 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: AlohaAnn
Date: 2008-12-19 15:02
I'm looking for recommendations as to a good resin-body clarinet for use at outdoor concerts with a local community band. (Adult player, not a beginner, using an E-11 right now.) Thanks!
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-12-19 15:30
The B-12 is pretty much identical to the E-11, but made of plastic.
If you are happy with your E-11 and want something that plays similarly, that would seem to be the obvious place to start. It should work with the same mouthpiece and reeds, so that's one less thing to consider.
Whether you really need a plastic instrument at all is another matter. For outdoor concerts in the summer, I use my wooden instrument. I use my plastic instrument for outdoor pre-Christmas gigs, when the temperature may be around freezing. Many others use wooden instruments even then, without apparent ill-effects.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-12-19 15:38
Vitos and Bundies are "out there" in abundance. When in reasonably good repair they're fine and dependable performers (I know this from personal experience).
--
Ben
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-12-19 17:32
TOm Ridenour has two excellent models currently in production: the Lyrique 146 (ABS body with a hard rubber barrel) and the 576 BC (all hard rubber). You can check them out here: http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/clarinets.htm
If you order them before Dec. 31, they are 15% off, with 3 months free financing.
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: rtmyth
Date: 2008-12-19 18:52
Ridenours are low-priced, especially used ones, and can be first-rate acoustically. Try before buy, or have a good trial and refund policy available.
richard smith
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-12-19 20:09
.....but you really don't need one. Just carry a suitable plastic bag for emergencies.
Bob Draznik
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2008-12-19 23:01
I've played or tested old Selmer instruments, Vitos (which can be quite good), a B12 and the Yamaha Ycl20 and 250. I own a YCL250.
I'd recommend the Yamaha any day.
Easy to play, in tune, very nice key work and a fine sound. A solid "plastic" clarinet.
p.s. you can save money by buying a used one of recent vintage.
Post Edited (2008-12-19 23:11)
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Author: claribari
Date: 2008-12-20 14:36
I would also recommend the Yamaha. I have one and the key work is great and easy to play, mine is usually in tune right out of the case, and it is a very dependable clarinet. They start us out on them for band and I've seen them dropped a million times and they still appear and play as if they were brand new.
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Author: Geirskogul
Date: 2008-12-21 06:01
Yamaha, no question. Can be a bit more expensive than the Bundys of Vitos, but much, MUCH cheaper than the Buffets with pretty much the same perfect tuning.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2008-12-21 12:22
Yamaha's wood clarinets are indeed more expensive than Buffet's. But for resin clarinets, which was what the OP was referring to, the Yamaha costs more: At outlets like WWBW, Yamaha's resin clarinet is roughly $760; the Buffet B12 is $610.
CORRECTION: What I meant to write in response to Geirskogul's previous message was that while Buffet wood clarinets are more expensive than Yamaha's, the situation is reversed in regard to the comparable resin models.
Apologies. Needed more coffee.
Post Edited (2008-12-21 15:55)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-12-21 14:49
I like Yamaha and Buffet student clarinets. I like them better than Vitos and (old) Bundies and some other student models (obviously I haven't tried all student models).
IME Yamaha is built the best of all student models. They use good materials, and mostly good design except a few minor points (significantly less problems than other brands). They have very good intonation and good tone. For me they are pretty comfortable to play (I think only one tone hole was less confortable to me, can't remember which). The ones I saw had silver plating (I think) but in some countries (I think USA) they have nickel plating. They use either Valentino pads or bladder. I prefer bladder and the ones I've seen had bladder, but I'm not sure where you get what, etc.
Just yesterday I tried a Buffet B10 and liked it a lot! It had a bunch of issues, like silly synthetic corks which had to be replaced, and some other mechanical issues. Definitely more adjustments were required than an average Yamaha. It had Valentino pads which I don't like that much but they worked fine (weren't sticky even). It had the plastic socket rings which are not so protective. Keys felt a little more comfortable (to me) than Yamaha (not a big deal really). Intonation was good, and the sound and response were excellent for the entire range. I was really impressed with that and really liked playing it. The throat Bb was a bit fuzzy and maybe the A slightly too (no more than what I remember from E11s). It is also very light which I think was one reason the player bought it. I'm not sure what the difference is between that model and the B12 (maybe the pads, and I'm not sure the B12 has metal socket rings).
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Author: haberc
Date: 2008-12-21 15:16
There are so many reliable non-wood brands out there. It depends on the individual horn. Many, many great opportunities for a reliable, inexpensive clarinet on ebay. Just make sure that the seller offers a money-back gaurantee.
Yamaha 20, Vito Resotone 3 model 7212 or 7214, Selmer 300, Selmer 1400,
Ridenour 147 - I have had very good luck with all these models....and have gotten several 'dogs' as well.
Shop where there is a money back guarantee. There are some wonderful, honest, reliable sellers on ebay.
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Author: FrankM
Date: 2008-12-21 15:17
I've got three nonwood clarinets for outdoor/cold weather/Oktoberfest gigs( where beer might be flying): A Buffet B12, A Vito V40 and just recently an old Bundy. I had them all worked on and they're all very playable, but I like the Bundy best. The B12 feels just like my R13, but I still like the Bundy.
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