 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2017-04-12 19:54
Looking for an Eb clarinet under $2000, which would be the better choice?:
- Amati ACL362, or
- used Noblet (in good condition)
Thanks
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-12 22:46
Probably the Noblet ... E-flats are such quirky little critters, who really knows?
The best would be an old Selmer Series 9 ... had one and (like an idiot) sold it for $300! It needed total overhaul and I didn't have the cash at the time ...
Tom
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Author: ClarinettyBetty
Date: 2017-04-13 00:20
Having had a used Noblet, but not an Amati, I wish I could take the Amati on trial and check it out so I could give a more balanced recommendation.
However, my Noblet was great and have no trouble recommending it.
-----------------------
Eb: 1972 Buffet BC20
Bb: Selmer Paris Presence
A: Selmer Paris Presence
Bass: 1977 LeBlanc
https://gentrywoodwinds.com
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Author: John Peacock
Date: 2017-04-13 01:18
I'd advise against the Amati, although I'm sorry to have to say this. I bought one of their C clarinets, and I thought it was terrific: well made and generally really well in tune - hugely better in terms of tuning in particular than a Buffet E11 C costing twice as much, which I also tried out. So after that positive experience, I thought it would be a no-brainer to get one of their Eb's. But the result was a total disappointment: the tuning was appalling, and way beyond what you could lip into adjustment. To be fair, the biggest problems weren't in altissimo, which is the most mission-critical part of the range; but the lowest register was so sharp I'd swear some notes were a whole semitone out. I know you have to expect to work a bit more on the tuning of an Eb between registers, but other instruments I've played weren't anything like this bad - so it went back.
I haven't played a Noblet Eb, but I did play one of their C's and found it pretty good (although I prefer the Amati C). But it sounds like you're thinking of getting a new instrument? For $2000 I'd have thought you could pick up an older used Leblanc or even a Selmer, and this would probably be a better option.
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Author: 2cekce ★2017
Date: 2017-04-13 04:51
I won't advise on what make or model to buy, however I have two Amatis both pro models in Bb & Eb and they have both been great instruments with no problems whatsoever (sorry John). Buffets I tried sounded so stuffy and airy I would never
Buy one but my point is only you can try for yourself to see what works for you. I know
People who say bundy works for them, but I wouldn't own one for reasons unique to me. So try a few within that price range and go with what works for you. You will need a good mpc/lig setup for whatever you decide to get.
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2017-04-13 05:17
Contact me by e-mail. I have a high-end eefer for sale.
B.
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2017-04-13 20:38
You should also consider the Patricola eefers- I bought mine from Muncy Winds and a colleague was impressed; he also bought one. Beautifully made instruments that sound good!
Jerry
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2017-04-14 08:00
If you are willing to invest about $2,000 then I'd probably not get an Amati. I've seen many of their clarinets and can't imagine something better isn't available for that price.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-14 19:50
I've heard that the Buffet E11 is generally pretty good ... but at $2500 new ... maybe $2000 used ... I know that Muncy Winds sell quite a few. I think the Fobes and Behn bell/extension accessories work on this model ...
Kinda scared to purchase something slightly unusual ... I've played all the major brands (back in the early 1980's) and again, the old Selmer Series 9 was the champ, IMHO. The R13 was NOT nearly as good ...
I was really hoping Tom Ridenour would take up the challenge on the Effer ... but his son says they are inherently terrible. It might take a TOTAL re-think and redesign (MP to bell) to get the little critter to behave.
They surely add a dash of spice to a band's woodwind section.
Tom
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2017-04-15 16:38
If Tom Ridenour made an eefer, I would snap one up. His C clarinet is a bargain. But alas they have no plans.
Yeah - who was it that said playing Eb is "like wrestling with a snake"? Friends who only play eefer say it is an entirely different animal, and this seems to be to be an honest statement. A lot of playing angst just doesn't translate - your chops, ear, and breathing need to be different, and not everybody gets it. Compared to Bb or A clarinets, when I play the Eb, it is as if the sound is coming out of a different location.
I played duets a few years ago with someone with a Patricola C and it was good. So their eefer probably is of similar caliber.
Last year, the Noblet A I inherited from my father had to stand in on Debussy "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" when my R13 A broke a spring, and it was just fine. So I have no qualms.
A store in AZ had a Noblet Eb, and it should be here next week.
News at 11.
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2017-04-15 17:42
I just did an episode on the Woodwind Doubling channel on my Eb clarinet setup. Mine is a Buffet E-11, and I tricked it out a bit.
https://youtu.be/pjKOxa9Iarg
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2017-04-18 17:35
Merlin,
Nice video - I especially liked the Mahler 1 excerpt.
How does the high range (up to altissimo G) respond on the Daniel Johnson mouthpiece?
FedEx says the Noblet will be here today. News at 11.
Regards,
Ralph
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2017-04-19 16:18
Thanks, Ralph!
I can get up to the G pretty easily. A is challenging.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-19 18:17
If memory serves, back in the 1980's, an audiophile recording label known as "Sheffield Labs" did a purist recording (single point stereo microphone) of core woodwind members of the CSO. The clarinet players included Larry Combs and John Bruce Yeh. If you can find the recording on iTunes, listen to the arrangement of the Grieg Suite by bassoonist Willard Elliot, if you wanna hear some amazing Effer playing by Mr. Yeh ... I think a "high A" is included for our enjoyment.
This was a "direct to disk" recording, no studio fixes or editing ... which makes it more amazing ... the performers had to sit and play for over 22 minutes with no break. Hat's off to those guys!
Tom
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2017-04-24 00:23
My E11 has "Made in Germany" stamped just above the serial number.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2017-04-26 22:26
Merlin: Oy - that was obvious.
I got the Noblet last week and it is fair enough so far, but I think with a few minor adjustments it will work OK for me.
It doesn't seem that Mr. Johnston is still making mouthpieces. Any suggestions where to find one?
Thanks
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2017-04-27 15:54
If Dan isn't making mouthpieces anymore, I'd try some of the other small makers offerings. Walter Grabner and Ben Redwine would be the first people I'd contact re: Eb clarinet mouthpieces.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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