 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2000-11-14 21:30
I went to wwandbw in NY today. My purpose was to try a some different maker's clarinets, and different types of Buffet clarinets. My clarinet playing experience is almost three months, using a rental Yamaha CL-20, which I have been very happy with. When I began playing, I set my self a goal of purchasing a clarinet at the end of three months.
I had never tried a Buffet B-12, so this was first. I tried a regular Buffet R-13 and a greenline R-13. They did not have a Buffet vintage, so I may try one next time. I also tried a Yamaha SE, and a Selmer Signature. They were each very nice, but different in sound and feel.
After trying the mix, I focused on the regular R-13. The more I played it, the better it sounded. I liked the sound of all the registers, but I was fascinated by how the clarion register "sung" - made me think of bowing a violin. I concluded that I could be happy with this R-13. I decided that I should compare it to some others to make sure. I spoke to the salesperson, and she said that there is a variation amongst R-13s and people usually try six. I was feeling light headed, and there was no way I could comfortably do this justice. So, I'll be going back within the next two weeks to try six regular R-13s, and a vintage R-13 if they have one in stock.
The store itself, and staff are fantastic. It was not crowded, and I got right into a practice room. They have so many instruments, and accessories that I could have spent a lot more time browsing, but I didn't. I purchased a few clarinet accessories, and left.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-11-14 21:52
Bill -
It's easy to get confused, with so many different types of instruments to try. Even a bunch of examples of the same model can make your head spin.
If an instrument sings for you, grab it. It might not be there when you come back.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ken Rasmussen
Date: 2000-11-15 03:01
What were your observations as regards the Greenline? I'm very attracted to the idea of the material, but I've never seen one, much less played one.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2000-11-15 13:30
Ken, reference your "Greenline" comments. Look back to 11/09-10 there are quite a few comments there.
Bob A
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Author: Cathy
Date: 2000-11-15 15:26
I have almost made the decision to purchase my son a Buffet greenline R-13 from wwandbw (phone order) rather than locally because of a $1,100 price difference. Can anyone tell me, from their experience, how timely wwandbw is able to turn around warrany and other repair work? They told me that all warranty works needs to be approved by them and only minor repairs could be done locally. I would prefer to purchase locally, but the price difference is too great. Has anyone had experience with their customer service dept. after the sale and do they seem as responsive as they were leading up to the sale?
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Author: Bill
Date: 2000-11-15 17:05
Author: Ken Rasmussen wrote:
What were your observations as regards the Greenline? I'm very attracted to the idea of the material, but I've never seen one, much less played one.
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In comparing the R-13 and the R-13 greenline, they sounded differerent to me, but which was better is a matter of individual preference. If you like to see wood grain, it doesn't exit on the greenline, or if it does my eye glasses needed cleaning. The greenline seemed to have a heavier feel than the R13. I don't know if there is an actual weight difference. I think you need to try, to see if you like it.
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeeszer
Date: 2000-11-16 21:57
Bill..
Yeah.... It's alwayz a real quest to get the clarinet you want.... I took more than a year to find my pair of buffets. I went to the buffet factory near Paris..... Tried at least 30 - 40 RC's and I didn't find any one that suited me... I was lucky to find mine in a corner of the factory where no one could see them.... But now.... I know I'm keeping them for life.....
One recommendation..... If you're a beginner, don't go for a top model staight away. You don't know the clarinet well enough to make a good selection. I mean... can you see a significant difference between two R13's ?
It would be stupid ending up having to sell your clarinet to buy the one that suits you a couple years later..
I played ten years on a student clarinet (buffet E13), and I managed o.k., even ranked 2nd at the national swiss youth soloist contest with it.... Instruments don't make music.. it's the musician that makes it.
But yeah.. after ten years, I thought I disurved a pair of professional babies.
Good luck with your quest to the ultimate clarinet !
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeeszer
Date: 2000-11-16 22:06
Cathy,
It's good idea to get your son a nice instrument, but I am pretty against buying by correspondance.
I know how money can become annoying in these situations, but your son needs to try the instrument before buying it. Or at least get his teacher to try it.
For repair problems, Buffet greenline will probably never have any problems.
The instrument will never crack because it's not wood, and if a pad pops out, you can let your local dealer do it.... it will probably cost you less than 5 dollars for the repair..... nothing else really can happen to it.
If there is a major defect with the instrument (ee. construction defect), Buffet Crampon Paris will repair it for free, postage included.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2000-11-17 13:16
Author: Daniel Bouwmeeszer wrote:
>I was lucky to find mine in a corner of the factory where no one could see them.
Maybe they were put there by someone that singled them out, and were planning a return visit to make a final selection. Lucky you!!!
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>I mean... can you see a significant difference between two R13's ?
I regret now that I tried several different clarinets, but only one regular R13. You are right, they may all be the same to me at this point, and I need to find out via a return visit - dred the trip. I haven't ruled out using the services of Tom Ridenour, but he is steering me away from the R-13 based on my needs and objectives. To a certain extent, I'm flexible, but I do like the positive aspects of the R-13's reputation.
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>It would be stupid ending up having to sell your clarinet to buy the one that suits you a couple years later..
I agree, but I don't believe I have many playing years left, and when I retire I won't be able to afford one :( .
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>Instruments don't make music.. it's the musician that makes it.
In my case, I wish the reverse were true.
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>Good luck with your quest to the ultimate clarinet !
I'd be satisfied with an average R-13. I want to avoid a "lemon" if there are such R-13s.
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Thanks to you and others for the advice so far, and more is very welcome.
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