The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2009-08-28 00:01
Hi,
I know this may be an old and discussed topic, but is the Leblanc/Backun Cadenza an intermediate or professional level instrument?
Brian
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-08-28 01:04
Many people consider it to be an entryu-level pro instrument. It's actually a nice instrument.
Jeff
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2009-08-28 04:15
I've been playing a Cadenza now for 2+ years and consider it a pro instrument in the same category as an R13. My Cadenza has been worked on a bit and I use a Backun bell so it's not stock off the shelf but it was a good horn as purchased. By the way a Backun bell on this horn DOES make a difference, I've had many people play it with both and they always tell me to put the OEM bell back in the drawer. I also use a Backun mouthpiece and not the one that came with the horn.
The horn has held up well under 2/3 hours per day of playing. The only technical problem was a rusty register key hinge screw which had to be replaced. It still has all its original pads and springs.
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
Post Edited (2009-08-28 04:24)
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Author: BrianChau
Date: 2009-08-28 04:39
Well, I've been playing my Cadenza for about 4.5 months, and I have to say it sounds better than the R13's that some of my band-mates play. (I'm still in high school.)
Well, I was thinking about saving up some money, getting a part-time job, and within a year, get a new bell and mouthpiece (both Backun), and possibly a Backun traditional barrel. Fortunately, I live pretty close to Backun Musical Services, so it would be a lot easier for me to try the products. Would a cocobolo bell sound better than a grenadilla one (it LOOKS better anyway), or is it up to personal preference?
Brian
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-08-28 06:18
I tried the Cadenza a few months ago. I tried it in Musikmesse so only for a few minutes/hours but I tried to compare it with other instruments.
I thought it was slightly better than some of the Bliss models and some other student or intermediate models from other companies. Definitely not as big difference as the price suggested to me.
The big difference was between the Cadenza and the more expensive Leblanc models (Symphony and Legacy). The Cadenza felt and sounded good until I tried the other models and noticed how much better they played (or another way to say, if you prefer, how much worse the Candeza played).
It's a matter of what you prefer, and I don't recommend buying a clarinet based on review you read online (regardless of who is making that review, and I say that even when I have a website with reviews of instruments). But personally I liked models from several other companies (including Buffet) better than the Leblanc models. I just preferred the "philosophy" of the tone, response, etc. of some other companies. Others might prefer the Leblanc models. So you should try it yourself and decide. Best if you can compare it with other models from Leblanc and other companies.
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2009-08-28 13:32
First, let me be clear, I don't classify the Cadenza as better or worse then an R13, it's just different. I have nothing against Buffets and own a number of them but have always preferred the ergonomics of Leblanc instruments and ergonomically my preferred Leblancs were made in the middle to late 1950s.
As to the bell you should use, well the game here is to try a bunch and pick out the one that makes a difference to your liking. Some will make no difference but out of a bunch you'll find one that makes a significant difference. It's always nice to be in the shop and have Morrie steer you to the ones that will likely help the most.
I was using a Backun mouthpiece on a Leblanc LL prior to the purchase of the Cadenza and have continued to use the mouthpiece since. It is a mouthpiece personally selected by my teacher at the time.
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2009-08-31 16:16
Brian I see your ISP is richmond in Vancouver BC. Go over and ask big Mo yourself! or better yet play them
Tom Puwalski
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