 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: locutus
Date: 2011-10-23 20:39
Hello everyone, I just discovered the woodwind.org forums but they look to be the place for general woodwind knowledge especially the clarinet pages (An impressive 344199+ posts!). I wish to ask a question to you about the purchase of a new clarinet for my fiance. I am not a woodwind player so I am not very familiar with the different brands, and was wondering if anyone could lend me a hand.
She has been playing a plastic one for well over a decade now, I believe the brand is Vito, a beginner student clarinet I would imagine. As I said I am looking to purchase a new one, as to which that I really am not sure about. I am not altogether opposed to a used on. I am always for used instruments for myself, but I do not know how it is looked upon with "mouth" related instruments. I would like to keep it under $1000/800 if possible.
Thank you for all your help in advance.
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Author: C.Elizabeth07
Date: 2011-10-23 20:46
I would go for wood (if your looking to get her an upgrade from a plastic Vito). My two preferred are Leblanc and Buffet. Buffet E-11 is an intermediate model, the Buffet R-13 is their basic professional model.
Leblanc has some great horns, including a new intermediate model designed by Juilian Bliss. I think its called Leblanc Bliss clarinet, I'm not too sure, I haven't seen them personally but I have some friends who checked it out on a whim and was really pleased with it.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2011-10-23 22:00
Is this meant to be a surprise? If not, your fiancee might want to have some input.
Karl
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Author: locutus
Date: 2011-10-23 22:28
kdk, It is not entirely a surprise but I would rather just have a selection of a few to show her instead of going in blind.
rtmyth, Definitely sound advise I am sure.
Thank you both.
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2011-10-23 22:38
Hello, and just my input here. I am for the Buffet R-13, I have played one since the beginning of time. But, any chance for a rental for her to try out? She definitely needs to be in on the purchase since she will have it for a long time. R-13's are pricey, but there are also used ones out there.
Good luck! Carol
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-10-23 22:50
I seriously doubt that you will find a new R13 for anywhere NEAR the price of $1000 or so. For a new R13, you can triple that price. You can probaby get a user R13 in that ballpark, if you shop carefully, but make sure you can return it if it is not in good shape, or not up to her standards,.
Personally, in the sub $1K realm, I believe the Ridenour Lyrique is a great buy. Less than $1000, made of hard rubber, which will not be as prone to cracking or changing dimensions with temp/humidity fluctuations, and has wonderful tuning. Tom Ridenour, the designer, sells these instruments directly. I have bought one from him and was quite satisfied with the instrument I received. One of mys= section mates in band got his A clarinet for orchestral work, with similar results.
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 (2011-10-26 14:30)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-10-24 03:09
New clarinet in that price range, I'd say Ridenour Lyrique. See if you can stash some $$$ aside for a barrel for it too. I think a good barrel transforms it into an even BETTER instrument.
If you don't mind used, I would recommend a yamaha YCL650. I tried a few and all of them were VERY good, and I think you can find a used one somewhere for less than $1000. A used R13 for less than 1000 will be few and far between, and likely will not be in great shape and need some work done.
The wooden leblanc bliss mentioned above is a good clarinet too. I enjoyed it and thought it was a very good clarinet at it's price.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2011-10-24 03:39
You mentioned not wanting to go used because of "mouth" issues. Your fiance can keep the mouthpiece she has or buy a better one. If she's using the mouthpiece that came with the clarinet, a new one is suggested (good mouthpieces can make a world of difference, as can barrels).
Are you looking for an intermediate model or a pro one? That will determine what fits into your budget as well. Good luck!
----------
Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: Maria P
Date: 2011-10-24 17:39
I wanted to upgrade from a student model and have been looking round as well. My husband decided to buy me an upgrade for my birthday soon - but let me decide what I wanted/what suited me best.
I looked at Buffet E11 and Yamaha 450 - although some people did suggest Yamaha 650 if budget would stretch (unfortunately, the 650 in the UK is quite a bit more). I've finished up going for the 450 - and after trying it out I'm definitely not disappointed.
Maria
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-10-25 11:11
Hi,
Just a word on the intermediate Yamaha instruments but let me set the stage.
My backup tenor is a new YTS 475 and it gives up very little to my classic Selmer Mark VI. One of my main clarinets is a Yamaha CS Custom and I have played several intermediate Yamaha clarinets; all have been terrific.
The Observation: Yamaha seems to pass major improvements in their pro models down the line to intermediate instruments. The results are that for several dollars less, a well made and excellent playing instrument is available.
I believe there are also Yamaha models like the Allegro that were only special dealer models. Those were very nice and had a modest price tag.
HRL
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-10-25 23:35
Do not stick your love with an arbitrary purchase.
Give her a gift certificate and let her go shopping. Avoid the possibility of having her unhappy with something chosen for her. What would she do then?
Bob Phillips
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