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Re: A Clarinet Recommendations

Author: m1964
Date: 2019-03-02 21:33

"I definitely would eventually like to have a pair of the same model in A and B flat for the reasons you mentioned. I'll buy the A now and the B flat a bit down the road. Right now I'm comfortable with something in the $2-3k range for the A.

I actually wasn't aware of the Buffet quality issues. The person helping me at the store - who happened to be their clarinet teacher - said he thought that the R13 was one of the best, which is why I gave it a try. "

Hi Meredith,
I am playing in two amateur orchestras now but at one point in my life I played professionally (mostly classical music).
I now have R13 Bb and RC A clarinets which feel very similar in keys placement and "handling".

In the past, I either played or tried:

1. Old Uebels from 1970th made in East Germany- they were student level instruments, I had a pair of Arthur Uebels and a Bb Rudolf Uebel that was even more basic clarinet than Arthur.

2. Amati from 1970th- student level.

3. Bosey and Hawkes, made in the UK - student level.

4. Buffet E11- student level but much better than anything I listed above.

5. Buffet E12- intermidiate level clarinet, sounded better than E11, intonation was good, did not
sound as good as my R13 does but it was close. Had silver plating which I like more than nickel.

6. Selmer Centered tone from 1959- sounds like a very good student clarinet to me but has tuning problems.

7. Buffets R13 and RC- profesional instruments.

IMHO, if you can afford a pair of professional Buffets - go for it. I would not get anything too old because older instruments will require more frequent service unless they were serviced properly before sale ( but you would have to pay the price).
However, for playing in an amateur orchestra I feel R13/RC is overkill.

I cannot say anything about Buffets E13 but if E13 is similar to E12 you will be happy with them too.

I cannot say anything about Yamahas or newer Uebels.

My advice is to buy clarinets that you can either try on the spot or return to the seller without incurring significant charges.

My experience with buying off the unmentioned action site was not very positive and I had to spend extra money, time and effort to bring the instruments to a playable condition (by professional standard).
Luckily, I was able to repad the RC myself saving good amount of money. I say luckily because the metal/keys and tone holes did not have any damage; otherwise I would have to pay to fix it right.
For 3K you should be able to find a pair of used R13 Buffets, but expect to invest at least $200-300 in each clarinet if buying off eBay. At least it was my experience, you can search for my older posts about it.
*** I just recently sold my E12 off CL for $675, and I repadded and adjusted it before the sale.
If you are patient in your search you will find a pair of good instruments.

Good luck.

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