 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: JMB
Date: 2009-08-29 01:33
I'm purchasing a new clarinet, and I was wondering exactly what is the difference between the Symphony and Legacy clarinet. Is the only difference the 2 barrels, an extra bell, the extra adjusting screws, trill key, ect. Besides all the little upgrades, is it basically the same?
Also, I currently use a Kaspar refaced by Richard Hawkins mp-and have to give it back to my teacher soon, sadly. When I played it on his r13, it was way too free blowing, but when I play it on my clarinet (leblanc normandy, i know, i'm a poor college student, but i still sound good in it) and the Signature A he lets me use. I know it's because of barrel dimensions, but I don't know the dimensions of the Symphony...anyone have any suggestions? Preferably out of the Backun mp line.
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2009-08-29 01:42
The backun line of mouthpieces are very pricey. If you're going to spend 500, you might as well go 650 for the Vintage line from Brad Behn. The mouthpiece design and material is far superior, in my opinion. The zinner mouthpiece lines from all the other makers are much more reasonably priced.
Try calling Brad Behn, Clark Fobes, Greg Smith, or Hawkins if you like the way he refaced that Kaspar. I prefer these makers to Backun as far as mouthpieces go.
As far as the backun clarinets go, I haven't given them a thorough test. I enjoy backun barrels and bells, but find that much of the time they create too mellow of a sound that takes much of the "ring" or clarity out of the sound. Your mileage may vary of course.
If I were you I would try as many clarinets as possible, of all brands. Find what sounds the best to you and the trained ears of a friend or teacher. If it ends up being a Backun\Leblanc, then that's what you should get.
If I were in the market for a new clarinet right now, or mouthpiece, I think the 6K range would be the last place I looked....
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JMB
Date: 2009-08-29 01:50
Well I'm a performance major, and I've played on r13's, concertos, signatures, ect. I'm just poor and can't afford my own, well I can now. I just don't want to buy something, and be thinking a couple years later "aw man I should've just got that one for a little bit more". I'm no professional, but I'm quite sure I know a bit about the instrument. I can make anything sound good, it's not too hard. I just want something to where I don't have to worry about all that anymore, I just want to play and it will already be in tune, sound good ect. My teachers suggested that I look into Behn also, I'll have to do that once I see what mp's play well on my new horn.
Thanks for the input.
Post Edited (2009-08-29 02:08)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2009-08-29 02:15
You can also contact Lisa's clarinet shop (I can't remember if that's what she calls it). You can talk to her and she'll select clarinets from the factor (some type of Buffet) and send them to you for trial.
It's very possible to find a good R13, a good moennig or chadash barrel (whichever your preference), and an excellent mouthpiece from Behn and have NO REGRETS!
Then, you still have money left over to buy an A clarinet that you wouldn't have had if you bought a much more expensive clarinet. With a good R13, the more subtle variations of resistance and focus can be achieved through finding a good mouthpiece\barrel combination.
Most everyone I know plays some variation of a Buffet (mostly R13's, but some toscas\festivals\prestiges). I know only a handful of leblanc\yamaha\selmer players.
Recently I saw a concert with the Denver symphony and Mr. Yamaha performing artist (hopefully you know who I'm referring to). I saw his clarinets backstage. They were both Buffet R13's.
If you're not concerned with having "the new and cool" or "the most flashy" clarinet, but one that sounds and tunes the way you want it to there's no reason to spend 6 thousand on a clarinet because you can afford it at the time.
You can buy a few very nice mouthpieces instead!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2009-08-29 02:32
Try this combination.
Brannenized R13 + Chadash barrel + Greg Smith mp
There are many happy players using these set up.
Post Edited (2009-08-29 13:52)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JMB
Date: 2009-08-29 02:51
Ok, thanks for all the input, but back to my original question. Is there a real difference besides all the little added on features, between the two?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2009-08-29 03:04
Hello JMB,
Please feel free to contact me offline and I will explain the differences between the Legacy and Symphonie Leblanc Clarinets.
Regards,
Morrie
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
604-205-5770
morrie@backunmusical.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jnc8
Date: 2009-08-29 13:05
I would say only invest in the Backun clarinets if you are extremely well off, and since you're a performance major, I doubt that. No matter what clarinet you get, it is going to wear out eventually. Would you rather buy one Backun horn for $6000 that lasts ten years? Or would you rather buy a clarinet for $3000 and have it last ten years, then have the money left over for a new clarinet when that wears out OR have money left to purchase an A clarinet. Most orchestral clarinetists perform on Buffet clarinets, because of their reliability (if you take the time to find one for you). As mentioned above, I would contact Lisa's Clarinet Shop - she helped me find a Buffet Festival that I love and everyone wants to take from me because they love it too. I did not even have to spend $3500! The point is, you can find a great horn for a lot less than $6000, and when you do, you'll fall in love with it and you will have some money left over .... to buy some reeds or a mouthpiece and even put money towards an A clarinet.
Keep it real.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-08-29 13:33
It doesn't have to just last 10 years.
If the legacy is within your budget, at least give it a try.
This again comes down to the perceived conception that Clarinetists are particularly poor, or just cheap.
An Oboist wouldn't bat and eyelash at $6k for a very good/great Oboe, and a Bassonist would think that's a bargain.
Neither need be rich.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2009-08-29 14:04)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2009-08-29 16:10
Hello JMB,
There are 3 different price levels of Leblanc by Backun starting with the Cadenza, then Symphonie and finally the Legacy. All have silver plated keys.
They range from approximately a bit under 2000 (US) to about 6000 dollars.
There are many orchestral and solo players using both the Symphonie and Legacy. The main difference is in the mechanism, tonehole design and bore refinement, but both are top level instruments.
Individual players will each have their own preference and no one model or make of instrument is "the ideal." I always try to encourage players to try many makes and models while having other musicians listen (not just Clarinet players) to find out what is best for them.It does seem a bit unusual that some of the remarks seem to be from players who have not really tried the instruments. The Clarinet world is a very different place than it was 20 years ago with many more makes and models. One needs only look at several of the last major orchestra audition winners to see that variety is the spice of life!
Feel free to contact me offline if you need any other information.
Morrie
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
604-205-5770
morrie@backunmusical.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2009-08-29 18:49
It never hurts to try as many instruments as you can. Leblanc\Backun may be the instrument for you, may not.
I'm still not clear as to the difference between the two instruments. Is there much more time invested in the construction of the Legacy that warrants the higher cost?
I have tried both these instruments and preferred the Symphonie to the Legacy. In the sense that I haven't thoroughly tested them I mean that I haven't had multiple clarinets to try and tried them in a hall with others to listen.
Just not my sound, but may be someone else's...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-08-29 23:01
Question for Morrie about the "Bliss" clarinets-
Are these clarinets made to tune best at 440 or 442?
Post Edited (2009-08-29 23:01)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-08-30 18:28
Morrie gave you the best advise, contact him and he'll explain the difference. But you have to remember that every clarinet, every mouthpiece etc. even of the same make and model and facing all play slightly different. You simply have to try them. As far a mouthpieces go, the quality of the Backun mouthpiece is as good and anything on the market. I'm sure the Behns are top quality too, they better be for $650. That makes the Backuns cheap by comparison. You might find a Vandored that you like even better than either of them for $75. Just try as many different mouthpieces as you can and don't buy one just because someone else tells you the one they use is the best, it's only the best for them, not for you. Why do so many players think that what they use is the best and only good equipment. Are we all built exactly the same? I use an old Morgan mouthpiece, you will never see me post that I think everyone should be using it. All of my students play on a variety of different mouthpieces and equipment because I always encourage and help them find the right fit for them, not for me. I even have an article on my web page about that in my clarinet articles page. ESP
http://eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2010-02-17 15:12
The direction that this thread took was rather disrespectful to the person who originally authored it. He wanted to know the differences between the Backun Legacy and Symphonie. No where in his initial thread did he ask about Buffets or Lisa's Clarinet Shop. I also see no where did he ask about how long a clarinet would last, financial advice or if the Backun Clarinets were the right fit for him.
Furthermore, when someone such as myself goes through the archives of the BBoard curious about something such as the difference between Backun clarinets, it can be frustration sifting through all the irrelevant feed back. How about we all take it up a notch.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2010-02-17 15:32
Morrie can correct me about why the Bliss is at 442, but I had thought it was because it is for younger students (like my 8 year old daughter, who has one) and who tend to play flat. I have a pair of A/Bb Backun Legacy. I prefer them to the Symphonie because the key work, to me, is so smooth and comfortable. I also can't imagine them not lasting many many years beyond 10.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
