 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: r small
Date: 2022-03-12 21:07
I have been playing the Presence for a couple of years now and really like this horn. But I've always wanted a full Boehm horn (the Presence is the standard 17/6) so I got the CL4 (full Boehm) to check it out. I've had it for a few days and have been comparing it to the Presence. It compares favorably and quality-wise is at the least on a par with the Selmer. Keywork might even be a bit smoother. I like the altissimo register a bit better too. Chalumeau is not quite as powerful and resonant as on the Selmer, but it seems to be opening up as I continue to play it (I'm trying to go easy on it for the first couple of weeks). Intonation is on a par with the Selmer. The articulated G# works well and was in perfect adjustment out of the box. Same with the forked Bb. And the low Eb is the bomb, though sometimes finding the RH low E key in the middle of the three RH pinky keys is hit or miss. But that will improve with playing time. So far I don't have a clear preference between the two horns but am leaning towards the CL4 because of the extra keywork. It's nice to have two great clarinets so if one has to spend time in the shop I'm not left shorthanded. Anyway, I can definitely recommend the CL4 for anyone interested in a full Boehm model clarinet. Price is reasonable too at a little under $4,500.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-03-15 10:10
Is Presence comparable to R13 as an entry level pro instrument?
They are similar in price, at least.
Patricola, being a little more money, should sound and/or tune better (I guess depending on one's taste...
I found only one YT video comparing two Selmer Presence clarinets (one was Presence Evolution) to two R13s (one was a Greenline):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ehv6Jkz4pk
I like the Presence Evolution but I am not sure it sounded better than R13.
Differently- yes.
Also, it's probably difficult to account for variations between different instruments of the same model.
Maybe you can post a clip on YT comparing Selmer to Patricola.
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2022-03-16 02:25
No matter how the Buffet R13 compares to the Selmer Presence, it's a myth that all seasoned orchestral and solo clarinetists have moved on to more expensive Buffet models, leaving the R13 behind as a mere "entry-level" clarinet. Sharon Kam, who makes a living as a solo performer, still plays an R13. If she thought the Tosca, Divine, or Legende were better, surely she would switch to one or more of them.
Just a quick look at orchestral players would reveal that many of them still play the R13 frequently or as their favorite instrument, even if they own (or advertise) other models. These include Bret Hara and David Howard (Los Angeles Philharmonic), Marc Nuncio (Houston Symphony), Greg Radin (Dallas Symphony), Patricia DiLutis (Pittsburg Symphony), Eric Abramowitz (Toronto), Andre Moisan, and Mitchell Estrin. This list could easily be extended. Some players will go to Jacksonville, Fl to try scores of R13s and pick the ones they prefer. The RC and Divine models are darker, warmer, and more covered in sound; the Prestige models may have a wider, weightier tone; the Tradition and Legend may tune better, and so forth, but a good R13 still focuses well, has a lovely "'ping" and is immediately responsive. It all depends on what a player is looking for and how much trouble they are willing to go through to find it.
And, there will always be players who prefer Selmer, Yamaha, Uebel, Rossi, Backun, Patricola, etc. to any Buffet model.
Post Edited (2022-03-16 07:24)
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Author: r small
Date: 2022-03-16 19:44
Hi ml964. I can't say how the Presence compares to the Buffet R13 since I haven't played an R13 in many years. I tried one out back in the 1980's and found it very resistant, but it might have been out of adjustment. I find the Presence very free blowing with a powerful chalumeau register. The Patricola is fairly free blowing too but not as loud as the Presence. I have heard that the new Patricola "Artista" model is very powerful, but these models seem impossible to find. My CL4 is the "Virtuoso" model which is available from WWBW, Muncy, and other sellers. I had to wait about two months for mine from WWBW.
By the way, there is a Youtube video of a guy playing the Artista full Boehm model and the sound is amazing.
Post Edited (2022-03-16 19:47)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-03-17 02:00
r small wrote:
> ...By the way, there is a Youtube video of a guy playing the
> Artista full Boehm model and the sound is amazing.
>
I will check the video, but it is hard to get a feel of an instrument from just one video, esp. when there is no comparison. That guy may sound just as good (or better/or worse) on any other clarinet...
In the video I watched, at least there was direct comparison between four different instruments.
I definitely would prefer to listen in person (or try myself) however I am not going to buy a new clarinet in near future.
Maybe someone will one day make a video comparing Patricola to Selmer or/and Buffet/Yamaha.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-03-18 23:43
seabreeze wrote:
"No matter how the Buffet R13 compares to the Selmer Presence, it's a myth that all seasoned orchestral and solo clarinetists have moved on to more expensive Buffet models, leaving the R13 behind as a mere "entry-level" clarinet."
I meant "entry-level" price-wise.
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