 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BassClarinetBaby
Date: 2011-02-18 06:00
So, I currently play on a Buffet B12 which was my first ever clarinet. It's time to upgrade though, as I am studying music at university next year. I am looking at the Buffet R13 as I am quite happy with my current Buffet and the key setup feels natural beneath my fingers.
Just wondering, what are your opinions of the R13? And are there any other clarinets you would suggest I look into?
Please note, testing clarinets is out of the question as I am limited to ordering online. Thanks!
Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-02-18 06:19
Is it summertime right now in Australia?
There are a few models of the R13. For what it's worth I'm playing on the nickel plated R13's. I've tried several of the more expensive models including the Vintage model, the greenline, silver plated, but I'm very happy with the generic standard R13. I'm sure you would enjoy playing on this horn.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2011-02-18 11:32
If you've already been accepted to a specific university for next year, your best bet would be to contact the clarinet teacher there and ask him or her for a recommendation. The fact is that any of the "professional" models of the major instrument makers would be a great improvement over your B12. Also, whatever you buy now will probably not be your final clarinet purchase ever. Since many university-level clarinet professor's have strong feelings either for or against certain brands/models, you might be best off going in their preferred direction for now. One day when you know more what you're looking for (and hopefully have more income at your disposal) you'll be able to make a more individual choice based on your own needs or preferences.
Good luck,
Karl
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Author: Tony M
Date: 2011-02-18 11:47
Your original post indicates that you are in Brisbane. I'm well aware of how difficult it is to find any number of clarinets in one shop to test in this town. I would recommend, however, that you give Geoff Secomb at Secomb Music in Wynnum a ring. I have no association with the shop beyond the fact that he has done repairs and servicing for me. But he is very generous with his information and supportive of clarinet players. He would, I'm sure, be happy to talk to you about upgrading and give good advice even if he had nothing to sell to you.
If this contravenes any protocols of the forum, I apologise but Brisbane can sometimes appear like a clarinet free zone and I'm just flagging information, not flogging instruments.
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Author: BassClarinetBaby
Date: 2011-02-18 12:02
I haven't been accepted into a university yet. Auditions for next years course are not until September. I am Australian and next year literally refers to starting in Feb 2012. I know in America the school years run slightly differently.
Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪
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Author: BassClarinetBaby
Date: 2011-02-18 12:15
I wish I was in Brisbane, Tony. That's where I hope to study.
But right now I'm in a town up in North Queensland where the music scene is basically non-existant.
Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-02-18 13:02
If you have no professor yet from whom you canget a recommendation, the Buffet would bethe"safe" way to go. Any number of other makes are also excellent. Consider some of the Yamaha Custom models, and the Leblanc/Backun Symphonie. There are several good Selmer models; from what little I know about them, though,I will defer to others as to which would be a good choice for you.
Just as a reference, I have played on the following instruments:
Rossi
Buffet R13 ( a couple of different ones of different vintages)
Leblanc L7
Leblanc/Backun Cadenza
Ridenour Lyrique 576 bc
Leblanc/Backun Symphonie.
The last two have been my favorites. I just sold my Lyrique to someone in Australia a couple of weeks ago. The Symphonie has the excellent tuning of the Lyrique,but I feel it is moreexpressive, canproject better, and I love the sound I get withthe Backun bell and barrels!
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: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-02-18 14:11
BCB -
I play "plain vanilla" R13s that were picked out and tweaked by the late Kalmen Opperman, and there's nothing like them.
Buffets are notoriously variable. I absolutely would not buy any clarinet without playing it. I think you would be better to go off to college with your B12, which will make your instructor take pity on you and help you find a professional instrument quickly.
An alternative would be to hire a professional player for an afternoon to go with you to a store that stocks lots of instruments and help you pick a good one.
Remember that the closer to your face something is, the more important. A professional can sound good on any setup, because s/he has great blowing and embouchure control. A good reed cures almost any problem. And a hand-made mouthpiece and barrel can bring let your E12 play really well. Once you get below the barrel, anything sounds good. I've put my mouthpiece and barrel on a plastic Vito and had a hard time telling it from my R13. You'll save money, and have professional equipment for later, if you get a top quality mouthpiece and barrel now.
Of course it would be great to take lessons now to help you prepare for auditions.
I suggest reading http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=127055&t=127038 for information on what to listen for when you test a new instrument.
Ken Shaw
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2011-02-18 17:50
I feel like too many students upgrade to the r-13 when they don't need to. It's all about marketing and companies making as much money as possible. Save yourself some cash and go with an E11 or hunt for an International on Ebay. One of the most gifted clarinetists I have ever heard played an E-11 up until her senior year. She wiped the floor with everyone else on her E-11. She is now a member of the President's Own Marine Band.
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Author: Sandra E. F.
Date: 2011-02-18 21:03
R-13 is generally a good bet--but that's for where I live. However, buy from a reputable music business that specializes in clarinets or at least woodwinds. Check the return policies. Stay away from ebay. I've purchased multitudes of used instruments on ebay, and only a few made the grade. Best bet is to contact the school clarinet teacher NOW for ideas. Didn't you meet and audition with this person? Try to talk with some clarinet majors at the university. Where did they purchase their instruments? There may be a handshake discount policy between a music business and the university. Good luck!
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Author: Tony M
Date: 2011-02-19 00:55
You're not going to be a lot better off buying from stores in Brisbane. There are only a few that carry stock and they never have too many instruments in the store. I would consider giving Geoff Secomb a ring because he sells new, repairs and services and is involved in high school programs. He would probably keep an eye open for a good entry level professional instrument that might suit you (as much as he could tell). If your need isn't urgent then this might be a way to go.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-02-19 03:33
If you can not audition and/or return a clarinet (perhaps, particularly a Buffet), then I'd advise against buying it.
I have purchased two Buffets without return privileges, and regret both transactions. My current Buffet RC, purchased used on the recommendation of a trusted professional --with the right to a no-questions asked return is a wonderful instrument.
Bob Phillips
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