 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BbMajorBoy
Date: 2014-05-29 02:52
I am looking at purchasing an Eb clarinet.
I was wondering which Eb has the best intonation, this (for me) immediately rules out all but the most expensive buffets (I play R13s). I have heard that Yamahas and Selmers traditionally have good intonation on the Bbs, does this carry over to the effers?
I am not looking for a beautiful sound or a wonderful dynamic range. I am looking for pitch, pitch and pitch!
Thanks.
Leonard Bernstein: "To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-05-29 04:30
Your best bet is to try to go some place that stocks several because what "in tune with a beautiful tone" is in the eyes and ears of the player. The Eb clarinet is played by ear but it helps to have one that you can play in tune. You will discover that every one, even of the same make and model, will be different.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-05-29 06:02
eefer intonation is very dependent on MPC, setup, temperature and embouchure adaptation.. Small changes to pad height, tiny leak have much bigger impact then on Bb, so the same model they may vary much from one to another.
If you haven't played Eb get inexpensive/used one to practice on (you can always re-sell it later) prior to shopping for good one; and make sure to bring your MPC/lig/reed good luck
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-05-29 18:54
I have a LeBlanc Paris Noblet 45 that holds its pitch across all registers not only for me, but also for my teacher. I purchased it used from Clarinets Direct out of England.
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-05-29 18:58
I agree with Cyclopathic's advice. Paul Aviles (I think it was him) suggested buying a used plastic Bundy off the internet, which I did. I played it for about 6 months while getting used to playing the Eb. I was able to resell for exactly what I paid for it, including the extra money I spent to replace a few pads. It was a great learning tool. It played extremely sharp for me, but I was able to pull out enough to be able to play it generally in tune.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-05-29 20:37
I've owned and played several. The best was a Selmer Series 9. Better tuning than R13 and plastic LeBlanc, Bundy and Yamaha. The Bundy was non-usable, it was SO bad.
Tiny little differences really create havoc with the E-flat. Hasn't gone through the refinement of the B-flat.
I asked Ted Ridenour why Tom didn't design an E-flat? Apparently it's an inherently bad critter and low popularity/sales, so that has discouraged development.
However, the E-flat player in the local Wind Symphony uses an R13 with good success. He has to fight it a bit, but tuning seems fairly good.
I'm for bringing this little devil back into common use and popularity. It's really important in band music, but almost forgotten in my area of central Arkansas.
But, I love it!
Tom
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-05-29 22:15
there is a video on U-tub of Jessica Philips (Eb at metropolitan) talking about need to use alternative fingerings on different day to play in tune. Nevermind her eefer personally serviced/maintained by Morrie Backun.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2014-05-29 23:00
While important to have good equipment that works well and fits you, it is not just about the clarinet. There are many instruments out there that will do the job. At the same time I have heard players on many brands play poorly and out of tune.
Just like piccolo players, there is little room for error. I find that when I play Eb it often serves as a bit of a tune up for my embouchure and how I voice, which often improves my Bb playing.
Try a few that you can get your hands on, get a good set up that will work for you (and no, it will not play like a Bb) then practice with a tuner. Try to find Peter Hadcock's book of Orchestra excerpts with lots of tips and alternate fingerings, which I understand is at least for now out of print.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2014-05-29 23:10
The third register tuning is often flat on Ebs but usually can be ok using alternate fingerings. One has to figure it out oneself and not expect it to be ok from the factory. The tuning of the first two registers may need some work by an expert clarinet tuner, but usually can be made ok, same as any other clarinet.
The best tuned Eb clarinet I've played seriously on was a Selmer, Series 9, and another one was an older Buffet. I've owned four Ebs and my Noblet 45 Artist is generally fine, but the third register needs some alternate fingerings. The Eb is not "inherently a bad critter"! It is just another small clarinet that needs to be made with care, as do all clarinets.
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-05-29 23:32
The Working Clarinetist: Master Classes With Peter Hadcock is available for purchase. I bought one about four months ago. It has the alternate fingerings and the orchestral excerpts that Ed recommends in it. Publisher is Roncorp Publications out of Pennsylvania.
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-05-30 00:04
Roxann wrote:
> The Working Clarinetist: Master Classes With Peter Hadcock is
> available for purchase. I bought one about four months ago.
> It has the alternate fingerings and the orchestral excerpts
> that Ed recommends in it. Publisher is Roncorp Publications
> out of Pennsylvania.
where at?
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-05-30 19:25
I have a copy of The Working Clarinetist: Master Classes With Peter Hadcock that I would sell. It's too advanced for me and there are just a few pages in it that I will ever use. Email me if you're interested.
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Author: William
Date: 2014-05-30 22:23
I play a Yamaha 681 with a Forbes extension and the intonation is quite good. Unlike an above posting, I also have a real old Bundy Resonite effer that plays quite well. Maybe, it's just *me*..........lol.
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