 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-31 16:47
After playing my new greenline Buffet R-13 with a group for the first time I am convinced it is an excellent clarinet! Intonation was excellent and so was the response in all registers. We play some pretty demanding music and I play 1st and solo--so for me to be happy is a tall order.
It is a tad heavier than my Buffet Festival and doesn't have quite as nice a "feel" to the keys, but has such a creamy tone (with my Greg Smith Kaspar) that I feel compelled to mention it here on the board. Especially since greenlines have gotten some bad publicity and mw opened the way a few days ago for the positive aspect of them, I thought I'd put in another recommendation.
Honestly, I'm enjoying the freedom from worrying about getting a crack if I play in a room that is too warm, or outdoors. Also, I liked the way it played all night in constant use and the intonation only mildly fluttered a cent or two. It was easy to keep in tune with the Selmer Series 9 (some of you may remember I bought off eBay and resold to my friend in community band) and old Leblanc played by my companion 1st players. That's my test for any of my instruments--as well as playing in an orchestra setting with another clarinetist who plays a Buffet (as when I play with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem orchestra) and we're in a mike and recording.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-31 18:57
I hope it's a good one and you enjoy it for years to come. I'm going to talk to my friends who are band directors and let them see this great instrument. It would be what I would recommend (over the standard wood R-13) for advancing-upper-level players in high school. They could use it for marching band (much better than those plastic things) as well as concert. No need for a second plastic instrument, just spend the same amount as a standard R-13 and have 2 in one.
Everyone has their own preferences, of course--but that's my opinion. And the reason is that every clarinet teacher in my city recommends the R-13 for their high school players--then they have to use a Vito V40 for marching band and it is too much expense for the parents at that level (again, in my opinion). So, it seems reasonable to purchase one greenline for $1,799.00 (or comparable) and have it done until the kid can pay for his/her own when they're out of college. Of course, a good one should last a long, long time. Three year warranty to boot!
I think it's a good deal. And, I'm not selling any of them--so it's strictly my opinion just because I have tried all the options and settled with this one. As a grandmother--you know
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-01 00:46
Brenda, I am so jealous of you!! Even though I'm an ameteur in upper-class high school who plays the clarinet as a hobby. Why can't they make things easier to afford? It just makes me mad that wonderful instruments like the Greenline just have to cost more money. Why can't they lower the prices so EVERYONE can enjoy a good instrument?
(Yeah, yeah, I know. If they did they wouldn't profit off it. ;P)
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-08-01 01:49
Clarinets, even top of the line models, are cheap compared to some other instruments. Try buying a professional level violin for under $5000.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-01 03:04
I know. That only makes it worse. And oboes and English horns? they run on the "average" scale. I'm sorry, I'm not a very rich person!!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-01 13:27
David, when I was a student I had a Selmer Bundy that was part plastic part wood. My parents bought it through a rent/purchase plan. I was really blessed that they would even do that because they were really in a hard time in their lives. I had no clue about better instruments, mouthpieces, etc. and didn't have a better instrument until I bought one for myself about 20 years ago.
Keep saving your money. It does add up. And, just do the best you can with what you have. Lots of good players use inexpensive instruments because they can't afford better and do ok with them.
In a year or so some used greenlines will begin to show up. Get a good used one. Maybe the seller will let you pay it out.
Smiles.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-02 00:25
Thanks!! I feel better now. It doesn't seem to be that bad playing a Bundy anymore. Still... those Greenlines sure are something.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-02 15:15
Yes, they are nice. But, I remember a comment on the board about personal style--I can't remember who wrote it--but the statement was made that each player can develop his/her own personal style regardless of the instrument they are playing. Ricardo Morales could take a Vito clarinet and sound good.
With a good mouthpiece, ligature, reed and tuning barrel--you can overcome difficulties with key-action and some mechanics. And, with the greater obstacles to overcome you will be a better player in the future when you can afford a great instrument.
Those of us who claim the Hill Country of Texas as our "home" believe that Lance Armstrong keeps winning the "Tour de France" because he rode that bike in the hot, humid and difficult Hill Country of Texas. So, David, the Bundy you hold in your hand right now is your ticket to greatness in the future--if you work, work, work and overcome while developing your own unique "personal style." It's the stuff of champions.
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2001-08-02 15:42
Brenda,
Did you get to try the Greeline Festival?
I've heard most big names in France are playing this instrument now.
Arrignon, Baldeyrou, Damiens, Guyot are all playing it, at least according to buffet, I was wondering if any of you tried it?
-S
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-02 16:16
S--no, I didn't have one available to try. But have thought often that it would be nice because I love my regular Festival--even though it is probably sold. I have someone looking at it this weekend and I doubt he'll be sending it back. Just don't need so many clarinets anymore. But, if I could only have one and found a great Festival greenline--that would be wonderful.
The regular Festivals are hard enough to find. I looked everywhere before finding the one I have--or had--whatever.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-08-03 03:09
Brenda, I wonder if someone else than Alan Greenspan is muttering "It's the economy, Stupid" when the school's selections of the R-13's come up. Greenlines would cut into their "crop" of dual clarinet buyers, and possible rebates to the schools. Color Me Cynic!
Bob A
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-08-03 04:16
Rebates to the Schools? Please elaborate ....
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-03 15:18
Yes, rebates to the schools? What about that?
However, if I were purchasing R-13s for schools it would be the greenlines. Most schools purchase something like Yamaha 34s or Vito V40s around here.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-08-05 18:20
MW & Brenda, et., al. Did I say something wrong about rebates? Is the musical instrument business any different than any other business? If you recommend my product and can sell "x" number can you not consider getting it at a better price or some other "perk" to offset your costs? Please tell me I am wrong and that all is right with the world again.
Bob A
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-08-05 21:00
Bob Arney said:
"Greenlines would cut into their "crop" of dual clarinet buyers, and possible rebates to the schools."
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Yes, Bob, you did use the word REBATE!
Bob, we'll let you be the judge, fort yourself, on the State of trhe World. I can promise you I know of NO PERKS (kickbacks, monetary rewards, etc) going to the Universities or Schools I have been affiliated with. They aren't getting anything from Sounds like your Glass may be "Half-Empty". [[ Bob, I own a business and don't give any rebates, kickbacks, special discounts, etc. to my corporate clients or anybody else ]].
Even the Artists with the major instrument companies don't get what everybody else thinks they get. Ask the Roger Garretts, etc,
mw
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-08-05 22:23
Ooh! I hit a nerve somewhere. "Your glass is half empty" Tsk, Tsk, would that it were so. It does not fit too well with my medications. Maybe I am one pill shoirt.
Bob A
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-08-06 02:09
Bob Arney wrote:
>
> ... Greenlines would cut into
> their "crop" of dual clarinet buyers ...
Well I certainly would not want my child to march with any pro level horn, even a Greenline. If they drop it and break it, you will be out a whole lot more than dropping and breaking a student horn.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-08-06 02:09
NO, Bob. I was talking about the expression ... :"Half-Full Glass" vs. "Half-Empty Glass". I am NOT a cynic. You stated that you _were_. Sounds like you think everybody is on the take --- from my perspective they are NOT.
Bob Arney said :
"Color Me Cynic!"
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