 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wkleung
Date: 2016-11-15 03:12
Dear all,
As you may recall, I am starting on the clarinet, after years of experience playing double reed instruments. I have been using a borrowed Yamaha plastic clarinet which is out of adjustment. I am thinking of buying an inexpensive used instrument.
Boosey and Hawkes clarinets seem to go for quite a low price on the used market. Would a B&S Emperor clarinet be a better choice compared to Buffet B12? I am not planning on playing a lot. My first goal is to learn a few pieces (Finzi Bagatelles, Brahms Sonata No.1 and Hindemith Sonata) and take an exam with these (the examiner will be British). I was open to getting a German clarinet, but thought the pitch might be too high for A-440.
Thanks a lot in advance for your opinion!
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-11-15 03:35
As you know as well as anyone, a key factor with any instrument is condition and adjustment.
So my comments relate to an instrument in good order.
Also both were in production for many years (40 for Emp 30 for B12) and did vary in design over those years.
The early Emperors (approx 46-60) were really lovely - semi pro instruments, later ones were cost reduced.
The B&H Emperor is available in wood but quite a few, especially later ones were also made in plastic.
A wood Emperor (always considered an intermediate) is in my view a better instrument than a B12 which is a student model and only made in plastic.
The Emperor is a relatively wide bore clarinet (15.0mm) but will work OK with most standard French style mouthpieces.
Alternatives to think about are Noblet and Leblanc.
Some of the older Leblanc pro instruments go for silly money yet are really very fine models.
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