dixie Band
Woodwind Quintet
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: marshall
Date: 2008-05-17 22:07
I can understand your hesitation to buying used...but if you can actually try the instruments and find a really good one that's cheaper than what it runs new, then why wouldn't you buy it?
You should try as many models within your pricerange as possible. Try two or three different instruments from each and determine which you like best. Then you can really get serious and start trying as many instruments of that model as you can get your hands on. I probably tried three dozen different R-13s, Festivals, RC's, and prestige R13/RC's (along with a few Toscas) from multiple different vendors before I finally settled on my current A.
When you're shopping, try to buy from private vendors. Normally, they will set the instrument up for free and give you a year or two warrently for free repairs. Places like Woodwind/Brasswind will charge for this. Also, ask if they would sell you the instrument without the mouthpiece, ligature, cap, swab, etc. Those cost money too, and they should sell the instrument for a cheaper price if you don't buy the accessories. The only thing you really should keep is the key holder (if you get a Buffet). It prevents bending keys and will save you a good amount of money if you continue playing for a long time.
Post Edited (2008-05-17 22:11)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-17 22:17
marshall wrote:
> I can understand your hesitation to buying used...but if you
> can actually try the instruments and find a really good one
> that's cheaper than what it runs new, then why wouldn't you buy
> it?
>
> You should try as many models within your pricerange as
> possible. Try two or three different instruments from each and
> determine which you like best. Then you can really get serious
> and start trying as many instruments of that model as you can
> get your hands on. I probably tried three dozen different
> R-13s, Festivals, RC's, and prestige R13/RC's (along with a few
> Toscas) from multiple different vendors before I finally
> settled on my current A.
>
> When you're shopping, try to buy from private vendors.
> Normally, they will set the instrument up for free and give you
> a year or two warrently for free repairs. Places like
> Woodwind/Brasswind will charge for this. Also, ask if they
> would sell you the instrument without the mouthpiece, ligature,
> cap, swab, etc. Those cost money too, and they should sell the
> instrument for a cheaper price if you don't buy the
> accessories. The only thing you really should keep is the key
> holder (if you get a Buffet). It prevents bending keys and will
> save you a good amount of money if you continue playing for a
> long time.
>
>
> Post Edited (2008-05-17 22:11)
Yeah that's my problem I live in a mid sized city that has only one band instrument store and all they will carry are student level clarinets and even then they have order. They actually only carry rentals in stock but no instruments for sale. If you want to buy one they have to order.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-05-18 13:58
In any case, try before buy because no two clarinets are identical in all important respects. I have owned 5 Ridenours. They are remarkably consistent acoustically, and are reasonably priced. I should add they are all better in intonation than the 3 Concertos I once owned.
richard smith
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-18 15:41
rtmyth wrote:
> In any case, try before buy because no two clarinets are
> identical in all important respects. I have owned 5 Ridenours.
> They are remarkably consistent acoustically, and are reasonably
> priced. I should add they are all better in intonation than the
> 3 Concertos I once owned.
>
So can you or anyone else here tell me how the Ridenour clarinets compares to a R13 or any other pro clarinet? Also I was looking at the Leblanc Pete Fountain because I really like Dixeland style jazz. I'm from Louisiana so that explains why.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: LonDear
Date: 2008-05-18 15:57
I own a hand picked Yamaha CX, an R13 and have owned Selmer 10Gs in the past. My main horn is now a Lyrique because it just plays and feels better. The only thing that is miss is the silver plating.
I play Dixie as well other styles.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-05-18 16:45
Kristin,
I have to second the thoughts on the Lyrique above. I have had mine for two and a half months and my wife, a cellist, can't tell when I'm playing my Lyrique or my '67 R13.
My first impression was that the chalumeau felt stuffy/didn't project easily. Since then I have found no issue with this (seeming) problem. Some of my students who have tried the horn have experienced the same initial displeasure. I feel that it is something that you adjust to with time.
If money is a factor then I would consider test driving a Lyrique and if you approve of it, later investing on a nice mouthpiece upgrade (if you aren't already married to one).
If you are dead set on a wooden horn, buying used is the way to go. There is no reason that you can't find (with time) a fine used horn.
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-05-18 17:00
"If you are dead set on a wooden horn, buying used is the way to go. There is no reason that you can't find (with time) a fine used horn."
How about a Selmer Centered Tone?
If you see one in good condition or one that's been fully restored and well set up by a reputable tech, then I reckon you can't go wrong with one of these.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-05-18 19:12
Kristin:
Why measure anything. From what you have said, you want the Pete Fountain clarinet, an instrument that has been redesigned and has the bore you prefer. I believe that WWBW is selling them brand new for 2250. If you have the two large, spring for a bit more and get the one you want. This horn also has an articulated G#, a very valuable key to have, very easy to manipulate, and incidentally when and if you go to sell it, you will get as much if not more than you paid, subtracting depreciation of course. (Why? Because not big sales on this horn.) I have played Centered Tones and they were great, however it spells trouble. Caveat Emptor, the site (ebay) always says buyer beware. Believe it. If you ge a perfect one, OK, but the chances of that arerare indeend. Caveat Emptor!. WWBW offers 45 days to try, and complete refund. They ae totally trustworthy has been my experience.
Good luck. My biggest "rush" is always from a new horn.( inanimate objects, of course.)
Sherman Friedland
Post Edited (2008-05-18 19:17)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-05-18 19:22
Check here. It is 2379.00
http://www.wwbw.com/Leblanc-L1612-Pete-Fountain--Big-Easy--Bb-Clarinet-i17307.music
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-18 19:54
I ordered the Yamaha YCL-CSG from WWBW. Actually its listed as used A stock but still comes with the 45 day guarantee. It seems to get a lot of good reviews. The Pete fountain was too expensive for me and I can still play jazz on the CSG. Currently I have a Yamaha YCL-250 but I have to say that if the CSG doesn't blow the 250 away I won't keep it. The 250 sounds pretty good with a legere reed.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: patrickryan04
Date: 2008-05-18 20:19
Kristin,
Does the "A" in used "A" stock refer to an A clarinet or is this horn a Bb? Did you check into this?
1st Armored Division Band
Clarinetist
Dixie Band
Woodwind Quintet
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-18 22:00
patrickryan04 wrote:
> Kristin,
> Does the "A" in used "A" stock refer to an A clarinet or is
> this horn a Bb? Did you check into this?
>
No "A" is the grade. This is what the description states:
Yamaha CSG Bb Clarinets Used A Stock
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2008-05-18 22:55
I saw the Yamaha on WWBW, sounds like a great deal! I think you'll like it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-18 23:00
Ed wrote:
> I saw the Yamaha on WWBW, sounds like a great deal! I think
> you'll like it.
I just checked my email and it says that the clarinet is back ordered so I cancelled the order. I'll have to keep looking I guess.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: J. J.
Date: 2008-05-18 23:49
Maybe keep looking, but don't rule out the Yamaha. It's a stellar horn for just over $2000 new.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-05-19 01:11
Can't say enough good things about the Lyrique. Not just good for the money...good PERIOD. Best I've played.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2008-05-19 02:13
feadog79 wrote:
> Can't say enough good things about the Lyrique. Not just good
> for the money...good PERIOD. Best I've played.
Well I just ordered the YCL-CSV so I will see how I like that. WWBW has a good 45 day trial period.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tenthchair
Date: 2008-05-19 06:08
How about a Leblanc Cadenza? It costs $1,849.00 from http://1stopclarinet.stores.yahoo.net/lelbcabbclby.html
I know somebody who owns this horn, and he said it plays great.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-05-19 12:15
clockwiser wrote:
"How good is the lyrique in term of keywork and finish?"
I would say that the keywork is not as pretty to look at as that of any of the big four, but the build quality seems sturdy and the action feels fine. The nickel plating seems to be good, as well. The thumbrest is not very comfortable, but a good cushion solves the problem for me. I have had the instrument since about this past November; it's been through two lengthy concerts and two musicals without incident.
I spoke with Tom Ridenour once about the keywork...his claim is that no one has ever returned an instrument to him because they were unhappy with the keywork. Take that for what it's worth, but I haven't had any issues with my instrument, so I'm inclined to believe him.
J. Wilson
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
