 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: prezden
Date: 2011-04-04 19:02
Hello
I'm new to this forum and fairly new to playing a clarinet. I've only taken it up in my retirement. I have been using a Selmer 1400 but would like to get a wood horn. The Selmer Signet 100 or Normandy 4 seem like my best bet giving my budget constraints.
Could someone please tell my what the difference is between these two horns - strengths and weakness, overall tone, ease of playing and so on.
Also if anyone has any other suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks for looking
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-04-04 20:12
In my experience the inexpensive Selmers and Buffets are not really worth the trouble because of extremely poor intonation. I think you'd be better off if you can find a Yamaha or Vito plastic clarinet in your budget. And you might consider a Ridenour hard rubber clarinet if it is at all possible to step up a bit.
.....................Paul Aviles
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Author: prezden
Date: 2011-04-04 20:29
Hi Paul
Thanks for you thoughts. I got this info from Tom Ridenour:
"Arioso model Bb's which are acoustically identical to the Lyrique (the Lyrique line was made for business purposes when Tom went full time with his own business, Ridenour Clarinet Products) and are prepared personally by Tom in the exact same way as the Lyrique. The Arioso ASB-101 is $765"
It looks interesting but not in my price range. After reading about the Arioso I was thinking that by using one of Tom's barrels and mouthpieces on my Selmer 1400 I might get the tonal improvements that I'm looking for.
I would appreciate any thought the group may have on this idea.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-04-04 22:07
Obne nice thing is that Tome offers payment terms. You might want to see if you could work it out so you might be able to afford the instrument. I had the Lyrique, and they are very nice instruments!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: jasperbay
Date: 2011-04-04 23:31
I think a Signet (either a 100 or Special) or Noblet (40 or 45) in playable condition might suit your needs just fine, and be had for far less than a new hard rubber horn. The only Normandy I have is still a student clarinet, as is the Vito.
There are also many overlooked gems out there like Conn 424, early wood Bundy's (both USA and Paris models) Malerne, etc. These are all well-made 'big bore' clarinets that many people really enjoy playing.
I'm of retirement age also, and suspect most 'intonation' issues could be because my hearing is retirement age also ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif) .
Clark G. Sherwood
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-04-05 07:09
I've had several Signets of various types, and I found that properly set up some play well, others not so well. I have 2 that play very well. The older Yamaha wooden horns can be pretty good, as can Boosey and Hawkes Edgwares and Emperors. I'm currently playing a Besson that I got for $35, it's an excellent step-up horn.
Tony F.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-04-05 08:27
Prezden, both the Signet and Normandy range of models can be delightful clarinets when in top playing condition and I can't think of any compelling reason to choose one over the other.
Normandy was Noblet's entry level clarinet. Nowadays a used Noblet can be had for little or no premium over a Normandy, so you might as well put Noblet on your shopping list if considering a Normandy.
As you already play a Selmer 1400, the Signet's keywork may feel more familiar to you.
Early Noblet and Normandy clarinets are sometimes found with unplated nickel-silver keywork. I own a Normandy so equipped and really like the feel of the unplated keys; they are not slippery and make for precise key operation. I also like the look of these keys and since there's no plating to wear off, they will look great (to me) forever.
Some early-model Normandys (models 4, 5, 6, 7, and Special) have heavy bakelite-like composition barrels and/or bells rather than wooden. Later model 4 and all model 8 and 10 clarinets are all wood.
I also own a Ridenour Lyrique 576BC. Compared to any of the clarinets mentioned above, the Lyrique has some resistance and blows quite differently. The outstanding tuning, evenness of response, flawless regulation, and playing ease of the Lyrique are a real treat to experience--superior than that of any Signet, Normandy, or Noblet you'll ever play. If you can find a way to afford the Lyrique, do yourself a favor and try one out.
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Author: Joe Bloke
Date: 2011-04-05 15:49
prezden -
A sponsor of this BB has a website with great information about buying a used horn:
Music Remasters - www.clarinuts.com
I won't go into details because I'm not sure what is permissible on this board but, the horn I bought from them is wonderful and the service was great.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2011-04-05 17:48
The Selmer Signet 100 I bought on auction which I carefully overhauled and adjusted was an outstanding instrument for my granddaughter. Condition is important. I also like the three R13s that I've played for many years. Good luck
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2011-04-05 18:57
The Noblet Artist / 45 range is exteremely well made and, in my view, a very good musical choice. I have serviced / overhauled many of this model and they stand up well to any competition.
ps. I am also a fan of the unplated nickel silver keywork of earlier instruments but the later plated models are still very good.
Post Edited (2011-04-05 18:58)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-04-05 19:48
Prezden: Regarding the Ridenour Ivorolon barrels, these are very much worth a try. I have one for my plastic Vito 7214 clarinet; it darkens and focuses the tone quite nicely, and the clarinet responds better at all dynamics. The harshness and stridency associated with the "plastic clarinet sound" are effectively dispatched with the Ivorolon barrel. The Selmer 1400 has a nice smooth sound (for a plastic clarinet) to begin with, so I imagine it could be especially sweet and warm with an Ivorolon barrel.
Mouthpiece selection is very important with this barrel. If the bore of the mouthpiece doesn't match up reasonably close to that of the barrel, tuning can go way off. I could suggest some inexpensive mouthpieces that work well, but since you're looking at aftermarket barrels, you deserve better than a cheap mouthpiece...
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Author: prezden
Date: 2011-04-05 21:04
Thank you all for your kind advice. It's great to have folks like you to talk to when trying to.
I have an opportunity to pick up a Buffet Evette & Schaeffer from a woodwind shop here in BC for $300. How does this compare to the Selmer or LeBlanc horns?
Cheers- Preston
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2011-04-05 21:23
Prezden,
Re: Evette & Schaeffer...
If you get a good one, you should be quite happy with it. I've always thought the key work was excellent. Mine is about 50 years old and I had a good deal of work done to it. Alas, it does not play in tune with itself, and I doubt that it ever will. But that's my problem.
In general, the older ones are often quite good, the K-series being among the better versions.
If the one you're looking at is in good condition and plays well, and in tune, it's a fair price.
Post Edited (2011-04-05 21:34)
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Author: Grandpa
Date: 2011-04-05 22:19
The auction web site that shall not be named has new 64, 65, 66, and 67mm Ivorolon barrels for $45 + $5 shipping. Search on a little different spelling: Ivorlon
Post Edited (2011-04-05 22:23)
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Author: prezden
Date: 2011-04-06 03:53
I wanted to thank all of you for your advice and encouragement. Your kindness is much appreciated.
I have just ordered a Selmer Signet 100 Special that has been refurbished.
Cheers- Preston
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