 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ashley
Date: 2000-11-21 19:22
I'm looking into getting a clarinet of my own (been using a crappy one that belongs to my high school) in the very near future. My director thinks I should get a Buffet, either an E-13 or E-12. Our principal clarinet has one of these, we just dont know which one. She sounds fantastic on it. I've got about $900, I can probably get a little out of my parents if need be (other than that I've paid for it all on my own - pretty good for working part-time, I've only been saving since august). Hopefully I'll get whatever I'm getting next week or the week after. My director said I'm going to want to get it soon; they're going to tell us what the musical is going to be this year, right before christmas break. they just got the rights to do it today.. but my director told me that the reed 4 part is bass clarinet/Bb clarinet. So i get to play both, which will be fun, but I need an instrument first! Any opinions on either of those 2 would be much appreciated...it's going to more than likely be one of them (although my director keeps bringing up the Leblanc Sonata every once in a while). Thanx a lot!
*ashley*
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Author: Meri
Date: 2000-11-21 19:43
Ashley:
Given the amount of money you have saved, I would suggest that you seriously also consider purchasing a used professional-grade instrument, since they run for about the same or less than a new intermediate-grade instrument.
Meri
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Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-11-21 19:49
Ashley, first of all, I wouldn't be in such a big hurry to buy a clarinet. Buying a clarinet is an investment, unless you have a lot of money to throw around, I know I don't. Don't buy a certain model just because someone else sounds good on it, try a few out for yourself. If you haven't built up your embouchure suffeciently on soprano clarinet after playing bass, then wait until you are ready. Buying a clarinet isn't something that should be rushed into. Deadlines may be approaching, but the school is loaning you a clarinet, are they not? Put up with that horn, and take your time with choosing one to buy. Another thing, if you take your time, you will be able to save up more money. One word of warning, though. The retail price may easily creep higher if you wait too long. Just take these factors into consideration, and don't be too hasty. Take care in choosing an instrument, and you will be glad you did. -- Nate Zeien
PS - Ashley, do you still want those altississimo fingerings? Email me if you are still interested.
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Author: Meri
Date: 2000-11-21 20:13
Nate, I disagree with you regarding using the school's instrument. In many cases, school instruments can be in terrible shape, I have seen several that have not had adjustments in years or not cleaned properly. While I myself did use a school instrument, I was lucky that I ended up using two good instruments (a good Vito--which I was able to select myself--in grades 9 and 10, and then a Noblet in 11-OAC (grade 13)--because I earned the privilege), which were actually maintained pretty well.
Meri
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Author: Fred
Date: 2000-11-21 20:37
I like the idea of buying a used pro instrument. If you want to change in a couple of years, you will be able to get most, if not all, of your money back out of it. An E-12 or E-13 will decrease in value by half if not more.
If you really want an E-12 or E-13, you could shop for those used as well for well under what you have to spend. You didn't mention a mouthpiece; you'd have plenty left over for a nice one if needed.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2000-11-22 01:25
To echo the posts above, best to play SEVERAL first. This is not something to rush (no matter what show is coming). If you're onto further study, this next horn should be your buddy for a long, long time.
That said;
The E-13 is made for Buffet by the Schreiber people and has that dark, Germanic influence. This is a really sweet horn that plays well.
However, for nearly the same money, you could easily find a nice, refurbished
R-13 that will blow freer and have a more open sound.
The nicer LeBlancs and Selmers are definitely worth a trial also.
It will also help to have a third person (other than the seller) chime in about the sound. I can't really hear what my horn sounds like for the other side of the room.
I play a Master model, but luckily found a very solid player. These are definitely hit and miss. I've played several that were okay, too many bland ones and my keeper.
Hope you find your buddy next week!
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Author: thomas
Date: 2000-11-22 08:09
I own an E13. The E12 is made in Germany by Schreiber (I visited the factory), while the E13
is made in France. The E13 unlike the E12 looks and feels nearly like a Buffet pro model. Last week I went to Schreiber and tested the RC Prestige, Festival and Elite. I was rather disappointed (compared with my cheap E13). The quality of all these instruments was rather poor, the tuning of the Festival was horrible, and the sound of the RC Prestige and the Elite I did not like. The E13 sounds (for me) similar like the Festival (which is really nice), lot of projection, less resistance (therefore rather bright in the high register at fortissimo) but my E13 tuned much better. For me with adjusted reed-mp-combination there is not too much difference unless the price.....(if you spend the money of the Festival you could get a Signature ;-)
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Author: Amanda Rose
Date: 2000-11-22 17:49
Hey Ashley,
I'm a junior, but I've got an R-13. While I bought mine new, I totally prefer it over the E-11, E-12, and E-13, that some of the kids in my school own. If you can get an R-13 second hand in decent condition, I would go for it. Also, take your time. If you buy new, go to WW and BW in South Bend, IN if you can. Staying overnight in a hotel and opening the store like I did with my mom was definitely worth it because I tryed tons of horns before finding *mine*. If your school horn is really bad, consider renting one from a music store. At least where I live, you can get a decent enough Yamaha or Selmer wood rental that plays just great. I played on a rented Selmer Signet until the middle of freshman year, having been first chair all the way through and seeing all the other kids get better instruments but me having a better tone. Take your time. That's all I can tell you. Clarinets (especially Buffets and the other good ones) are REALLY expensive.
Amanda Rose
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeeszer
Date: 2000-11-22 21:46
Ashley I've played E13 for nearly ten years, even won a youth contest playing it...
I have liked it a lot, mainly for it's very excellent tonal qualities..
The only problems I have had with the E13 is tuning and response....
I believe it is a very good student instrument... I don't recommend anyone investing a lot of money in buying a professional instruments while you are still a beginner or intermediate..
People say you should get a used pro instrument.. YES ! but under certain conditions... I mean, you'd be better of with a good E13 that has very good mechanics / pads.. etc... rather than a used pro instrument which would have mechanical problems (which could give bad habbits to your fingers).... I think you should get your teacher to find you a good E13 and I think you should play a couple years on it..
When the time comes when you feel very confortable with the clarinet, I think then you should think of getting a very good clarinet which you could then keep all your life..
I don't recommend the E12, I think you're much better off with E13... The E12 is another category... less good quality.... E13 has a good finish and it's a reall clarinet.
I had to change because I needed a double clarinet... but then.... I went to Buffet factories near Paris to buy my clarinets and it took me a long time to be happy with my instruments.
I loved playing on my E13 and I'm sure you will too... I even gave a name to her... I would 100 % recommend it to you...
Ciao
DAn (switzerland)
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