 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2001-03-04 03:15
Hi! I'm in high school and I've been looking into getting a wooden clarinet. I''ve heard about many of the choices and was wondering which was better...Buffet, or Selmer....or is there another kind out there that's better? I've been told that Buffet is better quality, but costs more to maintain adn I've also been told that Selmer is better. Thanks for you input!
Lisa
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Author: Corey
Date: 2001-03-04 03:36
there is also leblanc which is good also, you need to pick out certain models of each brand to try them out to see what u like best
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Author: Karel Vahala
Date: 2001-03-04 08:47
Try the Archives of this BB. This a topic that I have seen re-hashed here many times during the past year.
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Author: Andge
Date: 2001-03-04 09:29
I just recently bought a Buffet E11 on sale, and I must say that I really like this instrument. It's a great choice for a high school student because it is at a good price for good sound. If you are looking for something a bit more expensive try the Buffet R13.
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Author: Andge
Date: 2001-03-04 09:33
I just want to add that I am a Buffet fan. I know a Bass Clarinetist who just bought a Selmer Bass Clarinet and found out that it was always flat and our of tune. I think quality should be first over maintance cost.
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Author: Mandy
Date: 2001-03-04 11:43
I recently purchased a Buffet E-13 which is fantastic although I also tried Yamahas and Leblancs,the E-13 feels very similar to the R-13's I have tried so if your budget can't stretch to an R,try the E or maybe try to find a good quality used R-13,some reputable stores will also give you a six month warranty on their used instruments.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-03-04 12:04
There is no one best clarinet. Try several clarinets of several differenct models from each maker and pick the one that you like best. The "Big Four" of clarinet makers are Leblanc, Selmer, Buffet, and Yamaha. All are fine instruments of the best quality. Different people like different ones. I don't really think any have higher maintenance costs than the other and they are all of comparable quality.
Make sure though that you compare comparable models. Don't compare a pro grade instrument from one maker to an entry level intermediate model from another.
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Author: Corey
Date: 2001-03-04 19:41
The top three brands that i like are selmer,buffet,and leBlanc you should choose a few models that you r interested in and in yoiur budget and try them to see which YOU like best those are just other people's favorites
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Author: Benny
Date: 2001-03-04 20:11
I like Buffet myself. But whatever you do, DO NOT get the E-11 model. The bore is exactly same as the B-12. If money is not an object, I recommend the R-13. You can get one for about $2000. Unless you are a freshman and you are going to play the rest of high school or are going to study music in college, the R-13 is probably not worth it.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2001-03-04 23:48
You're getting ready to make an investment, so try lots of different ones. Even if you line up a dozen E-11s on the counter, you will probalbly find that they all play different. Try them with different mouthpieces also. You need to try and do this on a day when you can take your time. Its doesn't hurt to take a some one with you with a good ear. They will most likely hear tone qualities that you may not while playing the horn.
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Author: Marco
Date: 2001-03-05 02:53
I purchased an old Noblet (intermediate-level, fine quality instrument, now owned by Leblanc) used, professionally overhauled, and I really love it. I tried a professional Leblanc and a intermediate Selmer (10 G?) and to me the obvious choice was the $650 Noblet. The point is, dont overlook a used option, there are advantages: it will be broken in thoroughly and, if purchased from a good repairman, the keys and tuning will be right on.
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Author: David Ruger
Date: 2001-03-05 19:25
I just purchased a used Selmer 10S from my sax repairman, whom I trust. It has not been "restored" but is very playable and has a beautiful sound. I have played sax many years but clarinet only a year. So this a good step up from the student resonite model. It might need a little shorter barrel as it "just" comes into tune when warmed up. A few weeks ago I tried an older Selmer 10B locally (I live in a smaller community) and it was obviously not in top shape. It wouldn't come up to tune (concert Bb) and the tuning varied more across the range.
Instead of trying a lot models I just went with a used model (I paid $1000) that is pro quality and will get to know it well! I will probably have it immersion soaked and "rebuilt" later this year.
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2001-03-06 14:40
I have a couple of restored wood clarinets for sale that are as good as any of the "big four" brand intermediate-to-professional models out there, and for a heck of a lot less money. See the Classifieds. (Mark, my apologies for the commercial blurb.)
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-03-06 14:41
See what you like. I have an old R-13 that I got in 8th grade (I'm in 10th now), which I totally love. But my stand partner has a Yamaha that he thinks is the best and I can't stand Yamahas. I really don't like Selmers either, but it’s a matter of taste. What is your budget? The E-11 is a good clarinet, but if you can afford to go higher, do.
I've heard LeBlancs are really low maintenance (but I've never played one). A newer clarinet is cheaper to keep up, my old horn needs lots of work fairly often. It's a pain, but I would never play anything else. You could find a used R-13 for $1200 or so if you looked enough.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-03-06 16:44
I play a Leblanc Opus and love it. Micaela is correct about the low maintenance of the Leblancs. I also own Buffet and Selmer and always go back to my Opus when I have a demanding performance. I know I can trust the intonation and balanced tone. I never played my Buffet R-13 Prestige after buying the Opus, so sold it to a fellow Sneezy. The Selmers are nice, but the intonation isn't as dependable--and like the Buffet will require a lot of attention and developing of the ear.
Granted, the Opus is probably out of budget right now for an advancing player, but you can find good Noblets (sometimes even new ones) for between $500.00-700.00 that are in perfect condition. Look around the eBay scene and see what's available. But, if the seller says "I don't know anything about clarinets, but....." DON'T buy from him/her. Get one that has been repadded or is being sold by a player who can tell you about the instrument's history and how it sounds and plays.
Buffet E-11s are great wood instruments for high school players. Lots of them around at great prices.
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Author: Eb
Date: 2001-03-06 20:45
I recently bought a Buffett E11 for my daughter. She seemed to love it, so I tried it out, (I play Eb Clarinet mostly) and I thought it sounded great. She has a B12 for marching season (b/c its plastic) and I decided to compare the bore size, and sound, and the E11 sounded SO much better than the B12, unlike what some people have said. I would recommend the E11!
Hope I helped,
Eb
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-03-07 14:19
If you want a good E-11, look me up. I have one and would love it to have a good home. They're really nice-sounding clarinets at a good price. Then if you decide you are really serious and still interested in playing clarinet, you can upgrade to a more expensive clarinet in the future.
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