 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jthole
Date: 2017-06-13 12:06
Is the Premium a US-only model?
All I have seen here (Europe) is communication on the Prodige. I have not tried it yet though (my current outdoors clarinet is a Yamaha, but I am not fond of the keywork).
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Author: Richie
Date: 2017-06-14 00:26
I do love Pierre's playing, and the fact that he made a plastic instrument sound actually pretty good, it has put it on my radar to try. Also--from what I have researched the Prodige has Nickel Plated Keys, white leather pads, a plastic case and is not available for online sales. The premium, however, has silver plated keys, traditional double bladder pads, a backpack case, and is available for online sales. I'm personally drawn to the Prodige, for its possible applications in marching and outdoor playing.
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Author: jthole
Date: 2017-06-15 00:49
I guess that what is called the Premier in the USA, is called the Prodige here, while the American Prodige is a USA only model? Buffet Crampon keeps confusing us with the regional marketing ...
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2017-06-15 01:31
Jthole:
The Kessler link given by Dan Shusta above describes the differences between the Prodige and the Premium. But here's a summary if the link is not working for you.
Kessler says that both clarinets have the same plastic body with its bore and tone holes derived from the latest (wooden) Buffet E13. But the bodies are finished in two distinctly different ways. The Prodige is given nickel plated keys, nickel plated tenon rings, leather pads, and packaged in a hard shell plastic case. The Premium, by contrast, is given silver plated keys, black nickel tenon rings, traditional skin pads, and packaged in a soft, backpack case.
Also, the prices are a little different, and only the Premium can be purchased on the Internet. The Prodige must be obtained from a walk-in, "brick and mortar" music store.
Try this slightly different link to read the original statement.
http://www.kesslerandsons.com/blog/buffet-prodige-premium-student-clarinets/
Post Edited (2017-06-15 01:32)
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Author: jthole
Date: 2017-06-15 02:03
Thanks ... seems indeed that the naming is different in the various regions, as the Kessler blog states ... very good reading, by the way.
"However, since we are based in the USA, and my blog primarily targets the USA readership, I am focusing on the configurations available in the US market only. If you are outside of the US, you can still infer a lot of understanding from this post, but your configurations and options may vary from what I show here."
I wish that, in a global world, manufacturers also would do global branding ... it makes online discussions so much easier ;-) [the issue is even bigger with electronics!]
Anyway, my point ... it seems like the "Premium" is a US-only model indeed (or maybe it is the importer who decides this, rather than Buffet in France?). AFAIK we in Europe only have the Prodige, with different options.
Post Edited (2017-06-15 02:07)
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-06-15 02:23
Though I appreciate the marketing research behind the two models. For some reason, I can't get past silver keys put on a plastic, beginner instrument, not to mention leather pads. Is it the for the student, who'll probably quit band in a year, yet still wants a fancy finish? I'm pretty sure the average 4th to 6th grader isn't going to appreciate the benefits of silver keys. Now the fancy case and blacked out tenons, they'll love.
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Author: jthole
Date: 2017-06-15 12:14
ClarinetRobt wrote:
> Though I appreciate the marketing research behind the two
> models. For some reason, I can't get past silver keys put on a
> plastic, beginner instrument, not to mention leather pads.
Silver plated keys may have to do with the strict EU regulations on nickel exposure? Buffet Crampon is a European company after all.
Again: I have no idea about the USA situation.
Post Edited (2017-06-15 12:15)
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2017-06-17 20:51
David,
Granted, the sound is rather small and understated; it could stand to have a lot more overtones, a larger dynamic range, and more pizazz. But it isn't strident or raspy; it's more covered and cool--and, as Genisson amply demonstrates, you can make music with it. It blends well with the piano (and presumably with other instruments as well); and the intonation seems good. Most people would find it pleasant enough to listen to (consider the vigorous applause from the audience at the end) and neighbors might be grateful that its muted sound doesn't pierce their eardrums when they have to listen to the kid next door squealing, er, I mean, practicing. So, what clarinets selling new in the $600 - $700 price range would you suggest as a better buy for a student?
Post Edited (2017-06-18 03:54)
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2017-06-18 02:40
Fantastic Plastic. It has a lovely sound when played by a Clarinetist of this level of standard. Can't stand watching him though. Excessive body movement but a lovely sound nevertheless. I assume that he's using the mouthpiece and barrel that came with it. Now if he used a quality mouthpiece like a Vandoren or whatever and perhaps one of Tom Ridenour's 'fat boy' barrels the tonal quality would become more 'full bodied' Not sure if a different barrel would make any difference but a better mouthpiece certainly would. I have two plastic Clarinets. A Jupiter (Nickel plated keys) and a Schreiber 6010s (Silver plated keys) and both of these sound excellent with a good mouthpiece. The quality of mass produced plastic Clarinets has improved considerably over the past 10 years or so. And the two that I have play very well in tune also.
Skyfacer
Post Edited (2017-06-18 02:41)
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