 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sherihand
Date: 2006-12-28 21:02
Thank so much for all the responses concerning the Amati I received for Christmas. I have decided to return it, however; the store is out of stock of that model. I am now left with a few choices within my budget and the availability. I am in need of guidance as I truely don't know what to consider, and I'm also unable to play the instrument as it's through a mail-order company I'm purchasing.
Basically I have these to choose from:
A Selmer CL211; ; Yamaha YCL-450N; Jupiter 731 NT; and A Noblet 40K and 4K.
There is also a Buffet E-11 that is slightly over my budget but I am not ruling it out.
I apologize if it is annoying to receive a list in this manner, but I don't understand anything about bore sizes which seem to be the only differing factor between these instruments (atleast to my unskilled perceptions).
I have "Googled" everything I can think of to find reviews on these instruments and so far nothing is coming up that is plain English to me. That is why I hope to hear from some of you.
Regards,
Sheri
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-12-28 21:35
I always avoid making decisions when I don't have to. You actually have a lot more choices than the ones you're describing. Undoubtedly there is some adjustment that should be made on the Amati so you can play it so I'd resist trading it for something else that I also don't know anything about. I think others have mentioned adjustments that might be necessary so I'm leaning that way. OR....what happened to your old Vito??
Bob Draznik
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2006-12-28 21:57
Look seriously at Tom Rodenour's Lyrique clarinets, which are available in Bb, A and C. They are good horns for the money. You can find info at http://www.Ridenourclarinetproducts.com . If I had had a few more bucks in the bank this season, I would have ordered an A from him for my daughter. You can call and speak with him directly, and he is the one who designed the instruments. You can discuss your needs and situation and ask what he recommends.
He was also in charge of Leblanc's clarinet line for a number of years. The guy knows clarinets, and you will get a good horn, two barrels, a nice mouthpiece and a case for the price.
Jeff
EDIT: I checked the Amati out at WWBW. Their price is lower than the Ridenour clarinets, but I think the Lyrique is a better fdeal for what you would pay. WWBW has the Amati in stock, according to their website, btw.
Out of the horns you listed, the E-11 is a safe bet, if you get a good one. The Normandy is fair, but best suited to beginners. The specs on the Jupiter look decent. The Selmer and/or Yamaha are probably the best of the ones you listed in your post.
Anoyther one you might look at is the Forte clarinet, offered by Omar, who posts below this post.
Post Edited (2006-12-28 22:25)
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-12-28 22:22
Nota Bene - WWBW will cease operations very soon so get your return done quickly and check to be sure that a refund is indeed in the mail within the next week.
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2006-12-28 22:23
Also, I'm glad you didn't list one of THESE horns on your short list: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=20&i=357&t=357
Jeff
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-12-28 22:33
L. Omar Henderson wrote:
> Nota Bene - WWBW will cease operations very soon so get your
> return done quickly and check to be sure that a refund is
> indeed in the mail within the next week.
The auction is Jan. 24, but at this point we don't really know what exactly will transpire afterward.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-12-28 23:02
Considering that the store is out of stock for an exchange I'd try to get a rebate that would roughly cover the repair person's fee. That might be the most satisfying solution for all involved.
--
Ben
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-28 23:04
Sheri,
I know you have had a less than ideal experience with the Amati, but (just to reitterate) why not try a Forte clarinet?
http://www.forteclarinet.com
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: sherihand
Date: 2006-12-29 01:38
Well, the reason I listed these specific clarinets is because that is what is available to me within my budget where I have credit-Musician's Friend. That is where the Amati was purchased and so the account is with them. I realize I could probably get a refund, but since I'm not the one who actually purchased the clarinet...well, as you can see, there is a level of tact and grace a lady must display toward the gift-giver. I am very grateful to even have a choice from the few on the list.
As far as the V-40, I will someday have that one repaired. The idea of a new clarinet was to give me an incentive to go forward with it. I am not looking for a "professional" model at this point but one that will serve the needs of the student and still exude quality and sophistication. I am hoping that atleast one of these on the list will qualify?.?.?
You all are most kind and generous with your replies,
Sheri
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-12-29 12:16
I'd recommend the Yamaha or the Noblets from the list - do they do a try-before-you-buy option? If so, have these three sent to you so you can decide which you like best.
As you've got a Vito, the Noblets wouldn't feel too different under the fingers, though they will play much better.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: hartt
Date: 2006-12-29 14:16
madvax...........
I, too, would have suggeted John Butler. However, read up 4 replies from yours..........sheri's options for a $ refund are extremely limited; she mentions this and the reason.
toot toot
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Author: sherihand
Date: 2006-12-30 01:01
I went with the Noblet 40 K. I'm sure the Yamaha is great but I just couldn't get over the reference to motorcycles.
Thanks for all that helped. One more thing, I have seen contradictory information as to where the Noblet is manufactered. Some (most) sites say Paris, some reference the Noblet brand being an American offshoot of Leblanc and I've even seen the manufacturer of the Noblet as being Conn Selmer! Does anyone know for sure?
Sheri
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2006-12-30 01:42
Noblet is part of G Leblanc which is in return part of Conn Selmer. Conn Selmer owns alot of brands ranging from Conn, Selmer, Bach, G Leblanc(Vito, Normandy, Noblet, Leblanc, Holton)Steinway, Yanagisawa, etc. They aren't all the same instruments though. The 40K is a great clarinet. If I'm not mistaken it falls under Leblanc France division and IS made in France. I tried one out last year, I think it was the 45 and it sounded great compared to the E11 I compared it to but I ultimately went with Selmer Paris. You'll definitely like the Noblet.
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Author: johnsonfromwisconsin
Date: 2006-12-31 04:46
Conn Selmer owns alot of brands ranging from ....Yanagisawa....
Just a correction. Yanagisawa is not owned by Conn-Selmer nor was it ever owned by Leblanc. It is it's own corporate entity. Leblanc, and by extension Conn-Selmer, handles only Yanagisawa's distrubution to the US market.
Conn Selmer describes their association with the various brands through their website: http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/brands.php
disclaimer: I do not represent any of the above corporations.
-JfW
Post Edited (2006-12-31 04:49)
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-12-31 05:53
The Noblet 40 and 45 are made in france and sold as the Intermediate line of clarinets. The Leblanc 4K is the old Normandy 4 student instrument FWIR
I played a 45 for the longest time before upgrading to all Leblanc (and Selmer Paris) instruments. Though, I still have my Normandy 4 which was my first clarinet back in 1978. The Normandy and Noblets are great sounding clarinets IMHO for their price level.
You'll be satisfied with the Noblet 40 - a great sounding clarinet.
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