The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ISM
Date: 2010-03-04 05:07
I am hoping to buy a really good Bb clarinet with enhanced Boehm 19 key and 7 rings keywork (full Boehm without the low Eb). I have been playing an Amati ACL 314 for the last few months, and I have concluded that I like the key system but not the instrument. I just don’t like the sound on this Amati.
In new instruments, the choices are very limited. Amati makes a higher end model. And Patricola makes one. Also, I have seen a Yamaha CSV in this configuration. (Is this a rare item?) That’s it as far as I can tell. I’m not too enthusiastic about trying another Amati. Has anyone tried the Patricola CL5? How about this version of the Yamaha CSV?
The other avenue is a used, vintage instrument, maybe Selmer, LeBlanc, or Buffet. Any recommendations among these? Any thoughts on whether it would be better to get a used vs. a new instrument of this type?
Part of the problem is that there doesn't seem to be a way of doing side-by-side comparison of these now rather uncommon instruments.
Imre
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-03-04 11:32
You're best searching for a used clarinet (eg Selmer CT/Series 9 or Leblanc LL) as hardly anyone makes 19/7 clarinets anymore.
Unless you plan to shell out a considerable amount for a handmade German instrument (most of the specialist German makers make Boehms with any keywork configuration you like).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2010-03-04 12:20
I looked and I don't see any Yamaha that has 7 rings. Where do you see a CSV that has a 19/7 system?
Other current makers are the Musik Josef of Tokyo, Japan. They are mostly oboe makers, but they came out with a Bb and A clarinet last year. Very well made, but the price is up there with the German made clarinets.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-03-04 13:08
I've only seen one Yamaha full Boehm Bb paired with a 19/7 A listed on eBay several years ago - they must have been a special order as Yamaha have never listed such instruments in their catalogues.
The only optional keywork Yamaha have listed is the LH Ab/Eb key, so to see full Boehm and 19/7 80 series Yamaha clarinets is pretty rare.
I was tempted to bid on this set due to the rarity of them, but as I already have enough 19/7 and full Boehm clarinets I don't really need any more.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ISM
Date: 2010-03-04 15:54
Chris P--I understand that hardly anyone makes these anymore. But, Patricola does. Any knowledge of the Patricola CL5? Patricola seems to me a more realistic option than a handmade German clarinet.
skygardener--Are you suggesting the Musik Josef clarinets because you have tried them? Their website doesn't even indicate that they make clarinets.
Imre
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2010-03-04 16:03
Vintage 7/19 Buffets may have uneven scales --that challenge the best technicians. Evening out the things could approach the cost of one of those S&S instruments.
Bob Phillips
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ISM
Date: 2010-03-04 17:24
Bob Phillips wrote:
> Vintage 7/19 Buffets may have uneven scales --that challenge
> the best technicians. Evening out the things could approach
> the cost of one of those S&S instruments.
>
Thanks, Bob, for this advice. I've also read that it can be tricky to find a mouthpiece that works well with these Buffet R16s. Do vintage models of the other big makers have consistent intonation problems?
Imre
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2010-03-05 00:50
They definately have this clarinet in production.
If you email them, I am sure they will get back to you.
I tried a couple last fall. They were quite nice instruments and well thought out.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|