Author: William
Date: 2010-10-29 14:22
OK--I'll say "it". I would forget the Leblancs and the Selmer CT in favor of an R13 Buffet, vintage or new. The Leblanc & Selmer sound is very nice for small ensemble and jazz, however in the larger orchestral type groups, the tambre of the Buffet line of clarinets is what will deliver in terms of projection and dynamic flexability. And if your "music major" is one of performance orientation, Buffet is the clarinet of choice for most of the worlds leading clarinetists. BTW, you can also use your Buffet for small ensemble and jazz--very versitle instruments.
FWIW, if I were buying a new set of Buffets, I would definately consider the RC Prestige line with the auxillery Eb lever. I have one on my Buffet Prestige bass clarinet and find it quite useful.
Also, I kind of disagree with Jack K regarding older clarinets not holding repairs that well. Mine are from the 1960's, get a lot of use and hardly ever go out of adjustment. And if something does occur, my favorite Ward Brodt repairperson, Mary Jones, makes it good as new every time. I'm also not a fan of the "blown out" or "swabbed to death" clarinet theory. I think the player changes more than the instrument. OK--more than you asked for, but just wanted to offer my opinion (which others, no doubt will question). Read us all, try as many clarinets as you can, rely on friends listening to your trials and pick the best one "for you" (not necessarily all of "us"). Cheers and good luck.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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