 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-11-25 00:59
I'm currently looking to buy a used (possibly needing service) alto clarinet and find that there's plenty of choices. But what brands can you trust, and why are there so many? I mean - nowadays, you get to chose from Yamaha and Buffet, at least if you're looking for a wooden model, and that's it.
So these are my choices right now:
-Lemaire SML in pretty good condition, 1000€
-Kohlert Winnenden, needs service, 600€
-Conn S/N L32393, looks like a Malerne with a double vented mechanism, 600€
-Selmers, but always too expensive :(
There's 2 shops I know of that offer fully serviced instruments, but why the heck would I pay 1800€ for a 50s Selmer to Low E - and that mechanism is rather clumsy. Or are other altos even worse? I know the Bundy and Vito are fairly annoying, but don't tune that much worse than the selmer...
Also, I was almost about to buy a Leblanc with this "S" shaped neck, but now it's gone. I play tested that horn once (or at least it looked similiar) and liked it a lot. I'd be grateful for any advice.
Best regards,
Christian
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2018-11-25 01:11
If you've got big hands, Bundys are actually very decent instruments. I would take a Bundy over a Malerne any day. I don't like Vitos though, too stuffy in my opinion.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-11-25 01:29
Really? The Bundy I played had rather mediocre intonation (you know, the one with the open rings), but certainly did it's job just fine, and it's indeed not as stuffy as the Vito.
What I'm looking for is really simple
-Good keywork (Selmer)
-Good intonation (none I tried yet!)
-Actually plays altissimo notes with normal fingerings (none?)
The Selmer I'm talking about as a reference point is a 1954 model with an interesting "rocker" double register mechanism (which is a terrible design).
It should offer a smarter solution and extend to low Eb, just so that the Low E is easier to play (in tune)
I've heard very promising things about Kohlert! Anyone knowing more?
Also, the Conn just got super intersting. I found that: http://www.clarinetsdirect.biz/MarigauxAlto.html when googling "Strasser Alto" and realised the Conn sold on that unmentionable site is EXACTLY the same model. Didn't know they used stencils from SML, too... The question is, which one is better, the "Lemaire" or "Conn"?
Correction: Oh well another search showed it's a Malerne, too
Post Edited (2018-11-25 01:41)
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-11-25 01:34
Also forgive me my brevity and hastiness. It's just that while I'm becoming a vintage instrument fan, I feel like there's too many instruments (specificially alto clarinets) floating around that, after a short play-test, feel like crap. A few minutes earlier, I unpacked the Vito again, played it for a minute and quickly put it back - it's just not enjoyable.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2018-11-25 02:00
Strange, I've had good experiences with Bundys in the past. The worst notes on the instrument were low F and E but I had no trouble lipping up.
If you want something with a good register mechanism and a low Eb, look for an older Buffet. My 1950 Buffet "Professional" alto is without a dobut the best I've ever played, followed closely by the newest Yamaha model. Some models only have one register vent, but these are nowhere near as good as the double register vent models.
I've never played a Kohlert alto, but given my experience with their bass clarinets (and a very strange metal "Saxoboe" with a single reed mouthpiece") I would imagine they play quite well.
If you do get a Malerne, look for one with a true double register vent mechanism. The one you linked is only single vent. Look for a long rod going down the back of the upper joint. I recently sold a Paul Gerard (again Malerne) that was actually very good). Unfortunately these models are hard to find.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-11-25 02:42
Thanks for the advice. However, I've heard that Malerne instruments had soft keywork, and that'd be an absolute dealbreaker...
Now the question is, is that Lemaire not a stencil?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2018-11-25 02:48
I've heard that rumor too, in my experience the keywork on every Malerne alto clarinets i've ever fixed has been fine. It's their sopranos that tend to have keywork problems in my experience.
Lemaire is most likely a Malerne stencil.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-11-25 02:55
Thanks for the advice. However, I've heard that Malerne instruments had soft keywork, and that'd be an absolute dealbreaker...
Now the question is, is that Lemaire not a stencil? I've attached a photo from that auction site, so you can probably tell just what it is.
It would seem the Kohlert is my favorite... Only thing that bothers me, it uses a single Post for the LH E/B and F#/C# keys, which might make things wobbly - granted, this is a design feature/necessity on German system clarinets, but on Boehm, it doesn't really impart confidence. At least they're pinned.
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-11-25 17:23
Woah! I just accidentally purchased the Kohlert for 570€ - I send an offer via that auction site and it was immediately accepted. We'll in what condition this horn will arrive, but I suppose this isn't too much to pay and I might enjoy restoring that horn. Again, thanks for the advice guys.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2018-11-25 22:06
I have a Buffet and love it. Very beefy sound, like a small bass. One thing I would suggest is get a good mouthpiece. I'm very happy with a Grabner mouthpiece but I've got 2 Lomax mouthpieces that are very good too. The best ligature I've found is the Silverstein for alto sax.
Eefer guy
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