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Ridenour 576 or Libertas?

Author: Ringw
Date: 2014-02-13 00:50

I recently bought a Ridenour Lyrique Libertas Bb Clarinet. For several years now I've been playing on Ridenour Lyrique Clarinets along with Selmer Recitals. Most recently before purchasing the Libertas I was playing the 576 Lyrique exclusively. Last year I sold my Selmer Recital and since then have played only on my Lyrique 576. The ease of playing, the even scale throughout the range of the clarinet and the tuning on the 576 is remarkably good. I paid thousands for the Recital, a clarinet that I hold in high regard....but I have found the Lyrique 576 is easier to play and the tuning is dead on. So why the switch to Libertas...I've felt the weakeness in the 576 relatively speaking is the keywork and I also felt the Lyrique 576 didn't quite have the depth of sound that my recital had and the key work for sure does not equal the playing quality of the clarinet. The Lyrique Libertas has a quality in the sound and it has a depth and “woodyness” in the sound that the 576 doesn't have yet without any sacrifice to the ease of play or tuning in the clarinet..I would say the best qualities of the 576 are brought to a higher level of fulfillment in the Lyrique Libertas. I'm also happy to say that The Keywork on the Libertas is much improved. It has in-line trill keys...the overall strength of the keys are stronger, the posts are anchored with set screws. The position of the left hand F-C key is more accessible. To me the Lyrique Libertas is a dream to play. Now I will admit some bias here since I've known Tom Ridenour for many years going back to the time he was the with the Leblanc Company...that being said I believe he has developed an outstanding clarinet in the Lyrique Libertas at a very reasonable price. Walt

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Ridenour 576 or Libertas?

Ringw

2014-02-13 00:50