 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: clarionman
Date: 2010-07-27 03:40
Hi,
Just started looking into purchasing a new alto clarinet. I am currently playing a student model Selmer USA alto clarinet, I also have a bundy alto that I don't play that much. I am ready to actually spend the money and buy a proffesional level alto since I been playing that instrument more and more in my wind ensemble. My Eb, Bb and A clarinets are Buffet and my contra alto is a Selmer. I don't mind switcing brands is the instrumet is going to play well. The question is, what would be the best brand for a professional alto?
Any info would be great.
Thanks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2010-07-27 05:43
I haven't tried a new Leblanc alto clarinet and I don't think they make them anymore. I've tried several older ones (from 70s or earlier) and thought they sounded ok, but a bit stuffy and inconsistent in response.
I've tried new alto clarinets from Yamaha, Buffet and Selmer Paris. I didn't like the Yamaha much, it just didn't sound as good and I didn't like it ergonomically at all, very uncomfortable to play for me. I thought new altos from both Buffet and Selmer Paris were excellent. I would play either but preferred the Buffet because the keys were much more comfortable for me.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2010-07-27 17:21
My personal favorite alto clarinet (is that an oxymoron?) is Kohlert, either from the Winnenden era (1950-60s) or the older Graslitz era (pre-WWII, but generally with a range only to low E, if that matters).
Given the limited use of alto clarinets I take the Hank Lehrer "value guy" approach, which can be summarized as "why buy new when you can get old and musty for 1/10th the price that works just as well?".
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jasperbay
Date: 2010-07-27 23:00
I've had good luck with second-hand Leblanc and Noblet wood altos. The finger spacing is much friendlier than that on the Selmer/Bundy student horns. The later Leblancs have a "swan"neck that allow you to play them like a small bass clarinet. You'll find kind words about Selmer pro altos in other 'Alto' threads. You might want to check those threads out, too.
Clark G. Sherwood
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2010-07-28 22:42
I have the Buffet Prestige alto and LOVE it. Everyone that has heard me play it has said "it's the most beautifuol alto I've ever heard". I agree! It feels like a small version of their bass clarinet. In the wind symphony it stands up very well and the sound projects well and my conductor has pulled a few pieces out that feature it that they haven't done previously. There are some nice touches that they do on the Buffet. One is the open first key RH that makes the standard B and F# fingerings well vented and not breathy. There is also a vent on the bell to give the low Eb a better sound and also it can be blocked to give a low D (= the low C on the basset horn).
The horn is remarkably in tune with itself. There are two neckjoints that vary in pitch. For me the longer one worked better and for me gives a very good A440. It plays especially well in the altissimo, even the highest B and C speak easily.
The only slow part is getting one. My dealer said they don't keep these in stock but rather make them to order. Mine took about 9 months to receive from France, but it was worth the wait. I look forward to playing alto once again!
Eefer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarionman
Date: 2010-07-31 01:49
I want to thank everyone who reply to my question. It gives me a better idea of what to look for when selecting my next alto clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: LonDear
Date: 2010-08-01 01:50
I've mainly played sopranos of all sizes, and bass for the last 44 years, but I do really enjoy playing alto and have had a few over the last nine years.
My favorites are my old Evette/Buffet/France of unknown age and my 1976 Selmer. I've also played a colleagues's 1975 Selmer which is very nice also. I certainly don't want to discourage you from getting a modern or even brand new alto, but there are some seriously good bargains out there in the used alto market.
As always, a top notch mouthpiece makes all of the difference. My Evette was hardly playable when I first got it. I got a custom m/p after I bought my Selmer. When I went back to the Evette and tried it with my custom m/p, it became a joy to play.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
