Author: DG74
Date: 2017-11-16 07:14
I'm glad to see the Uebel clarinets getting some attention! I play an Uebel Preference Bb and I couldn't be happier with it! For those of you shying away from Uebel in the US may I humbly suggest the Preference model?
The Preference is supposed to be the Uebel pro level horn closest to the American sound and feel: at least from the marketing I've encountered. However, I find it to be a fantastic blend between German and American sounds. I am partial to the German sound, but what really drove me towards the Preference was the cost which was $1000 less than the Superior.
It's no doubt the finest clarinet I've played on, my previous instruments being Buffet R13s and Festivals (Bb and A). Intonation is impeccable, altissimo is sweet and effortless, and ergonomically the key work is fantastic. I've had a few of my trusted techs look at it and do some minor upkeep, and they've all been very impressed with the craftsmanship.
I play in 2 symphonic bands, and my cohorts are always quick to compliment the tone when I play solos. I find no problems with blending or with penetrating through the ensemble, when need be.
The tone is dark, but complex, and never dull. I'm not so eloquent, but to put it simply, it sounds the way I wanted my Buffets to sound. Smooth and rich, but lively, too. And it's just so much fun to play! I felt like I was always working when I played the Buffets, but that's a thing of the past with this instrument.
And I, too, can't say enough great things about the wonderful people at Moe Bleichner in the US; they'll set up trials for you, and are readily accessible for questions or concerns. Fantastic customer service!
I kind of regret not trying out a Superior, I'm sure I would have fallen in love with it from everyone's descriptions. It was a cost thing for me. Would the Superior blend as well as the Preference? Maybe not. Would I care? Probably not! (although I don't make my living playing
Unfortunately for orchestra players, the Preference only comes in Bb for now. I asked the folks at Moe Bleichner if an A was in the works but they weren't sure. At the time Uebel was concentrating on the Eb (I'd love to try one of those!). I don't see the Eb on the US website yet.
I hope Uebel gets a better presence in the US. I think the Preference, for the quality and sound, is a steal at 3 K (US). The wood quality alone could easily demand a higher price.
I've been around long enough and played with enough ensembles that I can't see any reason why the Preference wouldn't fit perfectly into an orchestral setting, at least here in the States. But maybe that's just not what the German makers hear when they play the Preference.
Anyway, just my 2 cents; obviously the Superior is a top quality horn but wanted to give my shining endorsement for the model you don't hear about as much.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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