 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Amanda S
Date: 2005-12-25 15:30
My parents have decided to get me a new clarinet for Christmas, but didn't want to pick one without me. I've done a little looking before, but never seriously. At the moment I play on a Buffet E-11. I'm a high school sophmore, but am planning on a double major in education and music education. I also plan on being in the band at whatever college I attend. My parents want me to look into the professional models if they're not really really expensive. Which models should I try out? I remember trying a professional selmer once, but I don't remember which kind. I'll have to ask my lesson teacher. What do y'all reccomend?
Thanks,
Amanda
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-12-25 15:39
When you finally narrow it down to a few specific models (ex: R-13, Selmer Signature, etc...), try as many samples (minimum 3) of each of those models as possible.
That will either involve putting the clarinets on a credit card and then returning the ones which you do not want, or making a visit to a major retailer (who carries a large enough stock), and spending a good amount of time comparison testing/playing.
Bring a pro with you (even if you have to pay them a nominal fee), as well as your parents...GBK
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-12-25 16:21
Right On.
And good luck.
GBK: what do you think of Amanda bringing her familiar mouthpiece along to the retailer? I'm still uncertain of the match between mpc and instrument.
Bob Phillips
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-12-25 16:28
If you go in person -
Bring your primary mouthpiece, broken in and new reeds, a tuner and a small notebook to jot down your impressions (testing: intonation/evenness of scale, response, comfort, beauty of sound, serial numbers, etc...) of each clarinet...GBK
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Author: redwine
Date: 2005-12-25 21:03
Hello,
I don't know where you live, but if you live near Washington, D.C. my good friend is the Selmer Paris rep for Conn-Selmer. He has about 30 clarinets in his closet to test. I'm sure all the other brands have similar reps in various cities, it's just a matter of tracking them down.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: Amanda S
Date: 2005-12-25 21:11
Thanks for the info...I think my private lesson teacher is going to come with me, but do you recommend a new or used clarinet? Plus, is there anything I should avoid?
Thanks, Amanda
Oh, and I don't live in the DC area, but I'll see if I can find a rep. near me.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2005-12-25 21:38
Amanda.........If possible, trial a few in the shop, but this is often unsatisfactory for lots of reasons.....dead acoustics, commercial disturbances, pressure to sells specific models, other players trialling, unrealistic self imoposed pressure to FIND the one.
See if you can take your best two or three home for a trial period (often 7 days) I'm sure your teacher will vouch for you.....and try them out in a range of places, church, halls, etc WITH NO PRESSURE. Then follow GBK's suggestions above.
Even then, don't accept something you're not absolutely happy with....you have no obligation to buy under trial periods. After all it's better to pay the return transit than accept a less than ideal clarinet.
Take y--o--u--r---o--w--n---- t--i--m--e-- !!! and remember there are many shops and retailers out there who would be very happy to do business with your mum and dad.
RT
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-12-26 01:35
Also, make sure to jot down the serial numbers of the ones you liked, and don't be afraid to switch the barrels around (not between MODELS of course, but for instance, between three R13s). If you find one PARTICULAR (I'll stick with the R13 example) that you really like it's tone, resistance, etc., take the BARREL from that one, and try it with all other R13s to ensure the best possible barrel/instrument combination. THat is, if the barrels aren't serial numbered to match the clarinets (which AFAIK, they aren't).
And while you're at it, and you find the best playing one, play those long chalemeau E and F, and long clarion B and C, and switch around bells.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-12-26 17:16
I love buying used instruments. Just like with a new car purchase, the minute your transaction is completed you typically lose a third of the value of the purchase. For example, instead of paying over $3000 (list) for a Buffet R-13 Festival, I purchased a lovingly used one for $1600. My wife loves it.
My favorite alto and tenor saxophones, the Couf Superba I, isn't even made anymore. I just purchased a new Buffet B-12 for my granddaughter (she's not even two yet. :o) for half what a new one would cost. It is a delightful purchase and is used as a rainy weather backup horn.
If you find a new clarinet that is everything you want and you have the scratch, then maybe that is the correct choice for you. Only you will know. Enjoy the hunt. Some people would rather be searching than practicing. ;o)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-12-26 17:28
It would be wonderful if some excellent used instruments were available to you, but if not, go the new R-13 route. Yes, if you read my posts you'll find I'm playing a Leblanc Opus II, but you don't need to spend that much money for a good professional instrument. I recommend the Buffet R-13 to almost every serious-minded student who is going into high school or college and wants to move up in the section. It's a good value and usually a good choice if you can find one that is well made and has good intonation and key-action.
Be sure to play-test as many as possible and have your teacher play them as well. Listen while he/she is playing the instrument and hear the difference in them. Use a tuner. Even for a new one, you'll need to check the intonation (especially for a new one).
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Author: Tyler
Date: 2005-12-27 00:15
Amanda-
I recommend checking out these free online articles by Thomas Ridenour:
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/select.htm
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/stability.htm
This guy knows how to objectively determine the most important things to look for in new instruments, and how to explain it in simple terms to anyone who is curious.
-Tyler
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-12-27 15:51
Afraid I don't go along with the theory of test playing clarinets in a store. The whole experience is distracting and full of pressures that prevent proper concentration. And if you bring along a teacher or friend they might not want to spend the amount of time that you require. Plus the fact you are playing in a strange environment and maybe with a sales type person hovering around waiting for your credit card. It takes time, concentration, patience and adequate control of the variables involved to make a selection properly. Absolutely...you need to take your own favorite mouthpiece along...as long as you realize that it just might not work right on THE clarinet that would be right for you. Loading up your credit card with home test horns may not be appropriate either.....and you might have second thoughts about the one(s) you sent back. What do I suggest....to the Poster....? Keep the E11, have your parents put the money in a CD or savings account. When you really NEED a better horn you might have more experience and additional counsel. But I know you won't wait!
Bob Draznik
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Author: Amanda S
Date: 2005-12-27 21:09
It's kind of a joint deal...My parents know that I'll need an upgrade eventually, so they're doing it now so my sister can use the E11. She is playing on a pretty bad plastic clarinet at the moment. Instead ending up with two intemediate models, they just want her to use mine....as soon as I can find the right clarinet. It seems that some of you think that the R13 is the absolute path for me. I tried an R13 festival at band camp one year, and wasn't very impressed. It was good, just not what I had expected. I know that a professional level horn isn't going to automatically make me better or have a better tone, but the Selmer I tried seemed to have a better and darker tone quality.
Amanda
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-12-28 06:50
If you liked the Selmer better, than perphaps you should go and try some of them (and other brands as well). Try as many as possible (including different models!!!). Have your teacher check the intonation and key-action, resistance, etc. and use that to weed out some horns. Find the one that you LOVE at buy it. 'Nough said...
If going the used instrument route, keep in mind that it probably WILL need an overhaul. Have your teacher inspect it, and who knows, in the end you could find a real treasure!!!
Clayton
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Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2005-12-28 12:33
I also love the Selmers- last school year I bought a Selmer 9* and I absolutely love it! I didn't have a chance to try it before I bought it, but I got it from a very reputable dealer, the Wichita Band Instrument Co. They were great to work with, and offer alot of good used pro instruments at very reasonable prices, including R13s, Selmers, and others. You would have to look into their trial/return policy if you were going to go that way though. I wouldn't suggest purchasing a clarinet that didn't have some sort of trial time.
Also remember that not every clarinet, especially within the same brand, will not play the same. While that particular R13 Festival may not have impressed you, there may be another out there that you absolutely love.
I will echo ClariBone- Find one you love, and go for it. If you really love it, it is likely to last you a long time, and you won't regret it.
BCG
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Author: Amanda S
Date: 2006-01-01 00:17
So we went to Johnny Paul's today (a local repair shop), since we got my sister's clarinet there. I asked to look at upgrade models, but they didn't have any Selmers or Buffets. All they had was a Jupiter. I tried it, and it wasn't bad...it just wasn't much of an upgrade. After they repaired my current clarinet (she said the pads were so bad, it was a wonder I made area) they reccomend I look at the Leblanc Rhapsody and Concerto. I promised I would. Then I told them I prefered the Selmer I had tried to Buffet, and they seemed quite surprised. Supposedly, most people "around here" prefer Buffet. That doesn't surprise me, but I'm not going to get a Buffet, just because it's what everyone else is playing. They said they could have an R-13 shipped if that was what I wanted, but I politely refused. I'm still looking into the R-13, but if I get one, I want it to be one I choose, not the company. Just thought I would update y'all on my progress!
Amanda
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-01-03 12:35
You gotta watch those sales folk... most people 'around here' play Buffet? Must be making a bigger margin on that brand... ;-D. Having said that, I quite like the tone of the RC but found the one I tried devilish hard work. And they make those 'Greenline' things that are not only environmentally friendly (pressed 'waste' grenadilla dust / epoxy composite, if I remember right) but also practically indestructible.
But seriously. Testing an instrument in a shop can be a pain if the shop sounds nothing like where you usually play. Last time I went mouthpiece shopping the practice room was completely 'dead' and it took me about an hour to get my ear in. When I tried out my current intrument (Selmer, fwiw, 'Prologue II') they took me out the back of the shop to a secluded corner of the underground carpark... Bizarre? Not so - actually quite a good place to play.
I knew I had the right one when the lady from the kitchen of the Chinese restaurant also adjoining the carpark came out and applauded.
Music is a funny thing.
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