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 Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2010-06-10 00:22

One day at Rico I was messing around with reeds with Dave Shrifin. At that time he was playing the Selmer 10 series. I'm now hearing really great things about Lablanc's. I've played several Buffets and own about 4 from different years. For some reason I like the 1975 version I have.

I tried Dave's 10 series and it played really well. I really loved the key work compared to the Buffet. I actually asked around if a repairman could order the Selmer keys and replace them on the Buffet. No one was willing to chance this.

I heard recently that Shrifin was playing a Lablanc and may have switched to Buffet.

My questions are pretty straight forward. Are people still playing the new Selmers, the Lablancs, or are the Buffets still top of the line? People that have played the Selmer 10 series, are they still happy with the new Selmers or have you switched to LaBlanc or Buffet? Do the Lablanc clarinets have good key work like the Selmers do?

I'm looking for a less resistant clarinet. Buffets still have a great round sound, but are a bit too resistant for me.

Sorry for the long post, but I need some feedback here. Thanks in advance.


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: ddavani 
Date:   2010-06-10 01:07

Leblanc by Backun is the way to go. They may be pricey, though it is completely worth it. The sound is unlike any other instrument, as is the key work, and they just play really well. The first time I tried one, I almost cried at how great it felt. It's life changing and Morrie Backun is a genius. I'm pretty sure Dave Shifrin will approve as well.

-Dave Davani
http://allclarinet.blogspot.com/

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: Wicked Good 2017
Date:   2010-06-10 01:18

That's pretty much the same reaction I had when I first tried the Buffet Tosca I wound up buying. Feels great in my hands, and with a sound, projection, and fine intonation unlike any clarinet I'd tried before or since. Wow.

Those Leblancs sure look nice. I'm sure they're great clarinets, given Mr. Backun's stellar reputation.

If the Selmer Privilege is as good as it seems, that's probably a great choice, too. Selmer makes some fantastic clarinets. And don't forget Yamaha, and all the other great makers out there. We live in a great time with regards to clarinet choices in the marketplace.

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There are only 10 kinds of people in the world:
Those who understand binary math, and those who don't.
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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: Bassie 
Date:   2010-06-10 09:30

I'd love to try the current Selmer range... certainly 12 or so years ago the entry level Selmer I tried (and bought) was far more fun than the R13 I compared it against. Ah, to have the spare cash...

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2010-06-10 14:50

Bob, when I tried my Selmer Signature three years ago I feel in love with the feel and sound as soon as I tried it, after playing Buffets all my life. I think you know very well that the only way you will know what feels and sounds right for you is not by asking others what they think but by trying them yourself. There are so many great, and famous, players today playing on different clarinets there is no consensus on which one is the best because it's a matter of personal taste. If you can, go to Clarinetfest this summer, you will be able to try them all and determine for yourself which fits you. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: JJAlbrecht 
Date:   2010-06-11 01:39

From my own personal experiences, the Leblanc by Backun line is well worth looking into. The Cadenza didn't quite match what I was looking for in an instrument, but Morrie really nailed it with the Symphonie model! It's a really fine instrument. I can only imagine that the Legacy is even nicer to play. Best way to find out is to try some of them for yourself!

Don't be scared off by suggested retail prices...you can often find a bargain on these instruments if you know where to look, and deal with reputable vendors (some of whom are regulars here on the Clarinet BBoard!).

Jeff

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: David Niethamer 
Date:   2010-06-11 02:12

...or Yamaha. the CSG is a very nice clarinet, and it is substantially less expensive than a Buffet.

David
niethamer@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/index.html

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: GLHopkins 
Date:   2010-06-11 03:20

Are there any major players using Yamaha?

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2010-06-11 03:41

David, I tried the Yamaha and thought is was very good. I played with it for about 3 weeks. Then I switched back to Buffet. I'm not saying Buffet's are better, but it was a better fit for me.

A teacher at University of Michigan, Fred Ormand, played them for about a year or 2 and switched back to Buffet. He liked the Yamaha's too, but I'm not sure why he switched. Im in touch with him so I'll ask him.

I plan on testing the Lablanc's and Selmer's. I want to get other opinions.

Keep the info going!


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2010-06-11 04:01

>> Leblanc by Backun is the way to go. <<

Even for someone who preferred other models...?

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 Re: Selmer, Buffet, or Lablanc
Author: JJAlbrecht 
Date:   2010-06-11 16:21

>> Leblanc by Backun is the way to go. <<

I wouldn't go quite that far. They are excellent instruments, and MAY be perfect for a given player, but one has to try them to see if they are the "ones" for a given player. Having said that, I really like them!

Jeff

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