 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: moolatte
Date: 2026-10-18 01:06
I have an R13 manufactured sometime around 1998, and I use it as my primary instrument during concert season. I don't give my R13 the kind of love and maintenance it deserves though, and I don't think that's behavior I'm likely to change. (unfortunately, knowing myself) Plus, my R13 has a lot of sentimental value to me, and continuing to use it introduces more risk that something bad happens to it (cracks, irreparable shatter, someone knocking it over on its stand on stage, etc.)
Thus, I would like to purchase a new clarinet that is made from synthetic material to avoid needing to care for the wood, and I am drawn to opting for Buffet's student line like the Prodige or Premium.
A few years ago, I bought a B12 on eBay for outdoor use that might either be a counterfeit or a prototype Prodige (which I posted about it here, but ignore that). Although it may sound silly to buy *another* Prodige, I can't help shake the feeling I would be better served attempting to buy an authentic one for my needs.
A few problems though: the Prodige and Premium go for $1000 with US sales tax, and at this amount I can probably put forth a few extra hundred dollars towards a used beater R13. Not ideal though, since it's still wooden.
Ideally I should try multiple clarinets out to get a feeling of what works best for me, but based on your opinion, is spending $1000 on a student clarinet for non-professional playing? Try and help talk me out of this decision. What's important to me:
- Something that feels as close as possible to the R13
- Suited for all-around utility
- Under $1500 if possible
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2026-10-18 09:56
First of all, just as an example, I had an early 1990s R13 and a 1999 R13. Although the keys more or less the same (not exactly), and their basic tone was somewhat similar, you wouldn't really consider they are the exact same model just by playing them. So whether any clarinet is more similar to your R13 is a little tricky.
I haven't seen a Buffet Premium (and don't see it on Buffet's website either) but I've tried several Prodige clarinets and they were somewhat disappointing. They played fine for a student clarinet. They didn't play or feel very similar to an R13, though maybe a little more than most other student clarinets (but it felt insignificant in that respect). Build quality was slightly better in some ways but overall the same or worse than the German made B12. If you can find a used B12 in good condition than I would prefer than over the Prodige... probably.
The latest trend in student clarinets are the Backun Alpha and Royal Max. I haven't tried the Max, but the Alphas I tried were better than the Prodige, and not much more different from an R13 than the Prodige (neither was very similar... after considering that all clarinets are more similar than different really).
There's also the Yamaha student model which is very good. The ones I've seen had better build quality than any other student clarinet, but I'd say they feel slightly more different from an R13 compared with any of the above.
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Author: donald
Date: 2026-10-18 16:35
I had a couple of students with older yamahas from the 80s - YCL35 model was one of them.... after a repad they played not too unlike an R13 (which surprised me given they were nowhere near the "top models" of the time). These can be picked up (pre overhaul) for very cheap price. Where Yamaha are concerned I avoid the 450 model, but have encountered a few 650s that are on par with the R13 but much cheaper - I have a student selling one in good playable condition for about $750 us$
From plastic clarinets, I'm oddly impressed by the B10 (I say "oddly" because no one seems to agree with me on that)
[I understand that there are some problems with the B10 with corks falling off etc, but I have played a couple that were in good condition (pads sealing well) and found it quite a nice experience- I think it helps that my primary Bb instrument is quite free blowing... as is the B10. Also, I played them with the Fobes synthetic barrels that I use when teaching]
Post Edited (2026-10-19 01:21)
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-10-18 22:46
Unless you're completely set on a Buffet model, I'd check out either the Ridenour AureA Bb (with the Eb/Ab lever) that Ridenour currently has on a close-out/discontinued pricing for about $1,095...
https://www.rclarinetproducts.com/aurea-bb-clarinet
Or his 576II Bb clarinet for $995.
https://www.rclarinetproducts.com/lyrique-576ii-clarinet
Both are made of hard rubber (just like mouthpieces usually are), so no issues of cracking due to temperature. I still oil the bore, not to prevent cracking, but for moisture management.
Just something else to throw in for your consideration.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist MT36 mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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