 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: swood
Date: 2007-11-08 13:41
After 20 years away from the instrument I am about to buy a new bass clarinet. I am hoping that folks with experience onboth the Selmer Priviledge and Buffet 1193-2 can offer their thoughts on how the instruments compare.
Back when I was playing regularly I was, I think, an intermediate to advance student. I did most of my playing on Noblets, but my last year in college I used the school's Selmer Series 9, which I loved. As I recall, back then Selmers were somewhat easier to play than Buffets, and had superior keywork as well. I also recall having a slight preference for the tone of the Buffets as they were less "edgy." I suppose you could say that I was a Selmer fan, but I wasn't a fanatic about it. I am sure that things have changed much ove the last 20 years as both Selmer and Buffet have introduced several new models since then.
So, what say you? Selmer or Buffet? Thanks!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-08 14:31
I like the Buffet in terms of it's keywork which is very light and positive, though I do prefer the Selmer sound as it has more tonal weight.
I went for the Buffet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-11-08 15:12
I like my 1193-2 as well--especially for it's intonation, sound, and response in the clarion register. And even with consistant use, its mechanizm requires a minimum of repair or adjustment. Some "pro" players I know say, "why didn't you buy a Selmer" referring of course to their reputation for being able to project through almost any ensemble situation. However, with my Grabner CXBS mpc and a good reed, I have not found "projection" to be a problem with either orchestral or wind ensemble playing. But I did have five "pre-selected" 1193-2's to pick from at the old IMS store in Des Plaines, IL (now under new management and not quite the same), and I think I picked the best one of the bunch. The old IMS owner now has a new shoppe and can be contacted via < Lisa@LisasClarinetShop.com> and deals exclusively with Buffet clarinets. However, I would urge you to try the Selmers as well and pick the instrument that seems to play best for you. For me, it was Buffet. Hope this helps.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2007-11-08 17:01
I played a Selmer Series 9 up until recently and liked its BIG sound but the mechanism was not good, especially that annoying octave mechanism. The new Prestige Buffets are marvelous though. Very in tune with itself and with a mechanism that is much more stable. Either the Lawrie Bloom Grabner mouthpiece or the Roger Garret mouthpiece works GREAT on it and gives you something similar to the old Selmer sound. My colleagues have been very impressed with the sound.
Good luck!
Eefer guy
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Author: Ed
Date: 2007-11-08 18:07
I like the Selmers a lot and prefer them. I have also played some nice Buffets. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Try them and see what you like. I also like the Clark Fobes mouthpieces. I think they are great.
Post Edited (2007-11-08 18:08)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-11-09 04:35
I tried many new Buffets and Selmers. I chose a Buffet but not necessarily because I think it is better, it's just that overall I liked it better.
I think the Buffet has much more comfortable keys, but I was used to it when I first tried the Selmer so I'm not totally objective. Holding the Buffet feels like holding a slightly bigger instrument than the Selmer (although the Privilege feels a little bigger than the older 37). What I didn't like about the Privilege keys is the left side pinky keys - the layout just didn't feel natural, and the right hand stack keys - the mechanism of them touched my palm. Though the Privilege is an improvment on the 37 IMO with the keys.
The sound is a little different but not that different with the same player. The Selmer has what to me sounds like a slightly louder and more aggressive sound. Really there is no real way to describe the sound so you have to try them yourself. I like the sound of the lowest notes (E and lower and especially the low D, Db and C) on the Buffet a lot more. I prefer the throat notes on the Buffet too.
I didn't check intonation that serisouly on the Selmer but from the little I could notice they were just fine. The Buffet has good intonation.
The reponse is very good on both instruments. The low register to the clarion D# is great on both. From E and up the Selmer has an advantage in response and from the altisimo the Buffet has better response. This is because of the neck register hole size and with a small modification The Buffet can have the same response of the higher clarion as the Selmer (with slight but insignificant compromise of the lowest clarion).
There are also other issues like the Selmer can have the less angled neck (like the one from the 37 model). Buffet once said they can make a less angled neck but when I actually tried to get it it was impossible (it is special order anyway if at all possible)! The Selmer has a slightly better balance when playing standing but it is not a real problem of the Buffet too.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-09 10:53
On the Buffets, if you find the LH levers too high, they can easily be bent to a more comfortable position (within reason).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-11-09 13:25
Our comm. band's new bass cl player, Kim, has a beautiful, very recent, Buffet, perhaps if she reads this, she can comment, it DOES sound very good ! I am intrigued by it's open tone hole on the bell, perhaps if "padded" it could produce a low D ?? Comments ? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: swood
Date: 2007-11-09 13:50
Very helpful stuff...keep the comments coming, please!
Clarnibass, I think I understand exactly what you mean when you are discussing the differences in tone between the Selmer and Buffet. I recall hearing what I think you are describing 20 years ago, and it's interesting that apparently the differences still remain.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-11-09 13:52
The prestige basses have a bell vent to equalise the tone quality of the lowest note, and will almost give an extra semitone if covered.
On the low C Prestige bass, it can be covered using the inside edge of your left shoe to give a slightly sharp low B that can be lipped down to pitch if you want.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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