 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: maskedridersean
Date: 2009-10-12 22:30
I have an R-13 and I like it. I have no complaints. But I am thinking I want something different. What are some other good models for Leblanc and Selmer? I am not interested in spending $10K for a new horn but I want something good.
There was this Selmer I tried a few years ago. It felt really thick. The dealer said it had a different bore than normal. Anybody know what I am talking about?
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Author: USFBassClarinet
Date: 2009-10-12 23:22
If you are looking for something different, why not just lay your hands on anything close by? Try your friends instruments even.(assuming everyone doesn't play Buffet) Personally, I found an Old Leblanc Esprit that blows any new R13 away. (I haven't personally played the older golden age ones so I don't include any older ones) and I personally like the sound of the older leblancs/selmers. Seems like the keywork feels odd on some of them though
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-13 00:36
USFBassClarinet wrote:
> If you are looking for something different, why not just lay
> your hands on anything close by? Try your friends instruments
> even.(assuming everyone doesn't play Buffet) Personally, I
> found an Old Leblanc Esprit that blows any new R13 away. (I
> haven't personally played the older golden age ones so I don't
> include any older ones) and I personally like the sound of the
> older leblancs/selmers. Seems like the keywork feels odd on
> some of them though
Wait a minute! Everybody DOESN'T play Buffet??? ![[whoa]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie10.gif) ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
Jeff
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Author: maskedridersean
Date: 2009-10-13 03:25
EVERYBODY PLAYS BUFFET!!!! It drives me crazy! I'd love to try somebody elses clarinet but they all play Buffet
I love my R-13 but I bought it used when I was in high school when I was young(er) and dumb(er) and just did what my teacher did. I didn't even try any other clarinets.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-10-13 03:35
I bought a Selmer Signature three years ago after trying dozens of Buffets. I've played Buffets all my life until I tried this Selmer Bb and I fell in love with it. All models and makes have slightly different bore sizes, that's ONE of the things that make them all different. I know the barrels that came with the Signature is much smaller than any Buffet I've ever had but I switched to a Backun a while after because I like the feel and sound better. The bore of Backun are more like what I use on my Buffets but I need a much smaller barrel, a 62.5mm on the Selmer, where I use a 67mm on my Buffets so there must be some difference in the bore of the clarinet itself. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-10-13 12:21
Unfortunately the better clarinets are mostly quite pricey.
I love the Yamaha CSG for tuning, response and sound - sold my R13 on the spot (and it's probably the least expensive spot on pro horn).
That isn't to say there are not some others that are very nice such as:
Leblanc Concerto
Selmer Privilege
Good luck finding the Selmer to try though. Not many dealers in the States but if you're anywhere near Las Vegas, check out Kessler Music.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-13 13:14
The new Leblanc/Backun clarinets are worth a look. Also, if you are open minded, look at Tom Ridenour's Lyrique clarinets in hard rubber. They are far better than the price would suggest. Tom is the former chief clarinet designer for Leblanc, and produced the Concerto and Opus lines for Leblanc.
Jeff
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2009-10-14 15:56
If you want to become established as a professional clarinetist in the United States, I would recommend sticking to Buffet until then. But if you are an amateur who simply enjoys playing then feel free to run wild.
James Garcia
Bass Clarinet/Clarinet III, Des Moines Symphony Orchestra
Post Edited (2009-10-14 17:57)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-14 16:01
Pro auditions don't require you to have a Buffet, and for most pro groups, you audition behind a screen, so the quality of the sound and playing, NOT the brand name, are what counts.
There's nothing wrong with Buffets. If you like them, that's fine. Many people love them. But they are not the ONLY choice for a pro.
Jeff
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Author: aero145
Date: 2009-10-14 16:52
JOG: That I call bad advise.
Thread starter: I’m no Buffet guy, but seriously, there are so many types of Buffets out there. Just try anything you can try. Brand name isn’t the most important thing - if you like an old LeBlanc more than a new Buffet, and it sounds better, then play on it. You can also try another R13. R13 vary far too much, you know.
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-14 17:17
aero145 wrote:
> Brand name isn’t the most important thing - if you like
> an old LeBlanc more than a new Buffet, and it sounds better,
> then play on it.
I agree.
Just like jeff said about auditioning behind a screen, take no notice of the name.
If you like it, play it.
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2009-10-14 18:05
The person from Texas who started this thread has not commented on what his objectives are as a clarinetist yet. I cannot help but notice that those who have so far disagreed with my "advise" are people with IP addresses outside of the United States.
Most of my peers are the well trained vivacious twenty somethings out on the job circuit right now. Several of them played other instruments during their undergrad but all (but one) that I know, went to or back to Buffet when they started taking auditions. There is no specific requirement that one must play on an Buffet R-13 but checking with the facebook group clarinet jobs. I would say that nearly all if not all have won their auditions playing on Buffet clarinets.
I don't want to get the anti-buffet mafia screaming but I'm vocalizing an honest opinion. I really love Selmer Signatures and if I had the funds I'd buy a set right away but then again, I don't have the pressures any longer to win a job out there so I have a sense of freedom that others don't.
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Author: aero145
Date: 2009-10-14 19:47
I am no anti-Buffet mafia guy. I still think one shouldn’t bother with auditioning somewhere where one is expected to play on a Buffet. It just shows the lack of musicality of the people there. I couldn’t live with that, really, rather try somewhere else.
”I would say that nearly all if not all have won their auditions playing on Buffet clarinets.”
The only thing you’re implying that most of the good players like Buffet more, not that the Buffets are better. I am sure if you would give any of them a Selmer and tell them to practise a piece they know on the new instrument and play it, it would sound as good.
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-14 21:18
aero145 wrote:
> ”I would say that nearly all if not all have won their auditions playing on Buffet clarinets.”
Statistically... if more people play Buffets than any other, then this would have to be true.
Ron
www.coomkeen.com
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Author: J. Usher
Date: 2009-10-14 21:20
The Peter Eaton International. I've played my Eaton's for 10 years now and I'm not going back (played Buffet R13's before then). And the way the economy is going, the Eatons are now priced better than most other pro horns.
Clarinet, Woodwind Methods, Music Ed.
CSUSB
San Bernardino, CA
jusher@csusb.edu
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Author: aero145
Date: 2009-10-14 21:26
Coomkeen: I didn’t say this, but what you said makes sense nevertheless.
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Author: maskedridersean
Date: 2009-10-15 03:30
To respond to a few above postings...
My background: recent college graduate now band director playing in some community groups. No intention of a serious "professional" playing career or even taking an audition.
My objective: see what else is out there besides R-13.
Side note: I have a 1950's Noblet I use when I play jazz. Its a nice horn but the other clarinetists at my university did give me a hard time for playing on something besides Buffet
I like Buffet and I recognize their quality but unless I'm getting paid only to play one kind or another won't ever say I will only play one brand...and I won't push my students one way or another either!
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-15 07:26
Oops, sorry. Mis-quote.
It was James and you were quoting him.
Gets complicated all this 'long distance conversation' stuff.
Ron
Ron
www.coomkeen.com
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2009-10-15 15:20
Check out the Selmer Signature. Every time I have tried Signatures I have absolutely loved their sound. I recently started a thread about them. They have excellent intonation and dark consistent tone up and down the registers. They are also really nice looking if that means anything with the styling and the polish of the wood.
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Author: interd0g
Date: 2009-10-15 18:30
My favorite clarinet sound comes from Nicholas Cox and he plays a top of the line Yamaha. Its sounds stunning and the intonation is perfect.
I would try one myself but I am tied to 7 rings.
My 2 R13s are Ok but there are several notes obviously out of tune so I don't give them full marks.
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Author: Drake
Date: 2009-10-15 21:59
From my experience, I have found that my Strasser (SML) can outplay any new or old Buffet. I find it easy to play, too. Closer study of it by my repairman revealed that it has bigger tone holes than other clarinets. Its always about 5 to 8 cents sharp when the instrument is pushed together all the way, but I've learned to rectify this by pulling out at the barrel and at the first joint by a memorized distance. The tone is beautiful and smooth when played correctly. I've been told that my tone is pretty good when I play my Selmer CL300, and on my SML it's even better.
I would try another clarinet if I had the time (and more discretionary income), but for now I'm more than content with my SML and my Selmer.
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2009-10-17 16:26
"Its always about 5 to 8 cents sharp when the instrument is pushed together all the way, but I've learned to rectify this by pulling out at the barrel and at the first joint by a memorized distance."
Yeah, Drake, my R-13 was the same way and for years and years, I did the same thing...until I got a Muncy barrell for my Buffet. Why not just invest in another barrell?
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Author: Drake
Date: 2009-10-17 17:11
I was looking at a new barrel for my SML just recently, actually. It's a Backun ringless barrel. I figured that would help with the intonation and my tone as well. How well does your Muncy perform? I've heard of them, but I don't know too much about them.
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2009-10-17 20:32
A few out of tune notes or intervals are not necessarily indicative of a problem horn design. That is why you should try several before deciding on which one you want. Often, a good tech can correct an out of tune note with just a small adjustment of a key or two. I have a Selmer Centered Tone which I rebuilt which is not within two to three cents through its entire range. That's less than the change that happens as it warms up and well within the range to lip in.
I am a died in the wool Selmerite. However, my newest horn is a 1972 Series 10.
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2009-10-17 23:52
well after all it's just a hollow stick with holes in it. How different can they all be? As Playboy famously wrote "it's the wizard not the wand"!
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Author: Jacob
Date: 2009-10-18 03:20
well honestly I am not really a "good" claranetist but I play on an around 45 year old Boosey & Hawks. sure the thing might need new pads but its a fine instrument and yes i do know that B&H was bought out by Buffet
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Author: ShazamaPajama
Date: 2009-10-18 06:48
for something different, you should try one of the rosewood patricola clarinets with the full boehm system. (sp?)
they seem very interesting, i'd love to try one out but the shops in las vegas pretty much suck, i cant even find a decent repair man out here.
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Author: Eddydavik
Date: 2009-10-18 12:40
An odd matter, but all the female clarinetists in my ensemble are using buffet clarinets, except for two I think which happen to be the two youngest in the group... they are playing on Yamaha clarinets. However, the guys all play on Selmer clarinets, myself on a Series 9, another on a Signature, and the previous concert master was using a 10IIG (I think that's right... it was a series 10).
I would like to try (if I ever was given the chance) one of Stephen Fox's clarinets.
Edward Escobar
Suita City Wind Ensemble
Post Edited (2009-10-18 12:40)
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Author: OmarHo
Date: 2009-10-18 14:31
I tried a Selmer Signature A clarinet recently, and can also say that they are quite impressive. I can get a really nice big focused sound with them, which is nice for playing 2nd clarinet in orchestra. I still sound like myself though, no matter what I play, unless it's like acoustically challenged.
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Author: srattle
Date: 2009-10-18 15:41
Hi maskedridersean,
I don't know that much about other options. I play buffet myself, but I've done some research and these makers sound very interesting to me.
http://www.schwenk-und-seggelke.de/englisch/index.php
Schwenk and Segglke, in Germany.
I know someone who owns one of their boxwood, boehm clarinets, and say it's the most wonderful clarinet they've ever played. They make really custom instruments for the player, so there's a lot of option.
http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/
I have heard many wonderful things about Stephen Fox, and I'm impressed by his innovation. Another instrument I would love to try.
http://www.rossiclarinet.com/
I tried a Rossi clarinet this summer. It was a large bore boehm system, and very different to what I am used to tonally, but I have to say, I think it was the easiest to play clarinet I have come across. Blew unbelievably well, and somehow made staccato a breeze, while sounding very nice (although the big bore made it sound strange to me). Mechanic was wonderful aswell, and I could zip around the instrument with full ease.
I don't know if you want something more custom, but I would say you could do very well with those three makers. Maybe I should actually try them out. . .
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Author: CK
Date: 2009-10-19 03:56
I agree with Ed, once I tried the selmer signature I retired my Buffet 13's
I Use a Backun Morales barrel with a Clark Fobes Cicero 14 and 3.5
Gonzalez Reeds.
Most of my college students play buffets, but by no means do you have to play
a buffet to be a "PRO" many colleagues of mine play yamaha's, selmer recitals,
and some play other pro models.
It is a subjective personal decision.
Post Edited (2009-10-19 03:58)
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Author: justme
Date: 2009-10-19 04:19
If it doesn't have to be a Leblanc or Selmer, here's another that you might like to take a look at ( and it won't cost you an arm and a leg,either...):
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Bbclarpg.html
Just Me
http://woodwindforum.ning.com/
"A critic is like a eunuch: he knows exactly how it ought to be done."
CLARINET, n.
An instrument of torture operated by a person with cotton in his ears. There are two instruments that are worse than a clarinet -- two clarinets
Post Edited (2009-10-19 04:21)
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Author: soybean
Date: 2009-10-19 07:07
Quote:
over 90% of all sold professional clarinets are Buffet. Where did you get this figure? Seems hard to believe. Is that just for Iceland or worldwide?
~Dan
(Leblanc Bliss, Buffet R13 key of A, Yamaha 250 Bb)
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Author: aero145
Date: 2009-10-19 18:50
Soybean
I’m born in Iceland and was there until last year, and with only four (or is it five?) exceptions, everybody plays Buffets there. So yes, it might be for Iceland, but for all the world - no way!
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-19 20:46
Soybean, remember this famous quote:
"Over 87% of statistics are made up on the spot." ![[rotate]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley25.gif)
Jeff
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