 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: salsacookies
Date: 2011-03-26 23:38
I've been looking around at several different options for clarinets. I decided that I don't need a fancy A clarinet because on average, it won't get played as much as a Bb. So a reasonable intermediate model will do fine and I'm not really concerned with what brand it is. For a Bb though, I definitely want something nice....professional grade if I can find it. I've found a lot of different clarinet that I would love to have.
Leblanc Bliss 210
Cannonball Arezzo Veloce
Patricola Rosewood
maybe a Buffet if it comes up, but I wouldn't absolutely have to have because I know it's not the only good clarinet out there.
I don't want to follow the herd and get a Buffet. I did play on my teacher's R-13 a few times and I liked how it responded, but that doesn't mean that there's not something out there that I would like better. There seems to be somewhat of a Buffet fetish on this board and I don't understand why.
So, those of you with an open mind, what would you recommend as a good solid Bb?
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Author: Franklin Liao
Date: 2011-03-26 23:52
Given that no two clarinets are alike, getting a good solid Bb is a matter of trying out as many professional instruments as you can and then arriving at one that you like. I know nothing of how the Cannonball instruments are like, other than the fact that their designs look a bit inspired by Morrie Backun... come to think of it, I should try these.
You might as well as to define what price range is where you are going to be looking at, and work from that budget. You can go as far as wanting a Chadash or a Hammerschmidt, which are beyond the $5000 mark for a horn, or getting a professionally refurbished 10G at below $2000.
It may help if you can list what clarinets do you presently like to narrow what sorts might suit your taste in a professional horn...
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Author: salsacookies
Date: 2011-03-27 00:56
Well, I haven't played enough of a variety of clarinets to really define what i like. I did like my teacher's R-13, but that doesn't mean that all of them will play the same way. I have also played on a Leblanc Pete Fountain...the almost full boehm model with articulated C# and alternate C#. I liked that one, but I've never seen one on ebay like it. The clarinets that I'm currently playing on is a pair of Selmer Series 10's. They are both early models and could use some work. The A, is beyond help I think. Might be cracks inside that are altering the sound and is probably pretty much unrepairable. The Bb is ok, needs some adjusting though, but it's not my horn. I'm just using it until I can find something for me.
My boyfriend suggested going to the music stores around here and trying out different models of clarinets. It would be just my luck though to find something I like and it's the most expensive one there.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-03-27 03:38
Best advice:
Don't buy it if you can not return it.
Return it if you just don't like it.
You can't judge Buffet R-13s from a sample of one. The next one you try will be noticeably different.
Bob Phillips
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Author: clariza
Date: 2011-03-27 07:43
One of my colleagues has a cannonball (it was given to him free as part of a deal to become a sales rep for them). I wouldn't recommend it, and neither would he!
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-03-27 08:26
I agree with the post above. I've tried all he models from Cannonball and for me they were all very disapointing in comparison with professional models from most other companies.
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2011-03-27 14:19
I would echo previous comments that play-testing instruments is really important. If you're determined to try a wide variety, though, you might have to go with an online retailer with a good return policy; I've found that a lot of local music stores often don't stock a wide variety of professional clarinets. The major music store in my area really only stocks Buffet R-13s at the pro level; that's what sells the most, so it's not in their best business interest to stock a lot of Yamaha, Leblanc, or Selmer (even though those instruments are certainly in the same league). Maybe a store close to you has a better variety, though. Be patient and try a lot of instruments until you find one you like!
Also, don't be afraid to consider Tom Ridenour's professional clarinet, as well. Many have had a good experience with that instrument, and he allows a trial period.
Good luck in your search!
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2011-03-27 14:30
Also...don't leave Buffet out of the equation simply because you "don't want to follow the herd." The R-13 isn't my first choice, but it is for a great many players out there (many who are far better players than myself...). You should at least play test a few along with your other possible choices!
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-03-27 14:54
Cannonball = made in China; assembled in the States
Not that there is anything wrong with that but I haven't run across any good reviews of this product.
The Rosewood Paticolas play soft. I don't know exactly why they are limited dynamically, they just are. Also, rosewood expands and contracts more readily than African Blackwood which makes them harder to maintain in good assembly order and a bigger crack risk (I'm just sayin')
Now as far as getting away from Buffet there are the "new" Selmer Privilege and the Yamaha Customs SEV and CSG which are far more consistent with internal pitch than Buffet ever thought about being.
I'm just sayin'.
..........................Paul Aviles
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2011-03-27 15:39
I'd have to agree with Paul on the Yamaha and Selmer lines. I tried a Selmer when looking for clarinets, and it was a great instrument (an Odyssey I believe). I ended up buying Yamaha CSV's, and don't regret the decision at all. I was playing on a set of Couesnon's before, which, when I bought them, the A was in good shape, and the Bb was in need of work. I got the work done to them, but wanted something that would take me to the next level of my career.
Good luck in your search! Try as many as you can at any local music stores and from friends/colleagues, just to get an idea of how each maker plays. Each clarinet won't be identical, but you can get a good general idea. Don't be afraid to return it if you don't like it!
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-03-27 18:37
I would strongly consider a used Leblanc/Backun clarinet if you can find one. The Symphonie is definitely pro-grade,and you would not be disappointed. These are wonderful instruments!
As to A clarinets, Tom Ridenour's Lyrique in A would have similarly laid out keywork to a Leblanc model, though they do not feel the same. Both of these models are excellent as far as intonation goes.
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."
Post Edited (2011-03-27 18:37)
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Author: Wes
Date: 2011-03-27 19:13
Funny, but when I tried about a dozen new Bb R13s a while back, they were quite consistent, but they all needed adjustments. After adjusting and putting in new pads, the one I chose is a wonderful instrument at a relatively low cost. The R13 A that I bought at an inventory sale by mail is also a very fine instrument after the same kind of adjustments and overhaul. There are very good reasons why great players choose R13s now and have chosen them in the past.
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