 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: mozartklar
Date: 2009-02-19 01:43
Hi Everyone,
I'm curious to know your thoughts about the Prestige RC E-flat clarinet versus the R-13 model. I've spent some time on my friend's Prestige horn. I like it and pitch wise, it sits pretty well (or as well as an E flat can). I know about the RC bore design. Due to the variation in cost, what are the advantages/disadvantages to the Prestige when compared to the R-13 e flat?
Many Thanks for your insights!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2009-02-19 02:10
The price difference is pretty dramatic between a regular R13 and an RC Prestige. It is possible to find an R13 that sounds good and tunes well. As you probably have found out already, Eb's are just difficult to tune and take a while to learn how to voice properly.
I have an R13 (regular) Eb that I love, and don't play enough. If you can find a place that has a decent selection of R13's you may vary well find one you like.
Personally, I would spend the time and effort finding a good R13 (or patricola) Eb and spending some of the savings on professional mouthpiece, custom barrel (and\or bell). I've also heard good things about the fobes extention for Eb.
The market for used instruments seems to be doing well these days (as people are selling backup and surplus instruments). You might send some emails to symphony Eb players if you know any to see if you can get a lead on a "tried in the heat of battle" clarinet.
Good luck!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jparrette
Date: 2009-02-19 02:17
I have an RC-bore Eb that's not a prestige. I believe the price was the same as a regular R13 Eb. The pitch is EXCELLENT - much better than R13 pitch.
Also - the Fobes extensions are fantastic. I use a cocobolo extension with Backun cocobolo bell and barrel.
I would definitely recommend the used route, even if you have to shell out some repair costs. You know the price of new ones!
Good luck,
John
John Parrette
CLARION MUSICAL SERVICES
john@clarionmusical.com
914-805-3388
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DAVE
Date: 2009-02-19 04:18
Yamaha makes excellent E flat clarinets for a fraction of the cost of Buffet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2009-02-19 11:49
When I bought my R13 Eb in the mid 80's I tried 6 and they were quite variable both in terms of sound quality and intonation, The one I bought had a quite nice sound and other than a couple problem notes very good intonation. One of my friends used it on several auditions for major orchestras and she loved it too. This was before the Fobes extension and before the Smith and Grabner mouthpieces so it's hard to compare it with my Prestige without them being side by side and with the same additional equipment but I can give a few generalities.
The Prestige I find a lot easier to control dynamics, perhaps a bit less strident in sound, although I can get it to play "nasty" in things like El Salon MMexico if needed with a little more air. Every clarinetist that has tried this horn has loved it. It really does make Eefer playing much more fun and less risky. I think it blends a bit better with the flutes in tutti passages too. In the wind symphony formats you are almost always in unison with them. With the Prestige I rarely use a fudge-fingering unless I'm trying to match a piccolo that's going sharp.
I have never played the non-Prestige RC but if some of these properties are found in it I would definitely give it a try. They are a good bit less expensive. If you do the side by side comparison please report back to the Board! The Prestige is jointed like other clarinets whereas my old R13 had a one-piece body; I don't know how the RC is jointed.
eefer guy
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D Dow
Date: 2009-02-20 01:06
If you have trouble finding a suitable R13 remember to try some Yamaha pro Eb clarinets. A number of major players do use them in orchestras in the US ...so good luck!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
