 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JoeRomano
Date: 2024-11-29 21:18
I currently play on R13 Prestige Bb (bought last year). My A is 30 years old and I want to replace it. I've tried quite a few. But now that Buffet has so many models, the biggest problem I fear is that the feel and keywork of the different models is quite distinct. For example, the Tosca, Legende and Prestige all have a different feel in the fingers. So while I'm not married to having to have another R13 Prestige, I am wondering what others think. If you play in an orchestra with very quick changes back and forth, shouldn't this be a big consideration?
By the way, the sound on all of them is quite nice, and they are also distinctive. But also distinct from my Bb, so I'm less concerned about that, though I wouldn't want the resistance to be too different. Nor am I married to Buffet, though I am less familiar with others, and would expect they would also feel quite different.
Anyway, just wondering opinions based on experience. This will be the last A I ever buy so don't want to make a bad choice.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-11-29 22:18
Buffet's keywork is pretty much the same on all their clarinets, the only real difference I have seen is on the (discontinued) DG Prestige which went for a more Selmer-like feel with flatter or more concave profiled ring keys which feel different and have to be set up slightly differently to the usual ring keys.
Just because you have a Buffet [insert model here] Bb doesn't necessarily mean you have to match it with the same Buffet model A clarinet, or a Buffet A clarinet at all as you may find a better matching A clarinet in Selmer, Yamaha or Leblanc and not always a pro or prestige model.
If you know somewhere that has a wide range of clarinets and especially A clarinets, take your Bb along and try the lot to see which one is the best match for you.
Not that long ago I know someone who bought a Vintage A without trying it to match her much older Vintage Bb and she's not happy with it as it's not the ideal match she assumed it would be.
And there's no harm in having a different model or different make A to go with your Bb if you happen to find a more suitable A in a different model or make.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2024-12-02 12:20)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-11-30 07:26
Both R13 Prestige A and RC Prestige could be the best match to your Bb both in resistance and how keys feel.
HOWEVER: what is the reason you'd like to replace your A? Is it the age alone?
If it works well for you otherwise and you do not really need to have a better clarinet, it could make sense to have it looked over by a highly skilled tech.
Older R13 had slightly different Lt. pinky E/B and F#/C3 keys: comparing to newer models, those were usually positioned slightly lower.
Bending them upwards is all that is needed to match the feel of a newer Prestige.
Both banana keys shape is different too but, again, the angle and height can be adjusted.
I do not feel much difference in the Rt. lower four keys.
Post Edited (2024-11-30 11:58)
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Author: symphony1010
Date: 2024-11-30 19:20
I play R13 Prestige instruments from 1987 and, like you, I found the layout of keywork very different on some of the newer models. In particular, I don't embrace the need for the extra weight and key positioning associated with the low F key.
Like many others, I have been less than happy with many brand new instruments. Last time I tried anything I liked best the Buffet Festival and the Yamaha 'Artist' model. I found the Legende and Divine oddly 'anonymous' in sound but that may have been down to the individual samples. Strangely, although the R13 Prestige is now well down their list I still enjoyed playing a new sample. The new Festival 2024 also interests me and it does not have the low F but may feel slightly different in the right hand, but probably not enough to be an issue. I would give one of those a try.
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Author: Zacharywest158
Date: 2024-12-01 03:19
About five years ago I bought a set of first generation Buffet Tradition clarinets. I was very concerned about having a matching set - same model, same key plating (nickel), etc.
About a year ago I acquired a fantastic Buffet Festival Greenline for outdoor gigs and teaching (my studio tends to be freezing, even in summer). I ended up liking the Festival much more than my Bb Tradition and found myself using that as my primary horn. Again I was concerned about having a matching A and tried some very good Festival Greenline As, but didn’t like them nearly as much as my Tradition A.
Flash forward a few months when had the opportunity to play both the Herrmann and Brahms Quintets, one of which I played on the Bb Festival and one on the A Tradition. After listening to the recordings, I was left with the impression that I sound like me (for better or for worse) on both horns. So I’ve decided to get over my previous obsession of a “matched set”. I think it’s better to have a really good Bb and a really good A, whatever they may be, than worry about them “matching”. If they work for you, that’s what matters!
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Author: donald
Date: 2024-12-01 06:38
I played an R13 Bb and Yamaha 85-11 Custom A clarinet as a pair for some years, and sold the A clarinet in order to get just that little extra "Buffet sound". Nine A clarinets later I've come to the conclusion that I should have just stuck with the Yamaha (although my current R13 A is pretty good, it's... oddly enough... TOO DARK!!!)
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Author: JoeRomano
Date: 2024-12-01 06:45
Having tried back to back to back: Prestige, Tradition, Tosca, and Legende, I can guarantee the key work is distinct on each of them. Whether you think it's a big difference is up for debate, but there's no question there's a difference in feel.
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Author: JoeRomano
Date: 2024-12-01 06:48
I do agree we all tend to sound like ourselves. Which is why I'm more concerned with the feel (the keys and layout) of the instrument more than perhaps the bore, or something else.
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Author: donald
Date: 2024-12-01 08:38
I think someone else asked this, but... what's wrong with the OLD A clarinet? I said above that I've been through NINE A clarinets, so obviously I found things I didn't like in each of them- but at the same time, I was also able to get a good result from each of them and wouldn't die if I had to stick with any one of them (except maybe the Tosca, that one had no core to the sound, I found it very "empty" and in the end preferred just about anything else to playing it).
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2024-12-01 09:01
You wouldn't really know unless you tried them yourself. For some people the difference between (e.g.) an R13 and Tosca is non-existent... for some it's different enough to buy one or the other.
The difference in feel between Bb and A is small but enough to somewhat "drown" the difference between the models... or not... again depending on any individual player.
Some of the models are more similar than others, but even the most different ones are more similar than different.
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Author: JoeRomano
Date: 2024-12-01 20:32
The old A is 30 years old and just doesn't have the same depth and resistance compared to my Bb. It was overhauled 2 years ago, so it is in great shape, but it's time for me to upgrade.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-12-02 09:01
JoeRomano wrote:
"I do agree we all tend to sound like ourselves. Which is why I'm more concerned with the feel (the keys and layout) of the instrument more than perhaps the bore, or something else...
The old A is 30 years old and just doesn't have the same depth and resistance compared to my Bb. It was overhauled 2 years ago, so it is in great shape, but it's time for me to upgrade."
If you are certain on the upgrade (it seems you are), then either R13 or RC Prestige will be your best choices. Festival also has a very similar feel but has less resistance compared to R13 Prestige.
The RC Prestige may be a better choice since they are not as popular in the US so tend to be cheaper than R13 Prestige.
Find one that was not abused, preferably a recent one, and you will have a good match to your Bb.
***I just played a A R13 from 60s against a 2 y.o. A RC Prestige- the Prestige was much, much better in tone quality and response.
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