Author: TomS
Date: 2017-03-21 19:26
Occasionally visit local music store, a nice store with good inventory, GREAT people, but little in the way of "pro" clarinets ... mostly low-end Buffets and Yamaha (good instruments, just not quite "pro", whatever that means ...) At my old age and with fresh money burning a hole in my pocket, I pondered purchasing an R13 greenline in stock. I played it and all was well, but flat in throat slightly with stock barrel and M13-lyre and #3 Rue Lepic (a reverse taper barrel might help).
The point is, that here in Little Rock, that clarinet had sat on the shelve thru 3 price increases (!), and that is what made it attractive to me, a $500+ savings! However someone had over-tightened the thumb rest and stripped the screws, so I didn't purchase. I don't know if it didn't sell because of the stripped screws, but I suspect in a market like Little Rock, student's just won't or can't spring for a "pro" horn. Back in the 1950-60s, most good HS students had Leblanc LLs, Selmer 9, 9* and 10 and Buffets. No longer, at least around here. Can't get rid of them ... I think the store might buy enough R13s to stay active as a Buffet dealer ... This store also has a Vintage model Buffet that has lingered for eons, I think ...
Since I knew many players, some from the 8th grade on, that played professional clarinets, and played them well without some sort of handicap, I think the notion that professional instruments are in some way are "too much of an instrument" for young players, is false ... best to start with the best, if you can afford it. Clarinets that have built-in compensation for poor embouchure and breath support just delay having to deal with the inevitable down the road, if they want to progress.
The R13 has been attacked a lot about various issues, but I was surprised, even semi-gobsmacked (after exclusively playing Yamaha and Ridenour for a while) how well the greenline played. So ... I've ordered one from out of state, and at considerable more expense ... it's a bucket list thing for me, kinda, and I want an instrument I can use outdoors ... I miss my R13s, despite their well known shortcomings ... Still a big fan of Ridenour and Yamaha .... Honestly, they should just pass out Tom Ridenour's clarinets to beginner programs, as they play easily and can be well used, even if they become "pro" players 10 years later.
Tom
Post Edited (2017-03-21 23:46)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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