 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: James
Date: 2002-10-23 04:53
I have had a weird set up for the last few months, My R-13 Bb and my Concerto A. I thought I would be able to work becuase I love both of those clarinets dearly, but. They are so different, like reeds that work with my Bb will not work with my A. So when it comes to orchestra time I'm just having an aweful time.
This has forced me to go out and hunt for an A. Unfortunatly they are all so expensive. The prices have have shot up so high with in the last year. The cheapest price that i could find for a Buffet R-13 A clarinet with silver plated keys (and yes they must be silver plated) is $2,245. With that I also need to figure in $120 for a chadash barrel and $475. A total I don't even want to think about. Does anyone know of anywhere else around chicago besides that would have good prices. Last time i checked international was much higher than everyone else and i dont' like the fact of someone picking out three clarinets for me to try and sending them to me so that rules out weiners music. If anyone has any suggestions i would be greatful.
-James
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2002-10-23 09:11
Just think... you could be a flute oboe or bassoon player! THen you would really have something to complain about.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-10-23 12:21
To say nothing of the cost if you played strings, harp or piano! Have you considered a used horn? You can find some great ones out there.
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Author: Mark S.
Date: 2002-10-23 12:42
Judging from the price you cite (which seems to be very competitive in the current market), you spoke to the Woodwind. It would be worth it to take the drive down to South Bend to try more than 3 horns in person. Beyond the WW, IMS, and maybe Evanston Band & Orch, there just aren't that many other places around Chicago that are going to have a decent spread to try out.
Weiner is actually not a bad option, either. Bil Jackson could do a really excellent job selecting a horn (or horns) for you to try.
Good luck in your search.
Mark S.
www.northbranchrecords.com
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Author: Mark S.
Date: 2002-10-23 12:54
Don't those Aussie models play upside-down in the United States?
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Author: Rebecca
Date: 2002-10-23 13:24
The Chadash barrel is just $13 more than the one that comes with the horn, so just offer to pay the difference. That's about
$100 saved.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-10-23 14:24
Have you considered the option of finding a second mouthpiece (/reed combination) that would work comfortably with your Concerto A? That would allow you to keep the A you love and would be a much less expensive alternative. I'll get some disagreement here but, personally, in situations where I have had to switch from clarinet to bass clarinet and/or Eb and/or sax, I have not been particularly bothered by having to play a "dry reed." Otherwise, if you haven't already, you could check the Woodwind & Brasswind for their prices. If they are closer to what you are willing to pay, a drive there from Chicago to try some different instruments wouldn't be too bad, would it?
If you really feel you must replace your A, another possibility might be to expand your search to include Yamahas. Yamaha still appears willing to compete on price (though perhaps not as much as in the past) and, IMHO, provides good value for your money. You may find them closer in design to Buffet than your Concerto. New Yamaha A's (with silver plated keys) seem to run around $1,800 - $2,000 at the Woodwind & Brasswind. I recently bought a used CS A to serve as a backup to my R13. If anything, the reed/mouthpiece combinations that I use on my Buffet Bb work even better on the Yamaha. YMMV.
BTW, depending on the reed mouthpiece combination you currently use, you may find that a Buffet doesn't improve your situation all that much. There are inherent differences between A and Bb clarinets, even of the same make.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-10-23 15:42
James writes an interesting post. Having a Leblanc A Clarinet and a Buffet Bb, a combination which bothers him, yet "I love both of those clarinets dearly," he wishes to play instruments which are more closely comparable. Then he announces, rather strangely, "This has forced me to go out and hunt for an A." He also requests, "If anyone has any suggestions i would be
greatful."
James, I am pleased to offer a suggestion which perhaps hasn't entered your mind (or anyone else's, it would appear): You are in no way forced to replace the Concerto. Keep the Concerto and replace the Buffet Bb. If you are indeed equally thrilled by the two instruments, this should not be a catastrophe, especially in the Department of Fiscal Affairs. B-flat pitched instruments are generally sold for far less money than comparable A-pitch instruments, you may have noticed.
I am not an orchestral Clarinetist; but if I were, I would certainly be loath to dispose of a well-loved A Clarinet. B-flats, on the other hand, while hardly a dime a dozen, are a lot easier to select, as they are available in an amazing span of playing characteristics.
I wish you well in your search.
Regards,
John
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Author: James
Date: 2002-10-23 16:55
John-
Thanks for your idea. I actually did have an opus in Bb for a while but I sold it becuase I didn't like the clarinet whatsoever. I just but my new R-13 Bb in july and I am quite happy with the clarinet. Since Bb clarinet is generally the main instrument a clarinetist uses, I would think it would make more sense to use the Bb clarinet as a stardard of comparison in picking out other instruments. So there is no way i will ever ditch my Bb Thanks for the suggestion though
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-10-23 17:15
James...The last time I checked, there were some interesting sounding (no pun intended) Buffet A clarinets in the woodwind.org classifieds (on this site).
Use the pull down menu from this page to access.
Of course, all used instruments for sale are because someone doesn't want it any longer (just like buying stock). Try each very carefully.
That said - looking is always free...GBK
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-10-24 09:14
James: So maybe don't ditch your Bb, yet find another Bb that's more compatible with the Concerto. I know this sounds a bit strange, but perhaps it's sort of like taking a cue from GBK, who hasn't advised me within the last couple of weeks whether he now owns 11, 12, or 13 Buffet Clarinets. But I do know he has an Amati Full-Boehm A, which he often threatens to use in public performance.
Seriously, James, I know you are struck with an undesirable situation, and I do hope you find a satisfactory solution.
Regards,
John
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Author: James
Date: 2002-10-24 17:09
I dont think my teacher would allow that. It would look like I have "gear aquisition" syndrom. I really just one set of horns so that i can know the way they play really well. Thanks for the advice though
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