 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GenEric
Date: 2017-03-21 02:55
I've recently passed my auditions to go to the wind ensemble in my band and they recommended that I buy a new clarinet to keep up with the music that we will be playing. I'm currently playing on a YCL-200 with a MOBA barrel and Vandoren Mouthpiece B45. I've conidered these options around $1000:
1) Ridenour Lyrique 576
2) Leblanc Bliss L210S (i think this might be good because I have the barrel to go along with it)
3) Used Yamaha YCL-650 (ebay)
4) Buffet E12F
5)Kessler's Custom Artist Series Wood Clarinet – 2nd Generation ( coming out soon)
6) other options
What would you guys pick and do you have any better options?
Thanks!
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2017-03-21 03:58
Ridenour without question
Resin is reliable.
U can use your mouthpiece. Although I think his are divine. And while my clarinet sounds good with the b45 it sounds amazing with the Eroica.
Buffet e12 is OK. I have one of these, but the intonation isn't as reliable as the ridenour, and mine cracked very quickly after purchase.
(I feel the buffet throat tones are better, but the intonation elsewhere in consistent. I would describe ridenour throat tones as slightly muffled, but the rest of the clarinet makes up for that weakness.)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2017-03-21 07:30
Topping out at $1,000 - I would council toward the Ridenour or the Bliss. I have several associates who play the Bliss, and it seems to be a fine clarinet. I use Ridenour clarinets professionally, the Libertas, the A and the C models, in all my theater jobs, and outdoor band and orchestra gigs. Great performing instruments!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: gwie
Date: 2017-03-21 08:43
I would recommend the Yamaha YCL-650, assuming it is in good condition and functioning well and you can get it at the price you want. Go ahead and put your current mouthpiece and barrel on it and you'll be all set. Several of my private students who didn't want to spend more than $2000 on a new clarinet ended up acquiring a 650, and choosing an aftermarket barrel to make it a bit less resistant.
The Leblanc Bliss is also not a bad choice either. It's a holdover from the days when they partnered with Backun to make an intermediate-model instrument. Two of my students were able to get them at a big discount when they were initially discontinued, and they play very well at the under-$1000 price point.
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Author: RKing
Date: 2017-03-21 15:23
I faced the same question a few years ago and went with a used Yamaha 650. I still have it and it still plays very well.
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Author: Zacharywest158
Date: 2017-03-22 23:46
You can find many nice used horns on "that auction site" at or around $1,000. Recently, I saw a fully overhauled Leblanc Symphonie with a starting bid a little below your price point. Also look for older Selmer and Buffet models that are in good shape. I'm thinking of the Buffet BC20, etc. I think it's a better investment to get a used professional instrument as opposed to a new intermediate horn. Happy hunting!
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-03-23 00:29
Ridenour Lyrique RCP-576BC. A bargain. In tune, warm, responsive, non-quirky and won't crack in cold weather.
Tom
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Author: gkern
Date: 2017-03-23 01:06
Another vote for the Ridenour Lyrique RC576. Many mouthpieces will work, I venture to say that a Portnoy BP02 or a Selmer C85105 will be better than the B45.
Gary K
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2017-03-23 01:16
Used Leblanc professional clarinets can be had for cheap. Sorry, I'm not a Ridenour clarinet enthusiast
Steve Ocone
Post Edited (2017-03-23 01:17)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2017-03-23 02:07
If it were my choice I'd go for the 650. The others are good choices, but you can't beat the Yamaha for consistency. The Bliss is a good design, but I've had a couple through my hands and they both suffered from fragile keywork. Second choice would be the Ridenour.
Tony F.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-03-23 16:04
Bliss is discontinued.
Ditto on Yamaha 650 ... you might find a used one for under a grand.
Tom
Post Edited (2017-03-23 16:06)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2017-03-23 18:19
I would have to say Yamaha is your best bet. They are well made, play very evenly and in tune across the range.
I would seriously consider the Yamaha currently listed in the classifieds on this site. That is a very nice instrument at a great price. It would take you through any possible playing situation you would ever encounter.
I have no connection with the listing or the seller
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