 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sheich
Date: 2015-03-29 04:54
Hi everybody!
I'm getting a new horn for marching band (old one was a Bundy, and for some reason mine doesn't sound quite right, and by now it needs repaired) and I'm looking at the Vito line. A very confusing lineup. Very confusing. Right now, from what I gather, the V-40 is the best one in terms of plastic. Is this right? I can't find one on ebay, so that's too bad. How different would this be from a 7214? These are plentiful online, and at not bad prices. The problem for this model is age, in that I see some marked as "Kenosha" which look new enough, and then some with the present day Vito logo that's on the website. Are there any differences between these two types of 7214's, and which one is older? Besides these, what other Vito's are worth considering? I get the feeling the Reso-Tone 3's and such are kind of like "Ehh." I own an E11 and play an R13 for school, and I realize this clarinet doesn't need to be top of the line, but I would like a nice enough marching clarinet! Are there other brands that would be better (although I'm not sure how to beat the price point, Vito's go for nothing in seemingly good condition). Thanks!
-sheich
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-03-29 07:04
Owning both a 7214 and a V-40, I can tell you this:
1. The V-40 was the top of the line plastic Vito. The newer V-40s have polycylindrical bores as the E11 and R13 have, and the older ones don't. The two generations of V-40 look identical. If you want to be sure of getting a poly-bore V-40, get the Leblanc 7250.
2. The 7214 was the top of the line plastic Vito before the V-40 was introduced. It does not have polycylindrical bore technology and is a free-blowing instrument. It tunes accurately with a carefully chosen mouthpiece.
3. The V-40 has slightly more focus to its characteristic tone than the 7214, and is a bit more nasal and thin-sounding. To my ears, the 7214 is a better sounding clarinet.
4. Vito 7242 is a smaller-bore instrument than the 7214 and V-40, and has a nicely focused, compact tone and a balanced resistance that's more Buffet-like than the other Vitos.
5. The 7214 made in Kenosha is older than the ones built in Elkhart.
6. The Yamaha YCL-20 has a more focused, brighter tone than the Vito 7214/V-40. For a marching and pep band instrument, you might find the YCL-20 an even better solution.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-03-29 18:45
One more option worth considering: The Selmer Signet Resonite. These are very nice sounding clarinets and have the added bonus of stainless steel springs, rods, and pivot screws that aren't prone to rust--a great idea for a marching instrument that could get rained on.
The Signet Resonite tends to go for dirt cheap, as most folks looking for a Signet want one of the wooden versions. Signets, sold new as intermediate-level instruments, often come with nice vintage mouthpieces, too.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-03-29 19:39
A newer Vito with a smaller, more modern bore (with some undercut tone holes) should tune better and play more like your Buffet. Gosh, it might play and sound better, in some respects, than your E11 or R13!
If you have 700 bucks, the Backun Alpha might be a choice, or a Ridenour Lyrique RCP-146 (now discontinued ... but, call and check).
Tom
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Author: sheich
Date: 2015-03-29 20:55
Thank you all for the clarification! This will be a big help for me; clarinet brands can be confusing sometimes. As popular as the V-40 seemes to be, I can't for the life of me find any on eBay, but there are quite a few Kenosha marked 7214s. Maybe I'll get one of them; they seem to be less than 100 for one thats been tested by a clarinet player. The Signet is also not one I can find as readily on eBay, although there were a few. The Yamaha YCL-20 looks good, but because it's Yamaha its seems to go for a lot more. Ideally, I'd like to spend $100 or less; the same I spent on my original Bundy. The 7242 also seems to be more rare. Interestingly, it appears that the V-40 has been discontinued in favor of the older 7214 on the Leblanc website?? That's a little confusing; maybe its a new clarinet entirely? Lastly, can anyone comment on the differences/quality between the older 7214's built in Kenosha vs the newer one in Elkhart? Thanks again for your help!
-sheich
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-03-29 21:18
The Vito V-40, also called the Vito 7250, moved over to the Leblanc USA brand as the Leblanc 7250, and these were phased out with the introduction of the Bliss models.
You're correct about the 7242 being hard to find. These have not been in production for nearly as long as the 7214 and the only two I've seen in circulation around here were nearly new.
I have a good 7214 that I could part with; e-mail for details.
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Author: sheich
Date: 2015-03-30 04:21
Great info! @Ursa; I sent you an email; just let me know what you want for it! Thank you all again!
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Author: sheich
Date: 2015-03-30 05:28
A Ridenour would be awesome, but a little out of the amount I would like to spend.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-03-30 08:56
Until recently, Ridenour sold a model RCP-146 which was highly regarded. He might have a leftover or know where you can find one ... it sold new for only $625.00 ... wouldn't hurt to call Ted Ridenour ...
But the RCP-576bc would be really cool ... you may be able to find one of those used or use the easy payment plan on a new one ...
I have an Alpha ordered to satisfy my curiosity ... just a loaner, for now. It might be a dandy, too.
Good luck.
Tom
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Author: Jamnik
Date: 2015-03-31 07:24
In the Dallas area Craigslist there is a Vito V40 for $100 obo. There are several board members in this area that could look at it / pick it up if it is in cosmetically good shape. Im sure it would need some cork and pads replaced.
Jamnik
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