Author: Geronimo
Date: 2017-05-03 17:48
As far as the Protege, I can't really recommend it. I went to a local music store and compared the Protege to a Yamaha 650 and came out liking the 650 better. I felt it was more in tune and a little better in response. The backun key work felt better though. Looking at the price, I can't see myself purchasing a Protege.
As far as the R13 being the professional standard, I think we should update that phrase. I made a longer post in a recent thread but long story short, the R13 Prestige is more inline with the quality and workmanship you would expect. Regular R13s are no longer Buffets top priority.
Looking at comparable options from Selmer and Yamaha, both are fantastic options. Yamaha's CSVR plays on par with my R13 Prestige and is about half the cost. They really are fantastic instruments and every CSVR I have tried has been well set up and fairly consistent. Yamaha's CSG II and SEAM (not available yet) would also be worth looking into.
With Selmer, the Presence model is a nice "half way point" between Selmer and buffet. Since it is close in price with the R13 it is definitely worth checking out. If you are able to spend more money for your upgrade, check out the Signature, Recital, and the Privilege. Many of my colleges use the Signature (same instrument you will find used by the principal CSO clarinetist) but my personal favorite is the Recital.
Regarding online purchases, I wouldn't do it. You don't know what you are going to be sent or what condition it will arrive in after shipping. On top of that you won't be able to try-before-you-buy to get the best possible instrument for yourself. You would be amazed how inconsistent clarinets can be, even in the same make/model. If your intention is to get a professional instrument that will last for your career, it would be worth the time to go find a way to try instruments in store and take them home on a trial. Play them for your teacher, use them in rehearsal to get a sense of them, play in a large room and not just in a practice room for yourself.
Feel free to ask any questions
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
