 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: IndeterminateEuler
Date: 2014-05-29 10:19
Hello!
As you can see, I'm new to this forum. I'm currently a high school student starting to save up towards a clarinet upgrade. Right now I have a Buffet B12 [plastic] student clarinet with a Vandoren M13 lyre mouthpiece and Vandoren traditional 4.0 reeds. Even though a professional model will likely be overkill for my high school playing, I will also continue playing the clarinet throughout college.
So my actual question is: Which seems like a better deal for my price range; a new intermediate level E12F, or a used R13? Right now, I'm estimating my price maximum to be 1500-2000 USD. I'd also appreciate suggestions of other clarinets for an improving high school clarinetist.
Edit: Also, one of the E12F variants has the left hand clarion Eb/chalumeau lower Ab keys, which I haven't noted on any R13s. For those of you that have one of these keys, how much more convenient is it than having to slide your fingers across the keys in the rare event that the left hand c does not suffice?
Post Edited (2014-05-29 10:25)
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Author: wanabe
Date: 2014-05-29 11:29
If you will please excuse a beginner being presumptuous enough to give advice, but have you considered what a high school education would do to a professional level instrument? High end instruments are not usually built to take the rigors of school buses, band trips or even just the kids around you. Please don't take a Rolls Royce to a demolition derby.
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Author: IndeterminateEuler
Date: 2014-05-29 12:21
For pep band and marching band, I play my old Artley 17S.
Outside of those obvious two, I suppose I have not considered such risks all that much.
Is grenadilla wood so sensitive to temperature that it may crack on a bus or other vehicle even when within the case? (Our band trips are usually done with charter buses that have relatively good air conditioning & heating.)
As for the other students, I'd like to think that everyone in my school's wind ensemble avoids messing around with other people's equipment, but the reality is there's a handful that might do so regardless. I suppose you're right; at that point the safety of the instrument would be out of my hands.
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Author: AAAClarinet
Date: 2014-05-29 15:27
Make sure to look into the Ridenour clarinets. They will never crack and are great "horns". I have a Ridenour hard rubber clarinet and can easily keep up with or out play others with clarinets that are much more expensive. The tone and tuning are great. I am in no way affiliated with Ridenour clarinet products, I'm just a very satisfied customer.
AAAClarinet
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2014-05-29 16:10
I was recently looking in that price range and considering the Ridenour (although the best model is above your budget) and also the Backun Protege, which is right at $2,000. However, because of the way they are sold I didn't get to try either one so I can't give you advice on that score.
I do however, respectfully disagree with Wanabe about the highschool comment. I got my R13 in my sophmore year of high school. It went to marching band (I only had the one clarinet --still do), Interlochen camp twice, college, Europe and has served me well for over 30 years at this point! In fact I decided against getting a new clarinet this time around due to budget but am instead investing in an overhaul and a new barrel for my R13.
If you want to go the R13 route (or any "used" instrument) make sure you are able to have a tech look at it to make sure it is not cracked and is in good condition. And you need to be able to play it to make sure it is good for you. Personally I would skip the intermediate step. You will just want a better one in a few more years.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-05-29 18:33
>overkill for my high school playing,
Nope, absolutely not.
Get the R13.
And keep the plastic instrument for marching.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Ed
Date: 2014-05-29 19:02
I agree with Paul. That would be the best option and is what I would recommend to any of my own students.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-05-29 19:22
Older R13s often have intonation problems. You should never buy a used R13 without checking the intonation carefully. Since you identify yourself as an intermediate player, you should get a local pro to come along with you. Expect to pay him/her a modest amount, equivalent to the charge for a lesson.
New clarinets are also inconsistent. You must check a new E12F before buying.
The extra Ab/Eb key for the left little finger is useful but not essential. Without it, there are "you can't get there from here" passages, but the extra key adds weight and complication, and many players remove it. Until it became standard on top-level clarinets, 99% of professional players did without it.
Sliding from one key to another is not difficult to learn. You do it by practicing scales and arpeggios in Baermann 3. Watch a bassoonist's left thumb, which has maybe a dozen keys to take care of. String players make their living by sliding. You need to, too.
Ken Shaw
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-05-29 20:13
Back in my days in high school in the late 60's, nearly ALL of the average to better players owned a professional instrument. No Buffet R13s but lots of Selmer Series 9, 9*, 10 and Leblanc LLs ... So, go for the pro clarinet. If you are into Buffet, use your teacher to help you find the best used R13 your budget allows. Be careful and let an expert technician check it out, as well.
Keep the B12 for outdoor use and also as a back up.
But, for the same or less amount of money, you can get a brand new and IMHO arguably better playing/sounding instrument from Tom Ridenour. It's really worth trying one. And, it won't crack like wood ... so you can use it outdoors as well.
But, I really enjoyed my Buffets ... they are well made and held their value. Mine were exceptional finds with several tweaks. Beautiful!
(And one again, I am not affiliated with or get discounts or free merchandise from Ridenour Clarinet Products.)
Tom
Post Edited (2014-05-29 20:17)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-05-29 23:35
The E12F does NOT sound like an R-13, no matter who is playing it.
I'd go for the R-13, and if tuning work is needed, get it done, as opposed to the E12F.
E12F is a very pretty clarinet, and is good, but not close to an R-13 for depth of tone.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-05-30 02:38
Depends on the used R-13. If it is a reasonable clarinet it will maintain it's value.
Steve Ocone
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-05-30 07:21
I am also in high school and I play on a e13 that is pretty great but all are fine instruments. If i had the money though I would probably buy a Backun Protege in Cocobolo because of the sweet sound, amazing tone, a superb tuning. I have heard some R13's have tuning problems so it's kind of hit or miss. I played the e12f though and its also superb. Up to you but I would go with the Protege.
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