 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: klim
Date: 2017-08-27 04:03
Can anyone provide feedback on the Ridenour TR-147? I'm trying to decide between it and a YCL450. Any advice will be appreciated.
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-08-27 04:30
I started (restarted) playing in 2010 on a TR-147. In retrospect it must have been a fine example, so those do exist. But I've had and discarded a couple of others since then that were pretty poor (intonation flaws). The basic acoustic design was quite good, but the execution varied immensely. My guess is the ones Tom set up personally were nice, but others not so much. So unless you're prepared to really evaluate and return anything not right, I'd skip the TR's.
I have nothing but praise for my Ridenour Arioso (last model before he started making the Lyrique 576). His current designs are all very good.
Yamaha clarinets are amazingly consistent sample to sample unless neglected or abused. And the YCL-450 is pretty much bulletproof. It is a known quantity, well liked and widely used. The 400AD is the same clarinet, I think. There are several incarnations of the 450 (with/without plastic inserts for example, maybe that matters to you). Based on other discussions here on BBoard, I think the YCL-32 and 34 are a step down from the 450 (though some claim they are the same)- and likewise the YCL-52 is a step up (again I've seen the claim they are the same or very similar in quality). I have no personal experience with any of them, except...
As it happens, I was just at Sam Ash this past week to try out a YCL-650 vs my Arioso. Intonation (tuning) was similar- both really good. They play differently, equally nicely- I prefer my Arioso but maybe that's because I'm used to it. While I was there I also tried a 450. I found it distinctly poorer in intonation than the 650 or Arioso, though still acceptable. And in playability and feel it's a step down from the 650 also. So to me, a new YCL-450 or 650 is not nearly as good a deal as a less expensive new 576 BC. All personal opinion of course, YMMV.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2017-08-27 05:21)
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Author: klim
Date: 2017-08-27 17:34
Thank you, that's very helpful. Right now I'm playing an old Normandy and anything would be an improvement. I'm seriously considering the 576 as I've heard nothing but good things about it.
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Author: richard smith
Date: 2017-08-27 17:58
TR147 , adjusted and tuned by Ridenour, are , in my experience, of the quality of all his clarinets since, with respect to intonation and blowing resistance. I bought about 25 of his clarinets, including the ones made by Leblanc. The Leblancs were good but not as consistent as later Ridenours. I still have 5 excellent TR147s. ( Have not played for ten years; now 92. )
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Author: klim
Date: 2017-08-27 20:23
I'm starting to play again after 50 years. Would you consider parting with one of your TR147s?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2017-08-27 21:43
Look for one with tan Valentino pads on the upper joint. These are the good ones in my experience.
-Jdbassplayer
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