 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Dan
Date: 2001-08-25 19:26
I'm looking for an intermediate wooden clarinet that is very easy to play (I'm 54), has a dark, mellow tone, even response and minor or no intonation problems. Before I start trying out a couple of dozen clarinets, I would greatly appreciate your personal feelings about your instrument and why you love it to play it. . (Note: I have not really ruled out the Yamaha.) Thanks in advance. Dan
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Author: Dan Borlawsky
Date: 2001-08-25 19:34
Dan, I play a Yamaha model 52, and love it! Money was a consideration, and I selected it over an overhauled Leblanc LL due to better response and intonation. Now, in all fairness, clarinet is not my primary instrument; I'm a saxophonist who doubles on clarinet and flute (age 63), but I feel confident that my Yamaha would allow me to play anything I would need to play. I would encourage you to give one a try.
Dan
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-08-25 19:48
The choice of mouthpiece is of paramount importance. It will significantly contribute to ease of playing, response, and tone. Reed selection is also important. The Fobes Debut is worth a try.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-08-25 19:50
I play a Leblanc Symphonie II that was made in the 1950s. It is free blowing and has an outstanding tone quality. So naturally I am fond of Leblancs. I've known several people who play the Noblet (Leblanc's intermediate instrument) and their tone quality is also excellent.
Actually you should try out instruments from all of the big four (Selmer, Leblanc, Buffet and Yamaha). They all make some fine instruments.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-25 20:22
About to say, whatever happened to Selmer?
A girl I knew in orchestra once told me an interesting story about Midlle Tennessee Honors Clarinet Choir. One of the things I remember about her story was this: "I went there with my old cheap Selmer and saw all these girls with $2,000 Buffet R-13's and the like. What was funny was that I was still better than them."
I don't know much about intermediate Selmers and such, but from what that girl says, they're not too bad to try.
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Author: Corey
Date: 2001-08-25 23:18
I like the E series from buffet. I play an E11 and love it
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2001-08-25 23:54
I love my older-model intermediates! They're perfect for my level of playing in a community band.
I can recommend the Selmer Signet Soloist -- it feels like a bigger bore horn than say the Noblet. I find mine to be have mellow tone that's right for jazz with the right mouthpiece. The Soloist is the top of the line among the Signets (100s are the lowest and the Special is the mid-line Signet). The Signets have been replaced by a (new?) line of Selmer USA intermediates designated by numbers.
That said, I also have an Buffet Evette & Schaeffer (predecessor to the E-11 or E-13) and a virtually identical wooden Evette, made by (not sponsored by) Buffet in Paris. They do have that sweet Buffet sound and feel.
Although I'm a fan of Leblanc harmony clarinets, I'm personally not a fan of Noblets. But there are those who love 'em and play them ever so well.
Haven't gotten a good price on a Yamaha intermediate yet, but I'm hoping to try one sometime.
Definitely get a good mouthpiece.
Do check the Sneezy classifeds if you're considering a used horn. Many of us who advertise there will provide a money-back (minus shipping) deal after a week or two of trial.
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-08-26 01:32
Have you considered looking for a USED pro clarinet? There are many people (including myself) who have found R-13's between $300 to $600. All you'd have to do from that point is invest in a complete overhaul and you've got a great clarinet. I'd call up a few pawn shops or music stores that sell on consignment.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-08-26 14:52
Check out what Dave Spiegelthal has hidden away in our "Classified" section. He has some older refurbished horns at around $350 and if he says they play well he means it.
Bob A
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-08-27 00:22
I like the E-11 most in this range (I play an R-13). Remember that taste is a personal thing, though.
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Author: B.F.
Date: 2001-08-28 16:11
I never understood the concept of "intermediate" clarinets. Get a $400.00 Buffet (or Leblanc or Selmer!) off of eBay, put $200.00 (the maximum for most repairs) into it, and have the finest there is. The older Leblancs ("Symphonie," L series, etc.) and Selmers (Series 9) make lovely playing instruments.
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Author: Carmen Izzo
Date: 2001-09-02 04:48
If its intermediate-go Buffet. If its Pro and you wanna play correct-go leblanc. Leblanc Noblets are also great intermediates-i have a Bb Noblet 45, and an A Concerto. I get the same tone out of each, just the noblet is a bit brighter
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-09-02 05:28
Carmen, you've sure got strong opinions about everything. Why would a Leblanc be preferable to a Buffet (or other brand)? And what exactly are your qualifications for making such a blanket statement? We've got some people here on the BBoard who are making a living playing in major orchestras, and I don't see <b>them</b> making such sweeping statements.
Ah,. to be young and know more than I do now ...
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Author: Carmen Izzo
Date: 2001-09-04 03:43
Hey, Its just my preferrence, you misunderstood what i said. I believe both are excellent brands of clarinets and produce great sounds. I mistakenly wrote correct. What i meant to say is that buffets i usually need so change embouchure a little from register to register. I apologize, i meant to put consistent. So, play whatever makes u guys happy.
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