 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bryris
Date: 2005-08-28 14:16
I played clarinet for about 8 or 9 years....then basically quit through college. After graduation though, which occured in May, I have decided to get back into it and get back on track and then push myself to the next level.
I bought a LeBlanc Normandy 4 back in 1995 which I played exclusively. After having sat for almost 5 years, it really needs some TLC. New pads, corks, cleaning, and some corrosion removed from the key mechanisms. I called my local brass and woodwind shop and they quoted be about $250 bucks to do all that stuff. However, it seems that I can buy a Normandy 4 in really great condition for less than that $250. Which then bodes the question, maybe I should capitalize my money by just purchasing a better higher level horn.
Been thinking about the E-11, which I can get new for about $590 or so. Used for about $350. I would really love an R-13, but am not really in a position to afford one....and in all likelihood will never really need its capabilities as I will likely never play professionally.....just for family and friends...and mainly my own enjoyment.
Any feedback or recommendations would be great!
Thanks.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-08-28 16:09
Tough question. Pluses and minuses.
BUT, you might not want to give up on the Buffet R13 so easily. A good one can be a joy.
I sat my R13 aside for almost 30-years. When I retired and had time to work with it, I had it ovehauled using a technician I found on eBay. Cheap, but not very effective. Cost about $110 plus shipping. It came back with a bend bridge key so that the 1-1 Bb/Eb didn't play. Repeated the drill, and it came back in about the same playing condition it was in before the work.
Also, just as awkward to play.
Then, I started mouthpiece searching. I've collected a dozen or so used mpcs using eBay auctions with some price discipline. I found one that was worth more than all the repairs. Am having a great time, making a decent tone and exploring an expansion of my quiver of instruments
Enjoy
Bob Phillips
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2005-08-28 17:49
I would suggest to go for an older "K" series (equivalent of today's E13) or a used Master Model ("D" series). You would be getting the R13 keywork/design at a lesser cost.
jbutler
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-08-28 18:09
John Butler's ideas seem pretty good. I own a K-series Evette and Schaeffer (which is my backup clarinet, but plays very well) and for ___'s and giggles, about a year ago I ordered an overhauled D-series master model from ebay after reading about master models in this BBoard. Curiousity got the best of me. It turned out to be a very decent clarinet (with a few quirks about it), but for the money I paid (about 400 dollars after shipping) I would have thought it a great buy. I returned it only because it wasn't better than my backup so I found no reason to keep it.
If a used R13 is a little much right now, you may also want to look at a used Yamaha clarinet. I've read very good things about them as far as quality goes and they always seem to cost a little less than their 'equivalent' in another of the big four brands. So take a look at maybe some yamaha 450's or so if you find them around.
Alexi
Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2005-08-28 19:26
If you'r not mesmerized by the R13 taint, you would do well to ask Dave Speigelthal what he has sitting around his shop after reconditioning. You could do one heck of a lot worse, and you might be getting a real jewel.
Bob A
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Author: bryris
Date: 2005-08-29 02:01
I have found some master models without the D designation in the serial #.....are these just as good?
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