 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: hmltncrly
Date: 2011-01-06 21:54
My name is Carly and I'm a high school senior preparing to go to college. I've decided it's time to switch Clarinets. I've been playing on a Normandy by Leblanc for about 3 years now, but this particular model is a plastic instrument. I'm looking at these two wooden models-Rapsodie and Bliss. I've played both of the instruments and love them both, but I love the Bliss even more. It's tone is beautiful and clear. I hear little difference between the models, but it's there. Which model do you recommend? I've looked for reviews for both instruments, to no avail. Thanks for all of your help!
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-01-06 22:39
Are you planning on continuing with clarinet past high school? If so, how serious are you about it?
Either clarinet would be fine for someone not planning on performance. personally, i am fond of the Backun clarinets. I used to have a Cadenza, and have since upgraded to the Backun Symphonie. Morrie designs very nice instruments. This includes the Bliss line.
If you have a teacher and you are studying privately, I would discuss it with him or her. If not, find an experienced player in the are to listen to you playing each of the instruments. Check carefully for intonation. Tom Ridenour has a great chapter in his book "The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet" which deals with selecting equipment. Well worth a good read!
Jeff
“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."
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2011-01-06 22:50
All clarinets within make and model vary,wood is natural and vary,then you take into account your mouthpiece and also your chops etc.
Very popular example would be the R-13 from Buffet. You could try 50 and some are not good for you or just plain bad fresh from the factory and need some major setup to play ok and then you will maybe have a great one that fits your setup and chops. I could recommend some brands to try out but to recommend one model over another and not even knowing how those two you tried play is something that is difficult to do.
Your best bet would be to have an extra set of experienced ears with you and maybe take the horns with you to band rehearsal or private lesson if that's available. Some sound great in a small room but become dull in the back of a concert hall etc.
Personally though here are lot of great experienced players that post here regularly I would trust my teacher on this decision.
When I bought my Buffet Festival in 2005 I did try two after trying most of Buffet professional models and some from Selmer and Leblanc and they had different intonation on my setup and even a bit different amount of resistance.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-01-06 22:53
In addition to Jeff's comments above, Tom Ridenour on his website "ridenourclarinetproducts.com" has some very good articles on what to look for in a clarinet and how to test them. Definitely worth checking out and reading through. GREAT bits of advice in there.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: hmltncrly
Date: 2011-01-07 02:02
Yes, I am planning on continuing past high school. I'm planning on a music minor or music endorsement. On the side, I'll be playing in the school band. Thanks for all of your help and advice!
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2011-01-07 03:37
What are your goals as a clarinetist?
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: hmltncrly
Date: 2011-01-07 21:36
I plan to go to school for Elementary Ed, but i'd rather teach music to young kids. I'll be completing either a music minor with a specialization on Clarinet or a music endorsement. In the future-after school- I hope to give private lessons to kids.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-01-07 22:22
I haven't played the Rhapsodie, but I've played the Bliss (have one right now). It's a fine instrument. I just really prefer a synthetic Bliss right now. I'm in a place in my life where I'm sick and tired of wood clarinets and the fear/paranoia of playing them and worrying, "Is it too cold outside to play? Will it be ok if I leave it in my car during dinner? Did I give it sufficient time to break in? Is it going to crack in a few years? Should I oil it?" etc. etc. You can find some great hard rubber/synthetic blend clarinets out there. I think makers are starting to realize that we're willing to TRY new materials provided they are made with the same care as any other professional clarinet.
Any clarinet is really your call on whether you want it or not. One thing for sure, is I LOVE the ergonomics of the backun bliss. I didn't think that keys and rings could really be that different, but after holding and messing around with the bliss clarinet it really just feels so natural and fits so well under the fingers. I'm just gonna make sure i have a synthetic bliss and keep watching/bugging the team at Backun to make a professional level synthetic clarinet.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2011-01-07 22:23)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-01-07 23:56
I have to agree with Alexi. There are some great composite and or rubber instruments on the market these days. For the price, I was amazed at the quality of the Lyrique, and how well in tune it plays.
Jeff
“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."
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Author: hmltncrly
Date: 2011-01-08 13:45
Thank you everyone for all of your help and advice. I will defiantly try a composite clarinet before I buy anything!
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Author: William
Date: 2011-01-08 15:08
You should also know that clarinets do not deteriorate with use--at least, nothing that cannot be readjusted or replaced (pads, corks, etc). So it may be in your artisitic and financial best interests to consider a used professional level clarinet rather than a new intermediate model. Simply, more "bang" for the buck, as they say. Personally, I play Buffet clarinets and if I were you, I'd be looking at used R13s or RC Prestige models (with the aux. Eb key). Just anopther thought for you--with an older, broken-in clarinet, one can more assurdly assume that if the wood has not already cracked, it was made from a superior piece of wood and will not crack with reasonable care while in your hands.
New is very nice to look at--however, older has many advantages for the wise. Sleek new Honda Civic, or a vintage, used Chevy Corvette--take your pick.........good clarineting.
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