 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-06-08 04:15
I haven't played clarinet since my high school days (30+ years ago). I actually started on clarinet but then switched to oboe and was an applied oboe major in college. Now I'm interested in playing the clarinet again -- maybe because I'm tired of making those blamed oboe reeds 
And I'm wanting to pick up a good "intermediate" clarinet -- just for fun; don't see myself actually performing - but I'd like a decent wooden horn that will be fun and moderately easy to play.
I'd appreciate knowing what you experts think about either the Buffet E-11, or one of the older Evette ( wooden) models? I'm looking to buy a good used horn. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Many thanks... Bill
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Author: Pathik
Date: 2007-06-08 07:50
I'm no expert, and have never played the Evette, but I know from my own experience that the Buffet E11 is a very good clarinet. However, if you decide to get one, you should also get a new mouthpiece for it, because the mp that comes with it is no good. I used a Vandoren B45 mp when I played the E11, and was quite pleased with that. You might even consider getting Tom Ridenour's Lyrique clarinet, which has received some phenomenally good reviews on this BB. It might cost you a little bit more than the E11, but might be worth it. I hope this will be of help to you.
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Author: RAB
Date: 2007-06-08 15:20
I have had great success with the E-11 for my students to use as a step up instrument.
The Vandoren M15, M30 and Genuisa mouthpieces seem to work for a large number of my students over the years,
I suggest that you get several mouthpieces for a trial and then decide for yourself.
RAB
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Author: musiciandave
Date: 2007-06-08 15:44
If you get an older instrument beware of the keywork. That's a big problem with older clarinets is that the keywork can be worn quite a bit.
Could get expensive to fix. Would suggest an E-12 as the keywork is full size with that model compared to the E-11. The Leblanc Cadenza is quite good too ($1800).
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Author: Philcoman
Date: 2007-06-08 16:23
I've been using an E-11 since I started 11 years ago. It's taken me through the pains of beginning through semi-professional performance, with one round of pad replacements and one overhaul. If you don't want to mortgage your house but want a clarient that's going to pull you through a number of phases, it's a good choice.
And yes, it's a phenomenon that almost any clarinet, no matter how good, comes with a crummy mouthpiece.
I also hear that Tom Ridenour's hard rubber clarinets are excellent, but I've never used one.
"If you want to do something, you do it, and handle the obstacles as they come." --Benny Goodman
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-06-08 18:42
As long as they're in good playing condition and you don't have inordinately large hands, I think either an E11 or the right Evette will suit your needs just fine. Because the E11 succeeded the Evette in Buffet's line (around 1981), you are more likely to find a used E11 in good (playable as is) condition (but I once picked up an Evette Master Model on eBay for $85 that looked absolutely mint and needed only one pad). If you look for an Evette, I would recommend you look for two things: (1) a D prefix to the serial number (anything else will be, IMO, too old), and (2) "Made in France" (will have better keywork than those made in Germany in the late 70's).
If you can get one for about the same money, an Evette & Schaeffer with a K-prefix serial number above around K12000, will probably be a better instrument.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: susieray
Date: 2007-06-08 21:10
I second Jack's recommendation for the D-serial numbered Paris Evettes. If you can find one that is not worn out, they are WAY better than the E11 in my experience.....much higher quality materials, workmanship, and they sound very much like the R13.
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-06-08 22:22
Thanks for all the good advice. I'm pleased to report that I bought a Buffet Evette made in France with serial number D9841. It's in great condition and I think I'm gonna really enjoy it. Now all I have to do is find the best mouthpiece and ligature and I'm all set. (That in itself is tough since there are so many choices.) I've got Vandoren reeds -- anything better? and what about Tom Ridenour's Reed System? Do you suggest that? After making oboe reeds for all these years, it can't be that bad... Again, thanks for your great suggestions. (What did we ever do before the Internet?)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-06-09 04:26
Congratulations, Bill. According to the Buffet website, your clarinet was made in 1960. That's consistent with my memory that the D-series started in 1960. I think you will do yourself a favor if you to stick to basics with the mouthpiece and ligature for the time being. My recommendation would be a Fobes Debut mouthpiece and a Luyben ligature. Together, they should cost you less than $50 and should be fine for you to get started. Later, once you've established a frame of reference, you can always upgrade -- but they'll take you alot further than my Linton oboe took me.
Vandoren reeds are fine. Since you've played clarinet before and have been playing oboe, if you get a Fobes Debut (or something similar) I would recommend starting out with some #3's if you are using the "regular" (blue box) Vandorens. If #3's seem a bit too resistant, put them aside and drop back 1/2 strength for awhile. If they seem too light, move up a 1/2 strength. I suspect that after your embouchure stabilizes, you'll probably settle on a 3.5's or their equivalent. IMO, while you are starting out, Rico Royals will also work fine (at lower cost).
I wish you faster progress on the clarinet than I've had on the oboe. Mostly, I think that clarinet fingerings make more sense. (Actually, I wasn't doing too badly on oboe until I hit the key of Ab.)
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-06-09 11:21
Thanks for the your help and suggestions, Jack. Can you tell me exactly where to find the Buffet Serial numbers? I looked, but somehow couldn't find the number for this Evette. Probably just missed it.
Also, I appreciate your suggestion for mp and ligature. Any suggestions on where to buy these or will most music stores carry them (I'm in Houston).
It's funny - you mention that you find clarinet fingerings to be more logical. I was just thinking the same thing about oboe. Guess it's probably what you're most used to.
Good luck with the key of Ab -- it can be a bit tricky
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-06-09 11:22
Thanks for the your help and suggestions, Jack. Can you tell me exactly where to find the Buffet Serial numbers? I looked, but somehow couldn't find the number for this Evette. Probably just missed it.
Also, I appreciate your suggestion for mp and ligature. Any suggestions on where to buy these or will most music stores carry them (I'm in Houston).
It's funny - you mention that you find clarinet fingerings to be more logical. I was just thinking the same thing about oboe. Guess it's probably what you're most used to.
Good luck with the key of Ab -- it can be a bit tricky
Thanks again for your advice ~ Bill
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-06-09 13:30
If you look at the listings to the side of this page, you will find links for mouthpieces. You can go right to Clark Fobes' web site and get more info on the Debut mouthpiece. Many folks on this list have dealt with Clark Fobes and can recommend him highly. From Clark's websitre, it appears that he has made in excess of 50,000 of these for clarinet and sax players.
There are several other ewcellent student-grade mouthpieces out there, including very good Gennusa models from Ben Redwine (another member oif the list) and also from Tom Ridenour, who is a very respected expert on clarinet desoign. Besides his excellent Lyrique line of horns, he was also the man behind the Leblanc Concerto and Opus models, among others. <www.redwinejazz.com> <www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com>
You asked about his ATG system. I am using it and I know a number of other folks on this board use it, too. It can make a big difference on bringing reeds into pplayable states. Also, you might want to try a Legere Quebec cut reed. Though they are substantially more expensive, they last much longer than cane reeds, and (at least on my setups) produuce excellent tone. Also, unlike cane reeds, they are extremely consistent. Look at <www.legere.com>
Jeff
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Author: susieray
Date: 2007-06-09 15:09
Bill,
You might wait until you've actually received the clarinet before you decide what condition it's in. Even though it looks great, it could need an overhaul or at least some adjustments and a few new pads. BTW it looks like it comes with a Buffet mouthpiece. Some of those actually play pretty well, some don't.....but it wouldn't hurt to try it out. But in any event, even if you need to put more money into the horn, you are going to end up with a nice instrument. Congrats!
Sue
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-06-09 15:34
Thanks Sue -- I'm all set to have it overhauled as necessary; have someone here in Houston who's very good and very reasonable. In case I just don't like it - I've got another backup horn, a very nice Noblet Paris wooden horn (same vintage) that's being refurbished right now.
Again - thanks for your feedback.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-06-09 22:07
Bill,
I use the ATG system and am amazed at how easy and effective it is. If you've been making oboe reeds, you probably already have all the tools in the system -- flat piece of glass, small sanding block, sandpaper. What most people find useful about the system are the book and CD that come with it explaining how to use the tools. However, the gist of that explanation is available for free on Tom Ridenour's website at:
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/adjusting.htm
Clark Fobes does not sell his mouthpieces directly anymore. Most of the big mail order/internet music stores carry the Debut mouthpiece and Luyben ligature. The best prices are probably at:
http://www.weinermusic.com
Best regards,
jnk
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