 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2024-05-25 20:05
Dear bboard,
seems weird since I haven't posted on here for years now, but see, my stupid handle remains.
Anyways, as to not resurrect old threads, here's a short review on the Buffet Prodige.
Why write on this particular instrument? Because it's surprisingly good!
Some context: A friend of mine who teaches piano and flute has asked me to show her some basics for the clarinet. Coming from the flute, I found that the german system (gave her an older Yamaha) might not be ideal, though she can decides as she likes...
Anyways, I've ordered the Prodige to have closer look if an instrument for 600€ can really work.
Why yes, it can!
In summary, it's rather astonishing how close it comes to the E13. The altissimo certainly doesn't have the brilliance of a good wooden instrument (like the RC I still use) and the low notes can be a bit dull, but overall, the Prodige is really easy and fun to play. I cannot fault the setup or quality of the keywork - again, a pro instrument will be nicer overall, but when trying out the Prodige, I was surprised just how close it is to significantly more expensive instruments. You'd be hard pressed to find something much better for 1000€ (or dollars) more, when "moving up", you'd probably have to go for something like the R13, RC, maybe even prestige variants (or an uebel preference, etc...)since tone can be vastly improved with an aftermarket barrel.
The stock mouthpiece wasn't bad, either. A short, slightly open facing, with a #2 reed also quite solid for beginners.
Resistance might be even better than with an E13, as the ABS seems to create less "turbulences" if that makes sense
Really surprised with this clarinet after thorough testing.... since I have (often enough) pointed out the problems I have with Buffet on this forum, im happy to say their beginner clarinet is a real hit (an certainly a vast improvement over the B12). Only issue is - why buy a E12F or E13 then?
Do forgive me if I compare it so much with the E13, but both Prodige and E13 share the same bore (according to Buffet)
Best regards
Christian
Post Edited (2024-05-25 20:06)
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Author: RBlack
Date: 2024-05-26 03:37
I quite like them. The leather pads are prone to sticking (but so are valentinos on the Yamaha 255)
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Author: RBlack
Date: 2024-05-26 05:52
The inside of the bell is textured, somewhat like the textured plastic a student instrument case is made of. The rest of the instrument’s bore is smooth that I’ve seen.
I’m not sure it necessarily does anything especially since I can’t test side by side with an identical untextured bell. I see it as another experiment along the lines of the voicing grooves and shapes other manufacturers have used.
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Author: donald
Date: 2024-05-26 08:13
The usual complaint with student instruments are that the keys are not "sturdy" enough and will bend too easily, of course the higher quality brands tend not to have this problem.
However, I find with the Prodige that I have the opposite problem- keys that I can safely bend (for adjustment purpose) on the R13 etc are TOO STIFF on the Prodige, as I am very cautious about breaking keys (having had this happen once, once was enough).
The Left hand E/B key, for instance, is often set "too low", but as it has no "give" I will NOT apply the force required to bend it up a few milimetres.
A small complaint, and one that an experienced repair-person may wave aside.
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2024-05-26 11:21
Attachment: Buffet Prodige.jpg (63k)
donald,
I looked through quite a few Buffet Prodige photos before I found this one. I believe it shows what you are taking about. The left hand B/E key certainly looks much lower than the key next to it.
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Author: donald
Date: 2024-05-26 15:45
I mean, it's playable- you can make it work, but for a lot of students their left hand little finger risks brushing against the C#/G# key when depressing Left hand E/B key, among other things.
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2024-05-26 17:56
RE the too stiff keys, yeah, I noticed that - for example, the LH pinky keys look quite massive and seem to be soldered (the key touch is basically "stepped" and sits a bit higher then usual, maybe that's more ergonomic for smaller hands).
I'd argue that stiffer keys are better for beginners, as these will not come out of adjustment so easily. Overall, the key action might be like 5% worse compared to higher end Instruments, might have something to do with the key rods?? But again, for a 600€ instrument, the quality is fantastic. The ergonomics are different, but I really didn't feel that the LH pinky key were too close to the c#/g#. Then again, I didn't yet dare to try and bend them...
The "textured" bell is supposed to improve the response of the longer notes. Still, a wooden RC bell is quite superior, giving the instrument a bit more of a "ring".
So you could use this instrument l for 2-3 years, then upgrade it with a Zoom barrel and still do okay for another 2-3 years at least (depending on the student), maybe even consider a new bell., and you're still under 1000€. (This may vary with $$)
Post Edited (2024-05-26 18:02)
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Author: gwie
Date: 2024-05-28 10:22
I bought a Prodige used for $500 that one of my students is borrowing. It's a decent plastic student clarinet, minus some minor adjustment quirks. I like the Backun Alpha a bit more, but for students with smaller hands the Prodige as well as the Yamaha are more accessible.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2024-05-28 11:13
>> RE the too stiff keys, yeah, I noticed that - for example, the LH pinky keys look quite massive and seem to be soldered (the key touch is basically "stepped" and sits a bit higher then usual, maybe that's more ergonomic for smaller hands). <<
The fact that they are "stepped" doesn't cause this. They can just the same make the arms that are brazed to the touchpieces have a shallower angle, or even just the area under them. Or several other ways. Being higher or lower depends on the specific shape of each key and not something fundamental about being one piece or brazed. That's a manufacturing decision that I imagine is based on cost.
I don't know if the higher(?) touchpieces are more ergonomic... it depends... higher than what?
In general I found that for kids and people with small hands it is more comfortable when playing clarinets where those touchpieces are relatively close to the left hand pinky. Even more so for those with pinkies that are short compared with their other fingers.
For the opposite example some old Selmers have those keys really far, I've seen a young student who happened to have a really excellent old Selmer and she couldn't even play left hand F#/C# for a while. Most clarinets are pretty much "average" in that sense.
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