 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: stelrosa
Date: 2008-08-07 21:41
I am looking for a beginning clarinet for my son (10) and have narrowed it down to these three models:
Selmer Signet Soloist
Buffet E11
TR147
Any opinion on which one would be the best purchase?
Thanks
Jen
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-08-07 22:15
For a clarinet beginner? TR147.
The Buffet and Selmer are wood, which I think would be too much of a headache for most beginners to take care of. The TR147 is hard rubber, which will be more durable in the long run for a beginner. Depending on who you ask, the TR147 may be the best playing instrument of the three you have mentioned, and could be a real steal depending on how much you find it for.
Be sure to get a good mouthpiece, as well; a good mouthpiece makes a huge difference. The Clark W. Fobes "Debut" can be gotten for around $30, and is among the best of beginning mouthpieces.
JW
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-08-07 23:50
Hi Jen,
The 147 is a wonderful clarinet for beginners. I started my two granddaughters on them this year and the instruments are well built, have terrific intonation, and seem to be ergonomically well laid out.
I have two as backups, myself. I think a used TR 147 in good condition is one of the very best buys in a student instrument.
I did not use the stock MP with Erin and Zoey (see above) as I have a lot of really great ones in my drawer. The Debut as well as several others are very good choices.
Do not to forget a music stand for home practice.
HRL
PS The latches on some of the earlier cases do not seem to hold up very well but with a newer case or a Protec replacement, that can be fixed easily.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stelrosa
Date: 2008-08-08 00:32
Thanks!
One question on the TR147--I notice on his website that the 147 is made of ABS with a hard rubber barrel, while the pro model is all hard rubber. Were the older 147s also ABS or all rubber--and would either of you change your opinion if it were the ABS version?
Jen
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-08-08 00:46
Hi Jen,
I did not realize there was any 147 other than the hard rubber. I find that interesting that there is mention of ABS at all as I thought Tom was really a strong supporter of hard rubber. In fact, supposedly, the hard rubber is what makes the fine performance possible according to him.
Can you provide more information as to where this is discussed on the Ridenour website, please.
HRL
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-08-08 00:54
The current ABS instrument on Tom's site is a 146, not a 147 (unless he has changed designations) and is a new instrument. It is also called a "Lyrique 146" and can thus be distinguished from the older, rubber TR 147 Tom created a few years back. The Lyrique 146 sells for over $600. You can get a decent shape TR 147 for about a sixth of that price on the infamous "Auction Site Which Shall Not Be Named." (Cue to the orchestra to start up ominous-sounding Harry Potter themes). 
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."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-08-08 01:35
Second Jeff's comments.
I play Ridenour's "Pro" Lyrique (576BC); it's a phenomenal instrument. I believe that the ABS Lyrique with the rubber barrel (the "Lyrique 146") would still be a wonderful student instrument, if you're looking for something brand new. I think most of the acoustic benefits of Ridenour's instruments lie in the design, not the material, so I wouldn't worry about it being ABS if you're looking for something for a beginner.
JW
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stelrosa
Date: 2008-08-08 03:27
Aha! Thanks for setting me straight on the 146 vs. 147 distinction.
Jen
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bgetty
Date: 2008-08-08 23:45
I'm also interested in a used TR147 and have been trolling e-bay for a number of months but I've never seen one come up. Yet a number of people here have suggested that they are fairly commonly available. Is there another source out there someplace?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: lj
Date: 2008-08-08 23:59
Several are on there now; it also appears that Tom Ridenour has a new store on that site, and is selling 146 models and other items. Try adjusting your search terms; "Ridenour clarinet" works. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bgetty
Date: 2008-08-09 02:39
Hello lj:
Thanks for the suggestion. I do see one now but you mentioned that there are several? I'm only getting the one hit.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-08-09 16:45
I searched under "Ridenour Clarinet" and got 13 hits, most of them full clarinets in cases. About 5 or so 147 models, an A and a new 146.
The 146 is from Tom's own ebay store. Brand new, and a real deal.
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."
Post Edited (2008-08-09 16:49)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-08-09 17:35
bgetty,
The difference could be due to the fact that you are located in Canada. Also, you may already be doing this but when you search for "Ridenour clarinet" make sure you don't include the quotes. You may also want to try different settings for "preferred location" if you haven't already.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bgetty
Date: 2008-08-09 18:54
Thank you jnk.
I falsely believed that if I set my search for North America, but from Canada, I would get all ads. By clicking on U.S. in the list of countries as you suggested, I was able to get all thirteen of the current ads. But, the reason they didn't appear on my original search is that most of the sellers don't ship beyond the U.S. I have sent e-mails to each seller specifically asking if they would consider shipping to Canada and am awaiting responses. (As I'm writing this the new Ridenour store has quickly responded in the affirmative. We are impressed!)
Again, I thank you and others for the helpful responses.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
