 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: reddog4063
Date: 2010-02-18 23:27
I've been playing for years on a cheap student model clarinet with I hope to upgrade within the next 18 months to a Buffet. Is there anything I can get in the meantime that will fit the yamaha student model (bakun bell/barrel, chadash, moennig) or are these only made for the buffet/selmer/leblanc and will not fit anything else? I would intend to keep using them with the buffet when I've upgraded. Am I wrong to assume that because the bore is the same that these will fit?
Thanks for the help!!
Joe
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-19 01:45
Bores are different from maker to maker, and even from model to model from the same maker. Yamaha is a good case in point. Even given similar dimensions, I would get specifically tailored barrels, depending on whether I was contemplating a CSG, CSV or SEV. They have different bores, and the barrels for the CSG are also MUCH shorter overall!
Similarly, R13 family instruments (R13, Prestige, Festival) do not share a common bore design with clarinets such as the Tosca, the RC or other models from Buffet.
The measure of a bore is taken at one specific place in every clarinet. The taper and where the shape of the bore change are somewhat unique to each maker, ans sometimes within different models.
Best bet is to discuss directly your questions with an experienced custom barrel maker, such as Morrie Backun or Dr. Allan Segal.
Jeff
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: reddog4063
Date: 2010-02-19 08:49
Thank you guys so much for your input.
A little background on me...I played all through junior high, high school and college. Once I got into my field I stopped playing for about 10 years but really missed it. I'm at a point where I am successful enough that I can indulge myself but I want to know that I will stick with it enough to buy myself an instrument like I've always wanted.
All through schooling I played on the cheap base stuff but I'd really like to treat myself now with a really nice mouthpiece (I have a few in mind) and a nice barrel and/or bell but it doesn't make any sense to buy these pieces if they won't fit my student model as well as later a pro clarinet. The backun bell alone is $575 bucks, I doubt my current clarinet costs more than $150. It's a "Pathfinder" made in china.
I have no designs on playing in pro ensembles but if anyone lives in New York City I would love to join a group/band/ensemble. I also have an alto sax and an oboe as well. Thank you guys for any advice or tips you can give me. I am new here. My email is reddog4063@aol.com.
Thanks again,
Joseph
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-19 13:20
Another possible suggestion: take the $575 for a bell, plus the $200 for a custom barrel. you now have $775.00 invested on gear that will be placed onto a CSO. Add another $200 or so for a quality mouthpiece from Walter Grabner, for example, and you are up to the price of a Ridenour Lyrique 576 bc clarinet. This instrument doesn't have the snob appeal of the big names, but will produce a beautiful sound for you and the intonation is remarkable. Plus, you are buying directly from the man who designs them, Tom Ridenour, who was the creator of the Leblanc Opus and Concerto clarinets a few years back. No a bad deal for less than a grand!
personally, i have had my Lyrique for about 14 months, and I still love it. The only indulgence is that I have two very nice mouthpieces I use on it, a Gregory Smith Chedeville model and a Walter Grabner K13. These mouthpieces go for $300 and $200, respectively. You might not need to spend that much. Tom offers some excellent mouthpieces, too, that he finishes himself. If you get them with the clarinet, you can save a little more, I think. Check his site: http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com
Jeff
The usual disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Tom or with Ridenour Clarinet Products, except for being a very satisfied customer. 
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2010-02-19 13:22)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2010-02-19 17:04
If you are really going to get a pro instrument in 18 months, I would not bother with bells or barrels. I would rather see the investment go to the new horn or a mouthpiece, or lessons with a great teacher......even though I would potentially benefit monetarily from a barrel order.....just keepin it real
Disclaimer...I just talked myself out of a sale.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2010-02-20 04:20
If you want to buy a mouthpiece go ahead and get Clark Fobes Debut. If you contact him he will send you a free one. Google him and go to his website for the free mouthpiece offer. I'm sure he'll make sure it is a decent mouthpiece because he is going to want you to like it and buy a more expensive one later on. Then, until you are ready to purchase your pro clarinet, I'd practice my butt off. Work on long tones, scales and scale studies and Rose Etudes. Record your practice sessions and self-analyze what you are doing if you don't have a teacher. Watch You Tube videos on clarinet lessons.
When it comes time to buy a nice clarinet a Buffet is the only way to go in my opinion. It is the standard for pro clarinets in the US. They are the ones that everyone wants to be favorably compared to.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-20 14:42
The free mouthpiece offer is generally for teachers. Don't know if that applies here.
In fact, the exact wording from Clark's website is:
"Are you a music educator that needs a quality mouthpiece for your student? Contact me to find out how you can get a free Debut Mouthpiece."
The price of a Debut is low enough that just about any student should be able to afford one. Clark Fobes does not sell direct. He hopes that by sending a freebie to instructors, they will be impressed enough with the quality that they will encourage students to buy one from one of the vendors who sell them.
Jeff
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2010-02-20 16:48
You're right about getting a free one if your're an educator.
Joe, if you will play it for awhile I'll send you one. Email me with your address and I'll get it to you. If you don't like it you can either send it back or pass it on to another clarinet player to try out.
Gary
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
