The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lizzie
Date: 2001-05-19 13:49
If yall could make a list of some good clarinet brands and what # they are like
if its a R-13 and stuff i would really appreciate it.. i am seacrching for a new clarinet and i wanted some ideas i have a Buffet Crampton E-11 now and i think i want a Buffet Crampton R-13 to last me thru college and if yall could make a list of stuff it would help alot!
thanks in advance,
~lizzie~
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Author: Jonathan
Date: 2001-05-19 14:14
Dear Lizzie,
This is a copy of my answer to the thread.
The best advice is to try all the different makers and models that you can get your hands on then once you've decided which model you like, try as many of that model as possible to get the best one. I've just bought a new Bb and the A is on its way - being picked from the factory. I tried all of the professional models of the Buffet's, a few Patricolas including a rosewood clarinet, and the Selmer Recitals and Signatures. I ended up narrowing my search down to the Buffet DG, Elite, Festival, and Vintage as to what worked well for my setup and perception of what i wanted. I finally chose the DG (as it was the clarinet that was most adaptable in tone colour and had a warm centred tone [with my setup]) but unfortunately they have stopped producing them so the Festivals which came a very close second is what I've gone with. So far my Bb is absolutely a pleasure to play (can't wait for the A) and would thoroughly recomend it to anyone. I also have bought a new ligature (BG Super Revelation) and a new mouthpiece (Viotto B3 with a French Cut) which suits my new clarinet as my old mouthpiece (also a Viotto but just the B3 without the French cut) was a bit too freeblowing for the Festival. As for the other clarinets that i tried,(and this will probably be totally diff for you) i found that the Selmers had a very silky tone colour and to a certain extent so did the Buffet Elite and RC prestige, the Patricolas also were all very good although some had buzzy pads that needed replacing. I didn't get to try any Leblancs as they are not readily available in Australia where i live. Really i think that it doesn't matter what brand or model you get as long as it gives you the sound that you want and you get to try quite a few of the model so that you get the one that is most even, best in tune, etc.
Hope this helps,
Jonathan
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Author: Jonathan
Date: 2001-05-19 14:16
oops sorry i meant a reply to the thread - pro clarinet (i need to go to bed)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-05-19 14:44
If you like your E-11, you probably would like the R-13. So, if you can go to a store where you can play several that would be a good idea.
My personal favorite is the Leblanc Opus, but a new one is more expensive than the R-13.
R-13s are so popular that they can be bought for a great price from music stores everywhere. I just bought one from Brook Mays Music for $1,750.00, and I got to select it from their stock. There are also several places that sell R-13s for discount prices.
You could keep your E-11 as a back up or you could sell it to pay the downpayment on an R-13.
Don't get too confused. There are lots of good choices out there for instruments. Remember, my choice might not be your choice. I might look for a totally different thing when I shop for an instrument. Get what you like and what has a good reputation and resale value should you not like it.
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-05-20 02:49
As I'm "clarinet-less" I am also searching for a new clarinet. In my search, I'd be considering these models: Leblanc Concerto, Opus, Buffet R-13, and Festival.
I'd most likely purchase a Festival because they're not much more than the R-13 (I was quoted about $2250 for one!) and they've got a lot of extra features: premium quality wood, eb/ab lever, standard silver-plated keys, etc. I've also heard that they are more consistent between one and another.
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2001-05-20 17:17
If you are interested in a new R-13, this is a great time to buy one. One company in the US that is a major wholesaler is selling them for $1499. Since it isn't a Sneezy sponser, I won't give its name, but do some research and you'll find it.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-05-20 20:38
They don't have to be a sponsor to get mention here (though I appreciate the sentiment!)
You might want to tell them it'd be a nice idea to help out, though ;^)
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Author: Jessica
Date: 2001-05-20 23:26
If you like your E-11 there are a few clarinets I would recommend for you, depending upon your budget. The R-13 is a very lovely instrument; when I got my clarinet I actually went intending to buy an R-13... the R-13 is incomparable to the Prestige, if you can afford it, it offers a much richer sound. I, however, ended up with neither--I bought another professional level clarinet made by Buffet Crampon which I am incredibly pleased with and would not trade for the world... the Festival. It is not as renouned, but to me it sounds much better than the R-13. The Prestige & Festival are at equal levels, it simply depends on your taste and the particular clarinet. For me the Festival just "spoke" to me, while the Prestige did not, though there were some things I liked better about the Prestige, there were also things I liked better about the Festival.
Like Jonathan said though, you should try all makes & models of clarinets before making your decision. Good luck & I hope you find the one that's right for you!
Jessica
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2001-05-21 00:19
Thanks Mark,
Woodwind and Brasswind is selling R-13's for $1499 currently. It's the lowest price I've seen in years, so I'm advising my younger students to upgrade now rather than wait a year. Supposedly they'll keep that price through the summer. Whoever wants to call them because of this thread might want to mention Sneezy.
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