 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2017-04-19 21:15
I have a young student whose parents are considering purchasing a Buffet Prodige to replace the rental instrument he's currently on. I have a nicely reconditioned mid-70's Bundy available for them, but they seem more interested in something new but reputable at a low price.
I'm not a big fan of the Buffet B12. Has anyone here spent any time with the Prodige? I haven't had a chance to yet. I'm interested in hearing about it's playing characteristics and workmanship. Thanks!
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Author: ClarinettyBetty
Date: 2017-04-19 22:17
I played one at TMEA. It was absolutely amazing, and I could NOT believe it was a student horn. My next Bb buy will be a Prodige as an outdoor horn for gigs/spare.
I think you should call someone in your area or wherever to have one sent to you on trial. You'll really get a kick out of it I think--but really, only you can decide whether you like a horn or not, no matter how much someone else on the internet likes it.
Best of luck!
-----------------------
Eb: 1972 Buffet BC20
Bb: Selmer Paris Presence
A: Selmer Paris Presence
Bass: 1977 LeBlanc
https://gentrywoodwinds.com
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-19 23:17
I'd like for the local music store to get a new one in stock ... the one I played was defective.
One thing that makes me shy on Backun's student and mid-range horns is that there are no locked key posts. I guess if they are threaded and glued they will stay in place and not turn.
The workmanship is outstanding, though.
Tom
Post Edited (2017-04-19 23:23)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-04-19 23:25
Whoops! Sorry ... I was thinking of Backun and not Buffet ... what a dummy I am!
Ditto on the B12 ... not the best.
Tom
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2017-04-20 03:31
The player in the ad sounds like he/she is playing at least a good Buffet E13 if not an R13. If you can get that result for under $600.00, I want one! Of course it could turn out to be a great bore design with poor, less than durable key work; we shall have to see. I plan to try them at the ICA Fest this summer, unless I can find some at a brick and mortar store before that.
Post Edited (2017-04-20 03:52)
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Author: GenEric
Date: 2017-04-20 07:14
I would also recommend this Yamaha 34 from Kessler and Sons. https://www.kesslerandsons.com/product/yamaha-ycl34-clarinet/
It has a cocobolo fatboy barrel which is nice. It would be better in my opinion if you're not planning on joining the school marching band. The Music store actually play tests all their instruments before they ship it out so you know you're getting something reliable.
Usually, most people in my school get a Yamaha ycl 200 or Buffet B12 and use it for middle school and then use the student model as a marching instrument for high school and get another instrument.
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2017-04-20 21:49
Yes, this is a student who will likely eventually be participating in marching band, which is why I am not recommending wood or hard rubber. The expectation is that they will buy a higher quality instrument in a few years for indoor use.
I take it nobody here has actually had their hands on one yet? I'm not looking to make a recommendation solely on internet information, but there are people here whose experienced opinions I value greatly, and I'm sure this question will come up for others soon as well.
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Author: GenEric
Date: 2017-04-24 09:05
Hmm... I tried the buffet protege for a few minutes at my music store. I would say that it's probably one of the best plastic clarinets along with the Backun Alpha. The key work is really nice and all the notes are pretty silky. However, it's not far from a b12 or YCL 200
I would totally recommend it if you could get it for a really good discount. If you're getting it for over $700. I would not recommend it. Once you go that budget a little bit, you can just get a Lyrique 576.
However, once your child goes to marching band, don't expect it to be in nice quality. The hot weather, along with the sweat that might be on the keys will tarnish the metal. It will also remove the paint that makes the clarinet look wood so the clarinet will look very glossy.
What i'm trying to get across is that you should be getting it at a very good price. A B12 or YCl 200 will do just fine for a beginner and you don't want to ruin a nice plastic clarinet in the harsh environment of marching band.
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