 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-01-02 04:10
A lot of folk go from a platic to a wood. I don`t want to because I keep my clarinet on a stand always available and even sometimes forget to run a wiper thru`. I`ld like to consider upgrading some time.
I`ve been playing for about 2 yrs and use a Vito Resi 3 with a Hite prem. I play mainly band & classical. So if I don`t want wood or a smelly cured rubber what would be your choice if not too worried about price on the clarinet? Wouild you also stay with my Hite?
Post Edited (2009-01-02 04:12)
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Author: Mike Blinn
Date: 2009-01-02 07:10
The following non-wood clarinets have a good reputation:
Buffet Greenline
Ridenour Lyrique
Yamaha
Forte
I play a Yamaha 221 bass clarinet (plastic), and I can vouch for the high quality of this instrument.
I believe that the mouthpiece you use is as important as the horn itself. If you can afford a custom made mouthpiece, you should go for it. If not, buy a really good quality but mass produced one such as a Pomarico crystal.
Mike Blinn
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-01-02 09:06
Buffet Greenline are excellent, but I think they are only available from the professiona models (i.e. not cheap). They are the best non-wood clarinets I've played, but also the only professional non-wood models I've played. The Yamaha plastic model is also good (student model). I also like the Buffet plastic student models, they have a great sound and response and I prefer them slightly over Yamaha for those reasons. IME Yamaha student models are better built and Buffets probably require a lot more adjustments.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-02 10:29
I too recommend the plastic Buffet (which is made by Schreiber) and Yamaha - though I prefer the YCL-26II and older B12s to the current models - both can be found for a good price on you-know-where.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2009-01-02 12:21
I can't comment on the Forte, because I've never played it...but I like the Lyrique best out of everything mentioned.
JW
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2009-01-02 13:33
Best non-wood clarinet I've ever played was a Benade NX model in Delrin by Steve Fox.
Not exactly a student priced instrument, mind you...
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-01-02 14:10
I had, played and sold a very good Selmer Omega [USA, 1980's?], acquired by auction, inexpensively. I could never determine [for sure] if it were a fine-grained wood or a high quality resin-plastic, and concluded the latter. It was somewhat "bright" in tonality [but accepted a "darker" mp readily], as compared with my C T, and had much the same "key-feel" which I liked very well. The woman to whom I sold it is still very pleased with it and plays it as her best in community band. The above-mentioned cls which I've seen are also very good, IMHO. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-01-02 14:27
There is a new player in town - the Leblanc Bliss models.
Pretty sure that there is one which is completely plastic. That and the Lyrique would be the best for the buck, but the least expensive and still good would be the forte.
I've tried the 147's and wasn't impressed at all with them.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-01-02 14:58
Don -
The original Selmer Omegas were deluxe CT models made in the mid-1950s. They were made of specially selected, very dense grenadilla. You can recognize them by the vine leaf carving on the bell and the bottom of the lower joint and by a special register key with separate holes for the register vent and throat Bb, shown at http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/SK.jpg.
Selmer later put out an Omega made in the U.S., which was an intermediate model. It had, I believe, some carving on the bell that didn't go up to the lower joint and a standard register key.
Ken Shaw
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2009-01-02 15:46
I own 2 Lyriques, and played the Andino recently, as well as the Bliss. I've played many Yamaha's in my day, and quite a few Greenlines as well. I obviously like the Lyriques, but I was very surprised by how much I like the Bliss, for as cheap as it is (they're around $800-$900 I believe, probably will come down some when they actually are available). I played 3 or 4 of them at the Midwest Clinic a couple of weeks ago, and they were pretty darn good instruments - nice sound, nice scale. I would not hesitate to play one myself, and will be recommending them to beginning / intermediate students. I did not care for the Andino nearly as well. I would definitely check out one of the Bliss models if you get a chance. The Lyrique is a very nice instrument as well, much better than the 147's - they're all set up by Tom Ridenour himself. If it were me or one of my students, I would check out the Bliss and the Lyrique, and use the Yamaha as a fall-back. I don't personally like it as well as the other 2, but you certainly know what you're getting; they are a well-made instrument, and they've been around a while.
Post Edited (2009-01-02 15:49)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-01-02 15:57
TKS, Ken for your "inputs". There are 2 USA Omega [cl's that is] presently viewable on the auction site, the first is what I had, advertised as wood!, having the lightly carved bell and flattened left "long touches" for E/B and F#/C#, the second [later model ?] just Omega in an oval ?? The mentioned .577 " bore [same as a Bundy?] prob. accounts for a brighter tone than my C T at 15.0mm [.590" ], right ? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-01-02 16:31
Sorry about the 147 recommendation. I was thinking about value first (less than $100). I must have lost my mind temporarily.
Post Edited (2009-01-02 17:43)
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-01-02 21:13
Thank you all for your valuable and interesting comments. While I have only been playing for a relatively short time I think my next clarinet purchase should or would be my last. I`m 76.
So if I`m going shopping I think it should be at least an intermediate model.
But here is the problem; I can`t find an intermediate clarinet that isn`t wood. Maybe I should change my mind re wood? Is cracking likely to be a problem in my remaining time? Would it be essential that I pack it away each time? The classified Inter. types readily available here are:
Leblanc--- Cadenza
Buffet --- E11
E13
C12
Jupiter ---Series 931S
Yamaha---450s
Ridenour clarinets, but I understood were made of cured rubber and if thats`s the case I`ve had enough of smelly vulcanized mouth pieces.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-01-02 21:24
DB,
Yes, the Lyrique is a much better instrument but I wonder what makes it different. There have been comments about key finish but I've got to be frank, any of my 147s (I have 5) are pretty much right on as far as pitch. Better than my CS Custom although my LeBlanc L200 is still the champ. And I have the custom register key which I really like.
But that's another thread maybe. But maybe not if we are talking best non-wood. Tom is very adamant about the hard rubber being superior.
With the Bliss and the Lyrique, it's a whole new ball game. If I was in the market for a new BC, I'd have to look long and hard at the Ridenour.
HRL
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-02 22:01
Rusty,
With wooden clarinets it's essential that you do pack them away each time as the water that collects in the sockets can cause trouble (usually the wood swells and the joints bind up solid), so dismantling them and drying the joints and sockets before putting them back in the case is important.
With plastic clarinets there's far less risk of moisture damage to the body material, though the bore will still need to be dried with a pullthrough to remove excess condensation that can make pads and tenon corks deteriorate.
Always grease the tenon corks with just enough cork grease (not too much - a small amount applied more frequently is better than a large amount dolloped on every once in a while) to make assembly easy, and you can either grease the corks after drying the bore and before putting away in the case, or greasing them on assembly.
I totally forgot about the Forte clarinet - http://www.forteclarinet.com/horns/features.htm
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-01-02 23:45
Rusty said:
"Ridenour clarinets, but I understood were made of cured rubber and if thats`s the case I`ve had enough of smelly vulcanized mouth pieces."
Actually, Rusty, the Ridenour barrels I have (made from the same rubber) have no smell at all. I have had one of them for more than three years, and it has no noticeable odor at all. I don't know if this woulkd pose a problem for you or not. You would have to be the judge of that. I have a Lyrique coming here in a little over a week, so I will let you know what I see about that one.
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: Rusty
Date: 2009-01-03 03:43
Jeff this business of sulphur (or sulfur to you) rubber curing is an odd one. Some player`s clarinet pieces never seem to produce the H2S smell, while for others it is an on going problem and Forum post.
As I understand some changes have been made in the type and level of rubber curing agents present so maybe the rotten egg smell right under your nose is a less frequent problem.
Personally I`ve had 3 occurrences all with mouthpieces. One a new off shelf MP. While I can carry the cost, reluctantly, of MPs I wouldn`t like to trust a $1000+ clarinet going the same way.
Post Edited (2009-01-03 20:27)
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Author: Steve L
Date: 2009-01-03 11:29
I have recently bought a Hanson SE5 in ebonite. It is one of their advanced models and is an obvious upgrade to my B12. Its very well built and has a nice feel to it.
Although its rubber there is certainly no sulphur smell to it. It actually smells more like a tyre shop, which I quite like actually :-)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-03 11:54
Steve, just out of curiosity, but do Hanson actually make all their clarinets in house from start to finish?
ISP in USA but I live in West Sussex
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-01-03 14:25
interesting thread. i guess i think differently. forget which clarinet to get.
fix this first:
"sometimes forget to run a wiper thru`"
it doesn't matter if you have a professional wood model, or a plastic one, or metal for that matter. if you don't pull a swab through, the pads will fail prematurely, regardless of which model you settle on. if you keep it on a stand all the time, eventually you or someone else will knock it over.
swab the horn out, and pack it away and put it in its case each night where it belongs.
you seem excessively hung up on plastic vs wood. don't worry so much and just go play.... if you want an intermediate model, i recommend E11's.
but its far more important to lean to care for whatever model you have - use a swab!
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Steve L
Date: 2009-01-03 14:25
Chris
I really can't answer that. Looking at their website it looks like the turning is done in house, but when I enquired about the SE5 they were waiting for a consignment of keys coming in. Apparently their place at Marsden is only small. Keep meaning to have a ride over and check it out.
Post Edited (2009-01-03 14:28)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-03 14:30
They show a joint on the CNC machine and racks full of finished student clarinets, but no actual photos of manufacture or assembly.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Cindyr
Date: 2009-01-03 23:33
I share Chris P's comment on the older B-12's, I have one from 1986 that I'm keeping. The other plastic favorite is my Yamaha YCL 250, both are very good clarinets, I'm not sure which one is better. Whereas the YCL 250 is a more current instrument, the older B-12's might need some work, but it's worth it for the sound quality. Note: the older ones are the "shinny" ones....Cindy.
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Author: pplateau
Date: 2009-04-13 00:39
I like the Yamaha YCL 250; ergonomics very much like my R-13; using Yammy now for backup etc. Tried all the others including Bliss which is too cramped for my hands.
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-04-13 01:12
Several folk mentioned the importance of packing the instrument ,especially if wood, away after playing.
I find it hard to believe that a pull thru` a couple of times is going to dry pads and packing the clarinet away in this condition can`t be as good as leaving it to dry on a stand. Of course it must be safe and the corks regularly greased,
but I like my instruments to be readily available in my music room and keep them all on stands with a satin cloth over each.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2009-04-13 02:41
I notice that you are currently using a Vito Resotone. I have one also as my backup, and I think it does really well. My teacher gets a beautiful tone out of it. I'm wondering if some of these other models mentioned would really make that much of a differnece for you. I also started with a Hite Premier mp, and it does very well.
Leonard
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-04-13 16:50
My new Buffet R-13 Greenline is simply the best clarinet I've ever played...period. It has a pro set up with the cork pads on the upper and has fine key action (silver-plated keys).
I've also got a good impression of the Lyrique and have owned one that I ended up selling to help pay expenses of overseas travel. Very nice instrument with many fans on this bboard.
The Forte is a nice one as well.
I haven't tried the Backun Bliss by Leblanc, but have heard good things about it.
I'm not sure you could say the Greenline is non-wood since it's wood and composite material.
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-04-13 21:38
I have two Resitones Leonard, one is a full Plateau model and I think they are both superb. I had also two Yamahas a 250 and a 650. I like the Resitones better particularly with a Hite mouth piece
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-04-14 01:36
An update from my earlier post on this thread for Rusty. I now own a Ridenour Lyrique (since around the 1st of January) and can detect no trace of sulfur whatsoever in any area of the horn, whether the tuning barrels or any other part of the instrument.
Jeff
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Author: soybean
Date: 2009-04-14 05:30
Interesting thread. I have owned both models of Lyrique soprano clarinets. The "pro" model is made of hard rubber (no smell at all). The "student" model is NOT made of HR but some sort of plastic. It also has no smell. They are both good clarinets, but I actually prefer the Yamaha 250. Would like to try the new Bliss model as well as the Omega models recommended here.
~Dan
(Leblanc Bliss, Buffet R13 key of A, Yamaha 250 Bb)
Post Edited (2009-04-14 17:07)
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