 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2009-01-25 22:25
Clarinet BBoard,
I consider myself to be in the market for either one of these instruments.
I've utilized the search function extensively and have found many helpful posts regarding both these instruments.
However, I want to know, from users of either one or both, how they stack up individually and against each other.
I'm after all the usual information; intonation, materials, manufacture, accessories, etc.
I'm especially interested in the experiences of any overseas customers, as I hope to be one soon.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Regards,
- Liam
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2009-01-26 04:47
Suggest you also consider the new Bliss clarinet. I heard 19 year old phenom Julian Bliss playing one at the NAMM show last week and was completely knocked out by both Julian ( check him on YouTube) and his new clarinet. It has been designed by Morrie Backun with Julian's inputs and made by LeBlanc. Just coming to market, Julian was there to demonstrate. Several of us thought it was the best horn that we blew at the show (and we blew them ALL!). Haven't checked, but I'm sure he must have a web site pushing these. They were about $800 if I got it right. PS- Julian is a really nice kid (besides being absolutely one of the world's best players!)
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2009-01-26 21:25
Saxlite and David,
The Bliss clarinet appears to be a fine instrument. However, at an average of $800.00 USD, it is out of my price range.
I am looking for a backup clarinet, and either the Forte' or the RCP-146 are the finalists after extensive research.
But, as it seems to be a clarinet in a similar category, any reviews of the Bliss clarinet(s) are welcome also. Although it's unlikely that many people have played the Bliss, Forte' and RCP-146, I'd still love to hear feedback that compares and contrasts the qualities of all three instruments.
Thanks for the replies,
- Liam
Post Edited (2009-01-26 21:26)
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Author: FDF
Date: 2009-01-26 22:50
I have a Ridenour 147 and find it a great instrument with wonderful intonation. Harder reeds seem to help the sound quality. My comparison is a Selmer Ct. Tom well help you tune the instrument if you purchase it from him.
Good luck.
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2009-01-27 06:13
FDF mentioned a Ridenour 147. Is this an earlier/later model of the 146?
A site I found said:
>> Tom Ridenour himself says that he regrets that he did not have control over the production of this instrument [147]. His design was sold to a company in China. <<
Is the 147 still in manufacture?
Are those not made in china comprable to the 146?
Thanks,
- Liam
Post Edited (2009-01-27 06:14)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-01-27 06:16
Re the Leblanc Bliss, if anyone knows, does it also have, like another model from Leblanc (I think the Cadenza, not sure about others), an adjusting screw for the bridge key which is plastic and has an Allen key head?
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2009-01-27 13:29
There is plenty of information on the TR-147 in the bboard archives.
As I understand, the parts for the TR-147 were made in China and assembled by Ridenour in his workshop in the US. Ridenour stopped making the TR-147 around 2005 (and I am not aware they are or were ever made under that name by anyone else). The successor to the TR-147 was the Arioso, followed by the Lyrique models which include the RCP-146.
There were several design changes to the TR-147 over the 7 or so years he made them, and the later ones (distinguishable by their inline trill keys, asymmetric register key, and reinforced crow's foot) are regarded as the best.
I've been happy with mine, for what that's worth.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-01-27 13:38
The TR 147 is a terrific instrument (I have 5 of them). See the other threads for my comments. My primary instruments (sax and clarinet) are Selmer and Yamaha and the little 147 holds its own against them for pennies on the dollar.
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Author: clockwiser
Date: 2009-01-28 10:13
do you think that the Backun Bliss model will become a major competitor to the Ridenour clarinet?
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2009-01-28 14:44
Try, all, before buy. Easier said then done, however. I have found super TR147s for $50, but that was good luck. (I also sound better with a 3.5 reed rather than a 3.0.)
richard smith
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Author: awm34
Date: 2009-01-29 14:12
I recently found a very good TR147 for $49 (+shipping) on the auction site.
Alan Messer
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-01-29 15:52
Actually, you may be interested in contacting Dave at Kessler Music for a price on the Bliss. He may surprise you on the prices.
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Author: clockwiser
Date: 2009-02-01 13:10
Any one have experienced with both the Ridenour and the Backun Bliss? How do you compare the 2?
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-02-01 21:17
Not exactly what you asked, Clockwiser, but I have used and owned both the Leblanc Cadenza and the Ridenour Lyrique 576 BC. Both are quite nice instruments and the intonation and scales are superior to the two very nice R13 instruments currently owned by me and my daughter. The 146 is made of ABS in the body, with a hard rubber barrel. The 576 is all hard rubber. IF it plays at all like the 576, the 146 will be an excellent buy.
The Cadenza is also quite nice, but it's made of Grenadilla, and comes with both a 66mm grenadilla Backun ringless barrel and a 65 mm Cocobollo Backun ringless barrel. Of the two, I prefer the shorter barrel, not so much for its tuning as for the tone it produces.
Both instruments play very well and feel great. Differences: The Leblanc's keywork is silver-plated and feels more like what I was used to with Buffets. The Ridenour uses nickel-plating and feels different, but not objectionable. Finishing on the Leblanc/Backun keywork is slightly nicer, too, but it does not affect playing, just cosmetics. Both Morrie Backun and Tom Ridenour are extremely approachable, so if you have questions about the instruments, it might be a good idea to call the two gentlemen.
In keeping with the original question, I have not tried a Forte, but everything I have purchased from Doc. Henderson has been of outstanding quality, and his service is superb!
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 (2009-02-02 00:34)
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