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Update on Ridenour Libertas review

Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2015-07-14 11:16

A while back I gave my initial impressions of a Ridenour Libertas that I received from Tom Ridenour for evaluation. Tom was soliciting my input as for the appropriateness of the instrument in a large ensemble setting. Disclaimer: I personally own a Ridenour Lyrique Bb, A, and C clarinet, and I have 2 bass clarinets for my high school band. I paid full price for my Ridenour clarinets, and was not compensated in any way for my opinion on the Libertas.

I also own a Backun Protégé and a Yamaha Custom with a Backun barrel and bell, and had previously spent many years playing on Buffet R13’s and Prestiges (about 30 years on Buffets). I used to get my Buffets and Yamahas serviced by Brannen Woodwinds, and just sent in an instrument to Backun for full service, so I guess you can say I’m very picky about my clarinets.

My first review was quite positive – I mentioned that the intonation was quite good, and that the changes between registers was smooth – the altissimo just speaks with no effort. Well, having played the Libertas on and off for a couple of months, my conclusion is that this is one serious instrument –the equal of any I’ve ever played. Not as “sexy” as some horns out there now, and I know some people have a bias against any non-wood instrument, but man – this thing just plain plays. I’ve played it indoors and outdoors, with nothing but complements on my sounds and playing. (If it matters, lately I have been playing an ESM MCK1 mouthpiece with Legere signature reeds). It’s evenness between registers makes playing almost effortless, and I can easily play in any register at any volume, including a whisper quiet altissimo in perfect tune. There is no need to favor any notes, or change your embouchure. Just play. It’s quite refreshing.

The only difficulties I experienced in getting used to the instrument were:

1) Getting used to the key layout. I had the same experience when switching from Buffet to Yamaha – maybe just a tad more so with the Libertas, but it took about a week and I was comfortable with the layout. I can switch between my Libertas and my Backun or Yamaha with no problems, or between the Libertas and my Lyrique A with no problems.
2) A bit of a funny “problem” – I was used to favoring pitches with my Yamaha – it’s a very very nice instrument, but I was used to voicing down the “D” just below the staff, voicing up a bit on the open G, and voicing up a little bit on many notes above high C, and quite a bit on the high F. With the Libertas, no adjustment is needed – just play right in the center of the pitch, and the intonation is great.

It’s got a warm, but centered sound, quite pleasing to me. If you have an open mind and are looking at new instruments, you owe it to yourself to at least check out a Libertas. Don’t let an “anti-wood” bias dissuade you from trying one – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I still play on my Yamaha and Backun clarinets as well, but the Libertas has definitely earned a spot in my arsenal. I’m a big fan of Morrie Backun (as you might guess) as well as Mr. Ridenour. Both have really taken the clarinet to new places in the last several years, to the benefit of us players. I would recommend any Ridenour product to any of my students without hesitation – they are certainly a real bargain for a professional level clarinet, and in my opinion they are serious instruments for serious players.