The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rob
Date: 2002-02-19 00:14
No matter what clarinet I am playing, I sound like me. I control the sound. I simply do not buy the argument that Buffets are recommended because they will provide a consistent sound. In my opinion a player who cannot control his sound sufficiently to blend with his ensemble would not be able to do so no matter what brand he played, and I have had the misfortune of hearing many R13 owners produce some fairly inconsistent (and awful)sounds. The argument of sound consistency is illogical and fallacious. One of my oldest and dearest friends (a teacher) pointed out to me that Selmer and Leblanc (Yamaha was not yet a "player" at the time)are not as popular as Buffet for a few very significant reasons;
Selmer and Leblanc generally cost a bit more. They are not as readily available (or they WERE not prior to the internet). They rarely go on sale. Teenagers (a very big part of the market) want to have the same things their friends have and since they and their parents are usually not very knowledgeable themselves, they are easily led. Many teachers with limited knowledge do not know what else (other than Buffet)to recommend because many of them lack either sufficient age or experience (or both) to know any better.
When I was young and not studying privately, the music director at my school recommended buying Selmer for the simple reasons that he felt that the intonation was easier to control, the quality was more consistent from one clarinet to another and the sound produced was more consistent with itself from bottom to top. He failed to advise that they were also more expensive. I have found his advice, at least in my own experience, to be valid. The majority of the clarinets when I was in high school (late 70s) played Selmer, but that was unique to the school I attended. Each time I have purchased a new clarinet, I have always tried Buffet. In fact I have tried dozens over the years. I have never felt compelled to purchase one. When purchasing a clarinet for my niece as a beginner last year, I was once again compelled to not buy Buffet. I purchased for her a Yamaha. I understand entirely that for most students (and their parents) price is a significant factor in the purchase of a horn. I think it is a good thing that you can purchase an acceptable pro-level horn from Buffet at the reasonable prices that are offered today but I find it very disappointing that people think that a flooded market and a cheap price tag automatically translate into the best choice for them. It should come as no surprise though. After all, an awful lot of people drive Fords for the same reasons, and you wouldn't catch me buying one of them either.
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