 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2011-09-23 12:51
I have spent about 6 months on what I affectionately call "eefer quest" -- upgrading my current horn to a better one that won't cost me thousands and thousands (since, heck, I don't play eefer THAT much after all).
Anyone care to share thoughts on quality, affordable eefer brands/setups? Any opinions on vintage horns (full disclosure -- I currently play a couesnon hard rubber stencil that's very good, but not great)? And has anyone else noticed that many vintage eefers have incredibly similar keywork even though the brands are different (mostly French, perhaps the impact of stencilling)?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and suggestions.
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Author: William
Date: 2011-09-23 14:34
I like the keywork of my Yamaha 681--especially the little finger levers. However, it really doesn't sound much different than my vintage Bundy Resonite Eb clarinet, except in the upper register where the Yamaha sound is a somewhat "bigger". The intonation of the Yamaha is easier to control, but it is possible to play as well in tune with the Bundy, although with much more effort. If a slight improvement in upper register sound and somewhat better intonation is worth spending $2000 for only "frequent use", that is the question only you can decide.
Bottom line--my Yamaha is easier to play and I'm glad I bought it.
Post Edited (2011-09-23 14:36)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-09-23 16:11
More like $3,500 for a new Yamaha YCL-681 Eb these days, William. And, unless you really get lucky, you'll have to wait a long time for a used one to come up.
I have a Linton (Malerne stencil) that I use as a back-up. If you come across one of those for a reasonable price, I think it would worth looking at. But I think they are also pretty rare. I've never seen another one.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ed
Date: 2011-09-23 16:59
I have a Selmer Series 9 that is a very nice instrument. It is comfortable to play with good intonation and a nice sound. I upgraded the barrel to a Fobes.
You can often find these instruments at a very reasonable price.
Post Edited (2011-09-23 18:55)
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2011-09-23 17:56
Thanks! Great insight. It sounds like I should either learn to love my current horn, or prepare to spend quite a bit (isn't that always the way with clarinets?)
Any opinions on a vintage Martin Freres "Grand Prix" eefer? It's cheap enough, looks good/seems to be in good shape, but I haven't played it yet. Worth my time to explore it? Or politely decline?
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2011-09-23 23:26
I've had 2 Buffet R 13s, Buffet RC, Buffet Prestige RC, Patricola, and a Yamaha 681.
All were great. For my hands, the Prestige, Patricola, and the Yamaha were the easiest. Tuning was best on the Patricola and the Yamaha. I liked the power of the Prestige, the sound of the Patricola, and everything about the Yamaha. The RC was nice, but the high register was just way too sharp. The R13's were my least favorite. Never played any other makes.
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2011-09-24 12:19
A year ago (or perhaps a bit more), one of the vendors listed on this site was having a blowout sale on Buffet E11 Eb's. I think I paid $500 or so brand new, and it's actually a very nice instrument (I despise the E11 Bb's). Upgraded with a Hawkins mouthpiece, Backun barrel and Fobes extension (those cost more than the clarinet!), it's the equal (or superior) of my friends R13 - I would not hesitate to play it in a professional setting. It plays in tune, nice full sound, great keywork. If you see one of those around, used or new - it night be worth looking into.
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Author: DNBoone
Date: 2011-09-24 16:10
A friend of mine found an R13 Eb for $1200 with a Borbeck MP.
About two years ago added a set of backun bell and barrel for $125.
It sings beautifully. There are deals out there for them...just wait for the right time I guess.
Post Edited (2011-09-24 16:10)
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