 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: nisharae18
Date: 2016-03-15 04:59
So after graduating high school in 2007 (being highly involved in every music ensemble at my school) I began going to school for music- did well, practiced hard, but after a semester I decided to go a different route and ended up traveling for the past 9 years living overseas etc.. Now I am in a new season in life and returning to my first passion of music. Thankfully I had the chance to pick up a clarinet the other day and see where my skill level was, and while I need a lot of practice time to get my embouchure back up to practicing for hours, I was really impressed that I could still play my original college audition piece the Weber Concertino (minus some work that will need to be done on the runs) I am looking into playing Malcolm Arnolds Sonatina when I re-audition in the fall, and fortunately in my brief schooling I learnt how to practice well which I think will be invaluable for me... Also daily re-studying theory/ aural skills/ sight singing and all the good stuff to bring myself back up to snuff so as to make a good impression and be prepared on audition day as I have a lot against me...
Any way, long story short, I currently just have an old student clarinet and looking to purchase a clarinet that will be taken seriously in school. I know the infamous R-13 is instrument of choice but I don't have an extra 2500.00 to spend, so what about an older version-- many on ebay state "pre R 13" how are these, decent clarinets or no? Intonation issues? Also interested in Leblanc models, I've seen the new all wood bliss come out... thoughts on this? Or any other comparable Leblanc/ Buffet models to look into? I know the E11 is out there, but I have always been told its an "intermediate model" does this matter or no?
Just thoughts and opinions, also any advice on re starting this journey all over again to get this 26 year old whipped back into shape for returning to school... Lots of hard work ahead, but I'm pretty determined and ready to work hard...
Thanks in advance...
Nisha Rae
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-03-15 06:54
The Bliss is pretty nice. As most of us know, Selmer owns Leblanc. In late January I was at the NAMM Convention and Julian Bliss was there at the Selmer booth. We had a lot of fun. We talked for at least 30 minutes and he played the Bliss and a few top line Selmers. The Bliss was surely a very good horn, not bright nor dark. Sounded very close to an R13, but it had a freer feel. I felt the key work and it was very nice. As we also know Julian and Morrie Backun worked together with Leblanc developing the Bliss. Now they both don't talk to each other! Not sure what happened and I didn't ask Julian. I don't really care. I'm heading to this point, I'd buy the Bliss before spending over $9000 on a Backun. I'd also buy a new Bliss over a used Buffet R13, unless I was able to give it a good workout for about a week.
I have to record the over-recorded Mozart Concerto on PBS sometime next year. I will ask Julian to pick out an A clarinet for me and I will compare it to the very excellent R13 I have. The Bliss horns are lighter in weight. The key work feels very good and the horns are priced to compete well with the top horns. I didn't hear any dead notes when Julian was playing. I didn't hear any notes pop out either, so the horn felt very even to me.
Some stores will offer you financing on top brands, such as the Buffets. This is something to think about. I'd really try to avoid buying anything on ebay unless you can get a 2 week or more trial return policy. Finding a really great used or new R13 is just as hard as finding a great reed. Hope this helps.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2016-03-15 07:49
I have a LeBlanc Symphony 3 that is far better than my pre-R13 Buffet. I only paid $350 for it and another $250 to get it repadded and adjusted. That is about what most decent looking pre-R13's list for on the auction sites.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-03-15 08:18
Hi Pastor Rob, nice seeing you! When did the the Sym 3 model come out? Was Tom Ridenour involved with this production?
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-03-15 12:46
Nisha, are you contemplating a degree in Clarinet Performance, Music Education, or something else? That's a significant consideration when choosing an instrument.
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Author: nisharae18
Date: 2016-03-16 01:51
Greg,
Right now just an associates in music performance. Goal is to be able to substitute teach/ teach lessons and possibly get involved with some community/ low scale performances...This may change; but due to my age I'm just going a step at a time and an A.S in music comes first.
for the moment looking at buying a used intermediate horn, to later invest in a full pro horn. but need something to start me off for the moment...
Looking into E11's, Possibly a Leblanc Sonata (Used), My end goal is either a Leblanc Cadenza or a R13. Not sure if there are any good intermediate selmers out there or other intermediate horns that would be good to look into..
Thanks for the help!
-Nisha
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-03-16 01:59
The used Selmer 10 series are really nice horns. People like David Shifrin used them. The 10 and 10G were used by Anthony Gigiotti with the Philly Orchestra for many years. You can pick these up on ebay at very good prices. Under $1000 probably.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: nisharae18
Date: 2016-03-16 03:07
Bob,
Thanks I actually found one of these (Selmer Series 10) used for a great price, really mulling over purchasing it, looks like it will be a great horn, at least to start until I can save up some serious money... Thanks for the help!!
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2016-03-16 06:15
Bob,
It is great to read your input on the board again! I can't speak to the age of the Symphony 3 I acquired. I just know I love playing it. It feels so right under my fingers. Doesn't quite have the same color as my RC, but sure feels great when I play it. I bought my 13 year old daughter a nice Noblet Plateau, but she loves that Symphony 3.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2016-03-16 06:41
The Series 10 really might be the way to go. I'm not in the market for a new clarinet, but I happened to try one recently that was going for about $500, and it was a very nice horn.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2016-03-16 07:31
Nisha, I say forget the intermediate instruments altogether and go for a good used pro horn. There are plenty of good vintage Selmers and Leblancs available now that, even including the cost of a top-quality overhaul, will cost you less to own than a new E11.
I would give that Series 10 Selmer a good, long look. It could be just the ticket.
Another reason to skip intermediates: If you upgrade to another clarinet in the future, the one you buy now will likely become your backup instrument. Wouldn't you rather have a good professional instrument as your backup? You'll miss your #1 horn a lot less when it's in the shop.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-03-16 08:34
A good series 10 at $500 is a very good buy. Among the clarinets you mentioned you were looking at, I'd avoid the E11. I've always thought it an over-rated instrument and build quality seems to be very variable. There are good ones but you have to look hard to find them.
Tony F.
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