 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Pocahontas
Date: 2021-05-18 22:27
Hello Everyone
My name is Larissa i'm new to this group. I've recently found a clarinet from Lefevre A paris 13 keys Bb (230$) and also won an auction for a E11 Buffet crampon with 5VB Vandoren mouthpiece (300$) i
I have no clue what to do as i'm an intermediate clarinet student. I'd love if you guys could help me to know more and hear about comparisons between them two.
Post Edited (2021-05-18 23:25)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-05-18 22:58
Welcome,
A 13 key clarinet would be a Muller or Albert system clarinet which are both obsolete outside of a few specific genres of music. You would not want that instrument.
The E11 is a great student instrument and $300 is a fair price. It will have modern Boehm system key work (18 keys).
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Pocahontas
Date: 2021-05-18 23:28
I see. I was reading that some musicians say Albert system is superior in tone stability as Boehms clarinets mostly aren't tuned models regardless the fabric maker. And Albert's are the best when it comes to Classic music concerts.
I'm more to a Jazzy clarinestist. In that case is E11 still a better choice?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-05-18 23:55
There are certainly people who say Albert clarinets have a better tone, but it is very subjective. Many claim that having less keys and more open tone holes with no rings gives the instrument a better tone, but even if this is true they have many disadvantages. The problem with 13 key Albert system clarinets is that they do not have enough keys to play many modern pieces of music. For example one of the most famous clarinet solos, the opening to Rhapsody in Blue, is almost impossible on a 13 key clarinet. The only way to play it is with lot's of sliding and awkward cross fingerings which will greatly diminish the tone. Meanwhile this solo is perfectly doable on a Boehm system clarinet. For classical music some players use period instruments, but these usually only have 5 keys and this would only be done in an ensemble where period instruments are required. Most players when playing classical pieces would just use whatever they play regularly, which would usually be a Boehm or Oehler system clarinet. An Albert system clarinet would be out of place in a classical ensemble.
As for tuning, A modern Boehm clarinet like the E11 will play more in tune than an instrument that is nearly a century old regardless of the system. Modern professional Boehm clarinets are getting to the point where they are so well in tune, little to no adjustment need to be done by the player (excluding adjustments in intonation needed for harmonizing of course).
If you only were to play simple Jazz melodies and folk music, an Albert clarinet could be okay, but a Boehm can do everything an Albert can do and more, and it will do it better. There is a reason why it is the modern standard for clarinetists.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2021-05-19 00:47
Not a good plan for a beginner to play an Albert system clarinet. There probably aren't any teachers or players around to help you.
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2021-05-19 03:44
Many early jazz players still use some version of simple system clarinet (it seems like the clarinet of choice right now is the Improved Selmer). However, that's a bit of a different beast than the 13-key Albert.
I play 14-key Alberts exclusively...but they do have intonation quirks when used with modern mouthpieces (I've never found a usable period mouthpiece to test, to see if the intonation issues would be resolved.) These instruments works great in small ensembles, but probably wouldn't meld as well in larger ensembles or serious classical settings.
I might light-heartedly take exception to Jdbassplayer's opinion pertaining to the opening of Rhapsody in Blue, as I find that particularly fun to play on Albert.
Likewise, the stated opinion about sliding and awkward cross fingerings on Alberts. I guess it depends on what you're used to. I find trying to go back to Boehm extremely frustrating as every time I move a finger, I'm bumping some extraneous key and squeaking or stumbling through a note I didn't intend to vent, add to that, the inexplicable f5/f#5 B4/Bb fingerings and its enough to make me want to pull my hair out! ;^)>>> (I played Boehm for many years and loved it - It is just so hard for me to go back to!)
I love my Alberts and they let me play everything/everywhere I want to play...but if you hope to one day play in larger ensembles, I'd suggest going with something more modern.
Likewise, if you're not certain where you plan on going with your music, the more modern option would probably leave you with the greater number of possibilities in the future.
Good luck and have fun!
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2021-05-19 19:13
I think if you already won the auction on ebay, you have to buy that clarinet, don't you? I don't think you get to change your mind at that point.
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Author: Pocahontas
Date: 2021-05-25 04:36
Sorry to late reply everyone. Haven’t got it. Both me and seller had a talk about the instrument and came to the conclusion I better try do more searching before I get a new clarinet.
Now I’ve been reading more about Selmer clarinets. Maybe a series 9/10 would do me good.
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2021-06-06 01:56
Hi Pocahontas,
Is there any way that you can go somewhere that there are clarinets that you can try before you buy one? I realise that that is probably really tricky in covid times.
I bought a new clarinet a couple of years ago, in a shop where I could try five or six of them for a couple of hours. It was really staggering to me just how different there were. Both the sound and the key positions were radically different and I really did need to try them, otherwise I would have made a totally rubbish choice and would never have known.
I tried Selmer, Buffet, Yamaha models. Also plastic and wooden and professional and student models, including three instruments in the £2400 price bracket.
In the end I chose a Yamaha Custom CX that was £1800 (so quite a lot cheaper), as it seemed head and shoulders above the others, both ergonomcally and in terms of sound. I gather that plastic Yamahas are also considered to be amongst the best instruments available.
It might be really good if you could go somewhere that you can try out instruments in your price bracket, or buy one on a two week trial with the understanding that you can return it if needed.
My instrument needed to have several adjustments made, both pads change and keys extended, but that is very doable if you have the money.
Good luck and please do write if you have more questions.
Jen x
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