 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kalees
Date: 2019-02-01 20:57
Hi All,
I am looking for opinions on my clarinet upgrade.
I currently play a Yamaha 250 with a Vandoren 5RV lyre M/P.
I am will be looking to play any potential candidate but am currently considering the following:
New Yamaha YCL650
Used Leblanc Esprit
Used Buffet E13
The top budget is going to be £1000 (UK) including what I will get for the 250. I will be retaining the M/P.
Any opinions, what to look for and avoid would be greatly appreciated.
Keith.
Post Edited (2019-02-01 20:58)
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2019-02-01 22:53
Which clarinet model you choose is not as important as how an individual clarinet plays. Every one is different.
I'm curious, though, how you went about deciding on these three models. Are these already available to test, or are you looking for these models first, then trying to find examples for sale?
B.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-02-02 00:32
I would only disagree with "bmcgr" to the extent that there are some crappy clarinet brands and/or specific crappy models within a brand. Your choices seem fine.
...............Pau Aviles
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Author: kalees
Date: 2019-02-02 02:21
@bmcgar
You are correct, the reason for mentioning these three is that they are available to test and seem to be the most popular choice in for that budget.
I am interested in any gotchas for any of these three models as well as any suggestions for other clarinets within this budget.
Keith
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Author: fernie121
Date: 2019-02-02 05:59
Imo, the 650 is best. For me, and keep in mind this is just my own experience, the Yamaha is much more even and in tune which I think matters most. Sound is far more manipulated by how you play and your mouthpiece and reed setup. Your clarinet should be what helps keep you in tune and consistent up and down the clarinet.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2019-02-02 07:28
Of the 3 you mention the Yamaha 650 would be my choice. The E13 is good, but Buffet seem to be having quality issues and I'm very unimpressed with the way they are dealing with them. the Leblanc Esprit isn't bad, but not in the same class as the Yamaha. As you're UK based have you considered the Hanson range? I've only ever played a student-level Hanson and it was very good for the price. A friend has a Hanson T6 in Cocobolo and it is very impressive. They're based in Yorkshire and have a "Try and return if not satisfied" policy.
Tony F.
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Author: kalees
Date: 2019-02-02 22:03
Well...... that shopping trip turned out to have a very different outcome to the one expected!
So... I have been to try the clarinets mentioned and all were quite pleasing, certainly to someone with such little experience as myself.
While at the shop, I spotted the Buffet Prodige, the replacement for the B12 and thought that I would have a play on it, just because it was there and I could.
WOW! Obviously, the old adage of playing to find the most suitable clarinet for yourself was no truer than here. I felt immediately at one with this instrument, blew it with ease, got a great sound and tone from it and found it very pleasurable to play.
A brand new Buffet Prodige is now adorning my music room and I am unable to put it down.
Given the result of today, I believe that I may have been trying to upgrade too soon, not sure if you would agree or not, but that is the conclusion that I have come to!
I would like to thank you all for your valuable input and at the moment, I feel that I will be getting a few years playing out of this instrument before revisiting the upgrade route again.
Kind regards,
Keith.
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