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Comparison of Buffet Divine to Uebel Superior

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-04-14 03:14

Look, there is no particular reason to compare and contrast these two clarinets, but they happened to be the two clarinet I have been trying out of late.

I want to say that my initial impression of the Divine was that it played just like the Buffet Vintage (a horn on which I have more current logged time). It turns out though over the course of some days the Divine really had some more notable and less obvious abilities. This Buffet IS introspective to be sure but it is incredibly well tuned. It is one of those horns that wants to land on a note with authority (almost a "pop," it is so clear). I finally grew to like its attributes. However I came back to the fact that it is too introverted for me and I could not really "let go" with it, or enjoy playing it unreservedly.

One strong criticism I cannot let go is that "low F" correction key. It DOES bring the "low F" up in pitch when going for a robust version of that note, but I find it more likely to want the low "E" as well in those situations and that key doesn't do anything for low "E." Also the vent hole itself is small, and located ON the lower joint. Consequently it diminishes the resonance of the "low F" even while correcting the pitch (too much of a trade off?).

Now I had one of those IMMEDIATE infatuations with the Uebel 'top-of-the-line' Superior model Boehm clarinet. It is instantaneously fun to play......but I wanted to have a few days to explore possible pros and cons. It turns out there are a LOT of PROS !!!!!! I find that it has a very lively sound and quick response. In many ways it is the antithesis of the Devine. Another interesting aspect is the tuning of the first line "E" and first space "F." These notes tend to ride a bit low on most Boehms, however on this horn (and the whole line of Uebel Boehms) these notes are square on pitch !!! So you'd think the 12ths above would be correspondingly high, but THEY ARE PERFECTLY IN TUNE !!!! Does anyone have an explanation for this? It seems to defy physics.

The Superior ALSO addresses low "E" and low "F" with a permanently open, small vent hole located in the bell. I contend that the best means to address this problem correctly is how the Germans do this on an Oehler horn, with a full size lower hole on the bell which is opened using a RH thumb key. The Superior's 'low F' is not quite helped out (nor hindered) by this vent hole, however, the 'low E' is however raised a bit and makes the experience of playing the lower register quite enjoyable. I'd say off hand that the vent hole of the Superior works BETTER than the extra key works for the Buffet Divine.

If there is a criticism of the Superior it may be that it responds TOO quickly; it may come off being a bit "wild." Although I have been playing Buffet mostly the last year or so and only have the Uebel for a few days. It may be a matter of getting used to the difference in response (won't know until I buy one.......hmmmm).

In the final analysis I find the Uebel just WAY more fun to play. And (this will sound weird but it's the only description that come to mind) the Superior just sounds like a clarinet, particularly in the clarion register. I do feel guilty liking it more than the Buffet but it is just a hoot to play. The Uebel Superior is a boisterous extravert compared to the analytical Buffet Divine.

.................Paul Aviles

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