 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Josiah Philiposian
Date: 2018-05-27 20:59
Does anybody know if there are any companies that sell an intermediate level A clarinet? I am going to college this fall and will be needing an A clarinet at some point?
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2018-05-27 23:16
Both the Buffet E11 and E13 exist in A. I haven't tried any of them but my impression is that the Germans know what they are doing.
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Author: fernie121
Date: 2018-05-27 23:45
I’d recommend the A clarinet by Ridenour. I do not own one but have had the pleasure of trying it and it’s amazing. Especially for the price point.
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2018-05-28 00:13
I too recommend the Ridenour. I have his Libertas and the tuning is fantastic.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2018-05-28 02:20
In my view the Buffet E13 A is a far nicer instrument than the E11, The E13 is actually made in France,
If you are looking at used instruments then you should consider the Leblanc Esprit. I tried an Esprit A and found it better than an E13 and generally they sell for less too.
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Author: JF Clarinet
Date: 2018-05-28 23:40
If you are looking at the Ridenour A or E13 price range, I'd consider looking at used "professional" horns too. I've had a lot of luck in buying used rather than new when I have chosen to go that route.
From when I was watching eBay to get my A clarinet before college, I saw plenty of R13 A's and Selmer Recitals going for less than a Ridenour A. And for roughly the same price/a little more than a Ridenour A, I have seen Selmer Signatures, RC Prestiges, and Leblanc Legacies. As long as returns are allowed, I'd recommend at least watching for deals and considering buying used.
This isn't to say that intermediate clarinets are bad (I like Ridenour clarinets generally speaking). I know that often the keywork on intermediate clarinets isn't very sturdy, and you may have to go back to a repair shop frequently for adjustments. If you get a more professional horn used, you may have to get some initial repairs, but you may be less likely to need frequent adjustments.
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Author: gwie
Date: 2018-05-29 08:18
A used R-13 in good condition that has been well-maintained is by far your best bet. I'd call Jonathan Copeland (search for "Clarinets by Copeland" on Google) and see what he has, or have him keep an eye out for one for you. His work is top-notch and you will get one that is issue-free.
A number of my private students have had the E-11 (Germany) model and a replacement of the barrel with a Fobes, Muncy, Backun, or otherwise makes for significant improvement from the stock version. At less than half the price of a new R-13 A, this is an economical choice, particularly for non-music majors who still wish to play in orchestra.
If you're amenable to hard rubber, the Ridenour Lyrique A has its positives. I bought one several years ago for my school program and it has served us quite well with excellent tuning characteristics and tone quality although the keywork leaves a bit to be desired.
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