 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ttay1122
Date: 2012-02-17 08:00
I'm looking at becoming a clarinet performance major at Boise State University. I'll probably be in my first orchestra here in a year or so. I've never been in an orchestra before but I know some classical music is written for A clarinet. That being said if it comes to needing one, my budget is shot. I have looked into a Lyrique in A and have heard nothing but positive remarks from Ridenour products. Would this be a good alternative? My Bb is a Yamaha CSG-H and I imagine the bores are drastically different from Ridenour's clarinet. Anyways, opinions?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-02-17 10:34
The resistances between the 'A' and 'Bb' CSGs is minimal. I say this since I have not played the Lyrique, and I am not sure if there will be many to chime in who play the CSG as their Bb with a Lyrique 'A.' However, if anyone who DOES use the Lyrique as their 'A' (and their are a lot of them) will be able to speak to the resistance difference (which is .....for me...... a key element).
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2012-02-17 12:25
If you're looking to be a clarinet major, I would look into getting a CSG A to match your Bb. You should also contact your future teacher at Boise State and ask them what their recommendations are. If you're trying to get something now, so you can save some money later, check with the school to see if they have A Clarinets to use for the orchestral players. Good luck!
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: Dan Oberlin ★2017
Date: 2012-02-17 12:56
FWIW I picked out an excellent CSG A for my daughter (from a sample of four) but later bought a Ridenour A for myself. They're both really good horns, and price wasn't an object - I just liked the Ridenour better. Why not take advantage of Ridenour's trial policy and make up your own mind?
D.O.
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Author: William
Date: 2012-02-17 15:55
IMHO, what is most important in selecting an 'A' clarinet is how well it matches your Bb in terms of resistance and tuning. Your two clarinets do not have to be of the same make, however that is often your best chance for compatability. Currently, I'm finding my Leblanc Concerto Bb to be a good match for my 1960's Buffet A, but normally, I opt for my Buffet R13 Bb with my R13 A because I like to use the same barrel on both to help facilitate quick orchestral switches.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-02-17 17:17
For many years, I played an R13 Bb and a Selmer Centered Tone Omega A. They were quite different - the Bb was well centered and sophisticated, and the A was big and rattling. When I hadn't played the A for a while, it took me a few minutes to get the sound I wanted, but when I was in good shape, it didn't matter.
You will play just fine on an A by Buffet, Yamaha or Ridenour. However, as Ron says, your clarinet teacher at Boise State will have recommendations, and most conservatories have loaner A clarinets. Your teacher will also have access to good instruments. I would get in touch with him/her to get straight-from-the-horse's-mouth advice.
Good A clarinets are hard to find, so any assistance you can get will be invaluable. In your place, I would try for a loaner. If that's impossible, and you really need an A, you can get the Ridenour and save up for the Yamaha.
Finally, I wouldn't buy any clarinet without playing it first. I haven't tried a Lyrique, but I have played other Ridenour-designed clarinets (the Leblanc Opus and the Selmer Signature) and think they are different from most other makes. For me, they have good intonation, an even scale and fairly high resistance. That's not right for me, since I prefer lower resistance and a livelier and more flexible tone, but it may suit you perfectly.
Ken Shaw
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Author: William
Date: 2012-02-17 19:51
I didn't know that TR designed the Selmer Signiture clarinet. Thanks for the info.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2012-02-17 20:01
Take a poke around here using the search function.
I've told the tale of my Ridenour Lyrique A clarinet a couple of times on this board.
In short: its an ok horn, but I have had to do a heck of a lot of work on the keywork --including some modifications to the bridge, left hand sliver key and the trill keys to get them to quit clacking together.
It is very different from my Buffet RC Bb. I play the RC so much more than the Lyrique that the Lyrique always feels strange when I pick it up.
Bob Phillips
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2012-02-17 20:14
A used Ridenour A, the rcp575, in listed today at $500. Try before buy,etc.
richard smith
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Author: ttay1122
Date: 2012-02-17 21:33
Thank you for the info! My teacher helped pick out my Bb with me. I think when the time comes I will try some Lyriques and compare to my CSG with the resistance and intonation and all that, and settle with one if I like them enough till I can afford to find a CSG in A.
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