 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Playsk8r
Date: 2013-12-24 00:07
Hello This is my first post. My name is Alex b, and I'm a thirteen year old band student. I play clarinet, and recently, I've gotten a lot better, fast. I play in my school's clarinet ensemble, and I am starting private lessons. I now need my own clarinet, and my teacher recommended getting a intermediate model.
I'm either thinking buffet e11, selmer signet soloist, leblanc noblet 40/45 or yamaha 450/34/52. Any suggestions?
thanks, alex
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-12-24 01:15
From personal experience I can recommend the Yamaha 34/450 and Noblet 45 models as very made and musically sound models.
The Yamaha 34 and Noblet 45 instruments in particular are often very reasonably priced.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-12-24 01:25
don't be shy of off-brand instruments...I recently got an SML Marigaux for under $100...but yes, try them all if you can.
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Ben
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Author: Playsk8r
Date: 2013-12-24 07:24
Okay, here a few details
My budget is going to be around six hundred dollars.
Is the Leblanc Classic II a decent clarinet. Also, should ebay be avoided at all costs?
thanks, alex
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-12-24 15:17
ebay can be an option, sure. It is wise, however, to check the seller's return policy, and to put aside some $200 for a visit at your preferred technician's.
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Ben
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2013-12-24 18:45
I don't have a lot of experience with some of these models, but the Yamaha 450 is a nice clarinet. Get a good mouthpiece to go with it, and you'll have a very nice setup. Nobody has recommended the Bliss, which used to generate a lot of positive discussion on this board.
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Author: BandEE
Date: 2013-12-24 20:43
Leblanc Classic and Classic II clarinets are professional level instruments, similar to the old Symphonie series. A good one is a great horn.
An option that no one has mentioned is pawn shops. Some great stuff shows up in these, and you get to look over a potential purchase in person. You can get lucky and pick up a professional level instrument for a very reasonable price.
Study up on older professional models so you will know when you find a potentially good horn. Some to consider are the Leblanc Symphonies and Classics, Penzel-Mueller Super Brilliants, Couesnon Monopoles, the older Selmer Paris models and professional level SMLs and Lamys. All of these show up from time to time in your budget range.
Don't pay the tagged price at a pawn shop, and do budget for a complete overhaul when you consider how much to offer. It's not unheard of to get a good horn for half of the price tag if things are slow at the shop.
I agree with Clarinetguy, get a good mouthpiece that works for you. That is at least as important as the instrument itself.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2013-12-24 21:48
Conn 16 not bad
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: gkern
Date: 2013-12-24 18:00
The Leblanc VSP is a super clarinet. It is like a Vito, except it is wood, and made in France. Big bore, poly-cylindrical.
And, I agree with Dr. Segal - the Conn 16 is a nice playing plastic horn, with features found on expensive clarinets (Leblanc-like inline trill keys with separate posts). Has a big bore and is very free blowing.
Gary K
Post Edited (2013-12-24 22:19)
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Author: Playsk8r
Date: 2013-12-28 04:11
How about a Buffet RC. If i can get one cheap enough, would that be a good clarinet. As i understand it, that is a professional model, and an alternative to the R13?
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Author: bbillings
Date: 2013-12-28 12:53
Just for fun, I peeked at e**y and there are plenty of good options in your price range (Buffet E11 or Yamaha 34/450) in the United States. Look for 100% positive feedback or very close and lots of transactions to verify their reputations. There was even a Yamaha YCL-52 (Allegro) which is their best intermediate, some would say equivalent to the 650, and they come with a very nice case. Don't forget to add customs charges to your calculation if you go this route as I see you live in Toronto. If you can buy locally, you'll avoid these excess charges. Given your expressed level of musicianship, previous posts on this bulletin board, and my own personal feelings, I'd reserve some money for a worthy mouthpiece as that is probably the most important thing to buy if you don't already have one! The truth is you can make great music with any of these horns. It is more the archer than the arrow, play lots and enjoy playing. I personally would stick to a more modern horn given your budget as they are likely to be more sturdy and in better overall condition. They'll also have the advantage of some modern acoustics and better cases for you. If you choose wisely you can get an instrument that is really brand new or better if properly gone over by a qualified tech. You'll pay a premium for the Buffet E11 (really made by Schreiber) or the Yamaha options based on their reputations. Here in my area it isn't uncommon for repair techs to have some used instruments for sale and that is an excellent way to go as they will have gone through the horn and will stand by their work, usually include a 1 year tune up. Between now and the end of the school year you'll get a better deal than right before school starts. Happy Holidays!
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