Author: m1964
Date: 2023-09-06 20:00
jim sclater wrote:
"I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts about the differences in the Buffet R13 and the RC clarinets. One reads descriptions from time to time about this. Just looking for some observations about projection, intonation issues, tonal character, etc. Can one actually hear or feel any difference in the two models?
Thanks in advance."
Hi Jim,
I can describe my own experience with Prestige R13 and RC models, both in Bb and A.
1. B-flat.
My first "nice" Bb clarinet was a R13 Prestige, bought in a small shop in Europe, where I chose it over a RC Prestige. The store had one of each, and intonation-wise, both models were very similar, so I chose "the best" tone/sound- or, rather, what I considered the best tone at the time because my perception of "the best tone" changed overtime.
My teacher thought that I had a somewhat sharp, edgy and too bright tone on the R13 Prestige so I started looking for another instrument. I then bought a RC Prestige (the store where I went to had only one RC Prestige and a Festival).
The RC Prestige sounded "softer" and less edgy- I felt that it would blend better with strings, and so I sold the R13 Prestige.
However, it was a close call between the two.
Recently, while on vacation in Europe, I went to a store that had four Bb RC Prestige clarinets in stock.
I chose the best playing one (tuning and response-wise). When I came home, the new RC Prestige did sound slightly better than the "old" one (which was less than 1 y. old) - better tuned, with slightly easier response.
So, to summarize:
if I played in a jazz band or another ensemble where I would need to play with brass and saxes, I probably would chose the R13 Prestige.
If playing symphonic and/or chamber music, the RC prestige blends better with the strings, oboes and bassoons (IMO).
2. The A clarinet:
My first "nice A" was a R13P (Prestige) that I bought online from a European store (the same one where I bought my R13P in person).
I did not like it very much when I finally received it - I was an "OK" instrument, not more. Was somewhat muted, had some tuning problems (still was much better than the regular RC I had then). My teacher (I have tremendous respect for him) told me he did not like R13 A clarinets in general, because they sound muffled (I can't remember correctly his exact words), both the regular R13s and Prestiges.
Recently I had a possibility to try two RC Prestige A clarinets in a shop in Paris, and I bought one of them. Timbre/tone felt warmer to me on RCP comparing to R13P. My new RCP tunes better than the old R13P.
Now, if you start talking about projection, I feel that both R13P and RCP project about the same. It comes down mostly to the qualities of an individual instrument, not the model, IMHO.
So, at the end, I would advise anyone looking for a Prestige-level clarinet to not order them online but try to find a shop that has more than one instrument, or go to a small boutique shop where the owner picks up their clarinets from Buffet warehouse, basically offering you their experience and expertise.
It is very possible that my ordered online "just OK" A clarinet was a left-over at the Buffet factory or at the store...
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The Clarinet BBoard
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