 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Allen
Date: 2001-12-03 22:22
I am going to purchase an intermediate level ($600 - $1000) Bflat soprano clarinet for my daughter. She is serious about music and plays in the high school orchestra (classical preference). I will let her decide what she likes in a clarinet and choose the one she wants.
So far we are looking at Buffet E11, Selmer CL211, Yamaha YCL52. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions about what to look for in a clarinet and I would appreciate your opinions about these (or other) clarinets. Thank You
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-12-04 00:45
The three you listed are all good horns. It's going to come down to the one she likes best. Check prices and then let her try them all.
best of luck.
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2001-12-04 01:35
I got my son a used R-13 from a fellow sneezite...(and thanks again not naming names, he likes it a lot, they have spent many happy hours together) in that price range. We also looked at new horns in that range, he like the Yamaha of those three, the best. It may have been that particular horn however. He really likes the R-13, it plays beautifully and will probably last him for his life...
Ginny
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Author: sarah
Date: 2001-12-04 01:43
I like the E11, but it is really a personal decision.
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Author: William
Date: 2001-12-04 03:14
There is something special about getting a brand new clarinet when you are young--the Buffet E-11 is a good choice and plays literally as well as the pro-line Buffet R-13.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2001-12-04 04:06
I also have to sing the praises of the E-11. I have tried a number of them out for students and found them to be very responsive instruments. Most have had a clearer throat B-flat and low C# than my R-13.
Haven't tried them with a tuner, though...
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Author: sarah
Date: 2001-12-04 04:23
My E11 is fairly good intonation wise. It is close enough to lip up or down. Notes above high C are a bit flat, but by using vent fingering and using a lot of support they can be just fine.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2001-12-04 04:45
The R13 (new with nickle plated keys) has been selling very low in recent months. Prices as low as $1550 have been reported here. This puts it sorta close to the price of the intermediates, and it may well hold value better and be easier to sell if that time should come.
Just a thought...
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-04 10:13
I'd like to know if the E-11 advocates have compared with the Yamaha.
Ginny: Yamahas, in my opinion, would be hard to beat for consistency.
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Author: Mindy
Date: 2001-12-04 10:26
I like the buffet models but of course that is my opinion. What you need to do is just let her try them out. When she picks the model she likes then get about 3 clarinets of that model to try out. I know International Musical Suppliers lets you try them out and then send the ones you don't like back. Good Luck picking!!!!
Mindy
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2001-12-04 12:04
The lower end LeBlanc's such as the Noblet and Esprit are not bad choices either, especially the Esprit.
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2001-12-04 13:02
For that money, you could get a older Selmer 9 or 10, which are really good horns. They're pro horns and worth a look.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2001-12-04 15:14
Here's my vote of confidence to colleagues in the far south. Gordon (NZ) praises the consistency of the Yamahas: agreed. Mark Pinner suggests trying Leblanc intermediate instruments: agreed. Above all, be sure that the very instrument being bought is the preferred one, not "one just like it." Despite (varying levels of) similarity within models and brands, no two instruments are truly just alike. Those who suggest a higher-end used instrument have a good point, also, as sometimes great bargains on marvelous instruments can be found among the used ones. William, however, notes very appropriately that a new instrument is something special for a young person. This is especially true with a really good one. I was fortunate enough to get a professional instrument while in high school -- after a *lot* of trying-out. It was wonderful to play, which I did until it was lost in a flood many years later. If not for that, I'd probably still be playing it.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-12-04 16:29
The Yamaha is a great horn. Definitely worth a look!
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Author: Stephane
Date: 2001-12-04 21:07
I agree with everyone, but don't forget that the important thing is the combination between the horn and the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is equally important in the beauty and the ease of the sound to be produced. I personnally own an E11 as a beginner (I am soon to go for an RC, as renowned as the R13 here in Europe), but really started to enjoy my instrument when I replaced the original Buffet mouthpiece by a Vandoren RV5 Lyre and a B45. I remember someone in a forum mentionning that original mouthpieces that come with clarinet would make excellent door stoppers and that is not far from truth! So don't forget when choosing the instrument to ask for advice about mouthpieces and to try a few as well.
Good luck!
Stéphane (France)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-05 11:47
Another point is that if you are buying an older instrument make sure you are not unwittingly buying a large package of expensive restorative maintenance.
Another point is that I doubt that many (even) intermediate players can quickly compare instruments realistically. If somebody gave me a Lambougini to compare with a Corrola for a few minutes I would reject the former as being too uncontrolable. To COMPARE instruments one must be a versatile sort of player in order to quickly adapt and get the BEST out of each instrument. Even some very experienced players do not have this versatility.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-05 11:53
Another point is that if you are buying an older instrument make sure you
are not unwittingly buying a large package of expensive restorative
maintenance.
Another point is that I doubt that many (even) intermediate players can
quickly compare instruments realistically. If somebody gave me a
Lambougini to compare with a Corrola for a few minutes I would reject the
former as being too uncontrolable. To COMPARE instruments one must be a
versatile sort of player in order to quickly adapt and get the BEST out of
each instrument. Even some very experienced players do not have this
versatility.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2001-12-05 21:15
I heard from a trusted source that LeBlanc makes the Yamaha clarinets. Since many people play them they must be good instruments. My opinion,however, is that preferences in clarinets is a lot like religion and politics.....and jeans and cars.
Your daughter will undoubtedly encounter a certain amount of peer pressure and you should take this into consideration. Let her make the final decision....maybe she already has.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-06 09:09
There is a connection between Le Blanc's bottom end model - Vito - and Yamaha but I doubt that this connection extends beyond the student range.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-12-06 13:42
I've really struggled over the years with the concept and necessity of beginner and intermediate level clarinets, mostly due to my ignorance playing on them or ever in that part of the market. Other than briefly noodling on a few when the situation presented itself and a plastic Buffet in a military band for marching/ceremonial use, I've never owned one. I was handed a used R-13 when I was 10-years old and sharply told, "you're going to play the clarinet and you'll play THIS one". From elementary through high school that's exactly what I did without question. It wasn't until I gained more experience and requisite skill I began playing/experimenting with other pro-quality horns.
Excluding the money factors and social aspects, I have to ask the valid question: If a beginner started out on any entry-level, or premium-quality professional horn "not knowing any better" and NEVER played a beginner or intermediate level horn, wouldn't they be able to advance in skill (according to their individual talents) just as quickly and efficiently as a student who takes the established industry "tier" route?
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-06 22:24
I'm not quite sure what you are getting at but it is totally hypothetical as "Excluding the money factors and social aspects" is not reality for most beginner situations.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-06 22:29
Ken, please read the thread "Returned Mail Message" of december 6. It applies to you. Annoying!
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-12-06 22:32
Sorry Ken. I am mistaken.
It is the original thread writer, Allen, who is the culpret.
Allen are you listening?????
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-12-07 11:05
Not sure what's going on here but I didn't mean to make any waves just contribute to the discussion.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-12-07 12:40
Reviewing the original post staying on subject, this really brings out the "over-protective parent and teacher" in me. Buying and trying out new clarinets is, of course, just as much an exciting and fun experience as it is critical to the musical growth of a budding talent ... especially for a serious student you want to mentor and nurture for future success. If it was my child/student I'd be actively involved in their selection to ensure they get the best horn. If you're not an advanced or professional player yourself, find one even if you have to pay for their services. If purchasing in person at the shop have them go prior to your arrival, play-test the selected brands/models and set them aside. If she has her heart set on any one brand/model have the player pick the best one of the desired brand/model, or if there is enough in stock 2 or 3 of any "one" she really likes. Then let her pick her keeper from those. I'd take it even a step further, capitalize on the experience and turn it into a "lesson". Briefly, go through the testing process and method, have her play at least one of the "rejects" comparing side-by-side with her final choice. In this way, she can "feel and hear" the difference for herself and gain more self-confidence.
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