 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2015-12-17 21:47
I play in a community band. We have a fair number of clarinets. I thought it would be cool to try Eb. I've never played one. Are there any cheap workable Eb models, for a few hundred dollars? I saw some Bundys and a good number of Albert system horns. I understand these are not the best options, but would they work in a pinch? I can overhaul it myself.
Does a Bundy, Vito, etc. (if they make an Eb) play acceptably in the third register? Is the intonation manageable? The band's intonation is far from impeccable to put it lightly, but the first flutes and clarinets are pretty good.
Would an old Albert system work? Are any recommended? Do you need a German mpc? I've never played one, but a few new fingerings don't worry me. I just don't know how odd the third register is.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2015-12-17 23:07
My first Eb purchase was a Bundy. I found it difficult to play anything above the staff but soon learned there's a learning curve to it. I went with a stiffer reed than I'd been using for my Bb and found it helpful. Also, I originally used Eb reeds which I didn't like so started cutting the butt end off of Bb reeds which works really well. I also started buying German cut reeds and have found both the Vandoren White Masters AND Gonzales German cut reeds to be my favorite choices so far...again, in a bit stiffer reed than I use on my Bb. Within a year of buying the Bundy (online), I knew I enjoyed playing it so much that I wanted a higher quality one, so I sold it. As the year progressed, and my reeds changed, and I got better and better at playing the Eb, my ability to play the notes above the staff got better and better. I would strongly recommend buying a Bundy if you can find one. It's an excellent place to start. I purchased mine for $250, but about $80 into it, and sold it for $330. I lost nothing and gained a love for playing it. Best of luck. Most newer music doesn't have parts written for Eb clarinets, so I find that probably 85% of the time I still play my Bb. It took some doing to convince 2 of my band directors to let me play the Eb because they'd had such bad experiences with Eb players in the past. I had to prove to them that they need not fear the sounds I emit!
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Author: DarkHairedIrish
Date: 2015-12-17 23:58
I too am interested in a low cost Eb clarinet. I've seen a few come on eBay but nothing to cheap or too impressive. I did however read a post about the new Martin Freres Eb, the ebonite one. Has anyone had any experience with it? If so does anyone know where to try/buy one?
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2015-12-18 01:42
If you can find a Noblet on eBay they are quite good horns in general and have a pleasant sound. The E above the staff on those tends to be a poor note, but otherwise they are OK. The E11 Buffets are good too and used ones are reasonably priced.
I chop of the butt of Bb reeds for my Eefer and find those reeds are the best solution. They give a much fuller sound. Something in the 3 1/2-4 strength reed works best. Too hard a reed will give a pinched shrill sound.
There are all sorts of great Eefer parts even though some pieces won't have parts. Right now I'm playing in a wind ensemble that does high level playing and the Eefer parts are just wonderful. Go for it!
Eefer guy
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-18 02:13
I recommend these:
http://www.hornstash.com/categories/Eb-Clarinets-5_43_54_586.html
Great Shop, Super People. I've purchased many instruments from them. I know that this particular E11 Eeffer is a fine horn. Their Bundy is quite affordable, too.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2015-12-18 02:42
The Leblanc LL Eb is not bad, and, since it's not a Buffet or a Selmer, sells for reasonable prices. I played one for a year in the U. of Tennessee band and the Knoxville Symphony, with good results.
At least with the stock mouthpiece, it played extremely sharp. I made tuning rings for the top and the bottom of the barrel, which brought the intonation into usable condition. See http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=78777&t=78675.
Ken Shaw
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Author: DarkHairedIrish
Date: 2015-12-18 03:07
"If you can find a Noblet on eBay they are quite good horns in general and have a pleasant sound."
Maybe it was just my experience but I have on occasion had my school's Noblet 45 eefer and it was less than desirable although I was using the stock mouthpiece with the horn (and it is a school horn that probably doesn't get much love very often)
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2015-12-18 05:13
Thank you. I played a Bundy alto saxophone for marching in HS, and liked it as well as my Buescher True Tone.
Any thoughts on Albert models? How can you tell if they are low pitch?
I'd rather stick with Boehm (less to learn), but there are a lot of really cheap Alberts online.
- Matthew Simington
Post Edited (2015-12-18 05:17)
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Author: efsf081
Date: 2015-12-18 05:19
I bought my amati 261 last year with $550.
It is a really lovely little horn. My teacher (who plays a r13 e flat) check it and also think it is a good buy.
The problem is you need to find a mouthpiece of it, the original one is horrible. And sometime it is not easy to buy a E-flat mouthpiece with limit budget. I finally buy a Yamaha 4c which work great with v12 3 1/2(Bb reed).
Post Edited (2015-12-18 05:20)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2015-12-18 11:45
I had an older Selmer from the 1960's, a pro model, can't recall the name of it. It played better in tune, had very few dead notes compared to the Buffets in the 1970's.
Maybe someone remembers the name of that Selmer. Sadly it got stolen. A sad day, lost all of my horns, 3 saxophones, 3 clarinets, and 2 guitars.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2015-12-19 06:28
Bob,
Yeah I had one of those Selmers too. it was a Centered Tone. Played beautifully! Pretty sound too. My friend here just bought one on eBay and it's a great horn.
All of the Eefers need a good mouthpiece and it seems the stock ones are really quite bad in most cases. If you up to even a good VanDoren it will do wonders. That's what i used on my old Noblet that I started with and it played beautifully.
Of course I have a Buffet Prestige now and there's no comparison. I'm not going back!
Eefer guy
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2015-12-19 23:46
I wouldn't bother with an Albert eb clarinet as they tend to have poor intonation. Also if you do buy one be prepared to put $100-$200 in it for a repad.
Contact me offline:
Deleon.jared@gmail.com
I have something you may be interested in.
Happy holidays!
-Jdwoodwinds
Post Edited (2015-12-20 00:24)
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Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2015-12-19 23:50
Look for a LeBlanc, probably the best value and on par with those other big brands.
I'll second that German cut Bb reeds are excellent on Eb but they require a little work.
Strange that Eb reeds always seem weak and lifeless compared to Bb.
V
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2015-12-20 23:10
Still would love Ridenour to make an Effer.
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: DarkHairedIrish
Date: 2015-12-21 04:07
"All of the Eefers need a good mouthpiece and it seems the stock ones are really quite bad in most cases. If you up to even a good VanDoren it will do wonders. That's what i used on my old Noblet that I started with and it played beautifully."
What mouthpiece would you reccomend? On my Bb I use a Pomarico and I believe they make Eb clarinet mouthpieces.
"Still would love Ridenour to make an Effer."
Same here.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-12-21 04:26
On several opportunities to experience lessons +/or clinics with Symphonic players who hold E-flat chairs, and hearing Jessica Phillips of the NY Met - the Eeffer mouthpiece should be as close in lay and opening as your B-flat/A mouthpiece. Makes sense.
I am an Eeffer guy, I play Clark Fobes San Francisco mouthpieces - his personal model on the E-flat and the CWF on the B-flat/A. All are a .96mm opening, the E-flat a 15mm lay, the CWF a wee longer 17.5mm lay.
There are NO cheap E-flat mouthpieces that are any good. None.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2015-12-21 05:51
That was it, a Selmer Centered Tone. I had a Mitchell Lurie mouthpiece on it, made by Pomarico. Thanks Eefer guy!
It you can find a Centered tone they play fairly well in tune and have a nice sound with the ML mouthpiece. Don't overpay for one though. I'm not sure what the prices are going for, but I don't think I'd go over $500, because these are pretty old and most of them may have seen better days. For example the great Harold Wright changed horns every 8 to 10 years. He felt that he simply wore out the horns. However you may find one thats had very little use.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Wes
Date: 2015-12-21 09:13
This year I repadded a Selmer Series 9 Eb clarinet with cork pads that was simply wonderful. My granddaughter is now using it in a high school band.
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