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 which clarinet to buy?
Author: SarahC 
Date:   2016-01-29 08:37

Hi everyone! I am so thankful for this community here. My first clarinet was purchased without u guys, and it was a disaster (buffet e11 c clarinet).

I know so much more thanks to reading all the comments here! So thank u all.

Now I am wanting a decent b flat instrument.

Preferably with the aux Eb

Now my shortlist is
Hanson T6
Yamaha 650 - played it today and loved it's bright tone
Amati- their top line, can't recall the numberings (cheapest option with aux Eb key by far)
And lyrique.. although I am leaning away from thi s one due to lack of aux key.. But I played a T147 and was blown away by the tone and ease of altissimo, which puts it back on the map.

So what are everyone's opinions please? I basically can't try the Hanson or the lyrique, hence I am hoping someone here has tried more than one of these!

Thanks so much!

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 Re: which clarinet to buy?
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2016-01-29 09:54

I'd add to the list a used Buffet R13 for about the same price. Maybe a Selmer 10 series which are a bit less resistant. David Shifrin played on the 10 series Selmers for many years. He recorded the Mozart Concerto on the Selmer with an extended lower joint made by Lenny Gulotta. I think I spelled Lenny's last name wrong. I don't recall what series David used. If it was the 10G or what, but it was for sure a 10 series.

Bob Marcellus played the R13 1960's vintage and recorded the Mozart Concerto and I think it's kind of the best recording to listen to because it's so clean. Shifrin's recording in my opinion is the first and best recording, the way Mozart wrote it. There are of course other great recordings and most of them were done on Buffet R13's.

I am not against your choices above, just expanding them. Play what feels best for you. Take your time, a good horn should last you about 15 plus years.


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




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 Re: which clarinet to buy?
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2016-01-29 15:34

Sarah,

I'm not sure why you are focusing so much on the LH Eb/Ab auxiliary key. None of my Bb sopranos have it. I think it is an error to make a final selection with the auxiliary key as a deal breaker.

Pick a clarinet that plays well, has good intonation, and is a good value. The Ridenours are known for that trait. My two top clarinets are Yamaha SC Customs and then a classic LeBlanc L200; none have the aux. key and I do just fine while playing some pretty heavy duty wind ensemble literature.

You may be over thinking the need for that one key which is not usually standard equipment. Are you playing literature that calls for the alternate fingering?

However, both my bass clarinets have it and I use it from time to time.

HRL


PS I think you'd be well served by either the Yamaha 650 or the Lyrique.



Post Edited (2016-01-30 01:10)

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 Re: which clarinet to buy?
Author: SarahC 
Date:   2016-01-30 13:57

i got to play the yamaha yesterday. It was beautiful, lovely clear tone, and good intonation across the range.

Hank, it takes more thought to prepare the fingers if you don't have it :) but yes, i hope to try the lyrique sometime soon... somehow! to compare.

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 Re: which clarinet to buy?
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2016-01-30 15:54

Sarah,

Perhaps you misunderstood my comment. I have seen very few passages involving the need for a LH Eb/Ab alternate key. I doubt that you will need the key as often as you are imagining.

As I said above "I think it is an error to make a final selection with the auxiliary key as a deal breaker."

Good luck,

HRL



Post Edited (2016-01-30 21:59)

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 Re: which clarinet to buy?
Author: Steven Ocone 
Date:   2016-01-30 18:26

The Yamaha will be the most durable and dependable.

Steve Ocone


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 Re: which clarinet to buy?
Author: SarahC 
Date:   2016-02-01 00:27

you are right Hank.

I did understand what you mean. but really.. i am hopeless. i play a passage of 5 notes, and then release i need to start with the other pinky first and end up in a twist! and have to replay that section. but yes, not a deal breaker. But definitely a strong preference! haha

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