 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: chorusgirl
Date: 2009-02-06 01:53
Hi - I'm in the market for a new clarinet for my 12 year old. He's a pretty decent player, and just had an accident with his 1 year old rubber Prelude. Truth be told, I wasn't that thrilled with the instrument, but it served it's purpose - it was inexpensive enough for him when he was starting, and it served my 16 year old clarinetist when he had marching band.
My older one has a nice Buffet, but I still need a decent non-wood clarinet so it can be used in MB, but I want a good quality one because my 12 year old is really coming along and I'd like to get him the most responsive, best sounding instrument I can.
With the current economy, I really can't afford a lot. I'm afraid to buy something from Ebay (and haven't really seen anything great, anyway). I've done a lot of research and am now more confused than ever.
Is the Lyrique a truly good instrument? Is it worth it for me to buy one for the money? It's way more than I want to spend, but the others I was considering (Buffet B12 for $610, Yamaha 250 for $749) aren't cheap either.
Someone recommened an RS Berkeley which I could get for $350, but it doesn't seem to be as good as the others.
I am a music teacher, but I am NOT a woodwind person (I'm voice and piano) and my colleagues that I've asked all have varying opinions. It's tough to decide. I'd welcome any input or advice that any of you have!
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Author: Alfred
Date: 2009-02-06 02:09
Well, I can't really say much about which clarinet you should buy, but I can tell you to stay away from eBay. There have a been a lot of fake clarinets coming from China (last time I checked) or people just use it as a way to get rid of POS instruments.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2009-02-06 02:31
chorusgirl,
If you're looking for a student-level clarinet, many on this bulletin board will advise you to stick with the trustworthy names Yamaha, Selmer, Buffet, Vito (LeBlanc) and Lyrique.
A check of the search function -- look up "student clarinets" or "what clarinet to buy" or individual models/companies---will get you plenty of opinion.
My back-up clarinet is a Yamaha YCL-250. I think it's terrific. Great key work, plays in tune and has a very nice sound. You might find that a reputable music store near you sells demo models for perhaps $200 less than the price of a new one. Some chain stories, Sam Ash for one, used to do that.
Alfred's advice is spot on.
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Author: DixieSax
Date: 2009-02-06 04:40
Consider the new Leblanc Bliss - these are seriously excellent student to intermediate clarinets.
Having said that, do not write off ebay entirely, but before you buy, have someone knowledgeable about clarinets review the ad and ask questions if necessary. I have been extremely happy with instruments purchased from ebay, but I have always done my homework first.
Perhaps my best ebay find was a pair (Bb and A) of Buffet clarinets that I bought from a seller in Australia. The A was a BC model (european precursor to the RC) with articulated G# and 7th ring. The Bb was a R13 full Boehm to Eb. Both in silver plate, uncracked, and spectacular. And both together for under 1000 USD. I am now using them as my primary clarinets. And they have not yet been to my tech.
I've bought a Noblet eefer, a Conn C, a Leblanc LL Bb (with articulated G#) and 4 saxophones, (sopranino, soprano, alto and tenor) there in the past year, all of which exceeded my expectations, and at very good price points (as in I didn't spend over 500 USD for any of them). But I'm patient, and know what I am looking for, and only buy when I find the right deal. It's an option like any other, and you do take a risk.
Good luck with whatever your decison
Post Edited (2009-02-06 04:43)
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2009-02-06 11:43
If it were me, I would consider the Lyrique and the Bliss. I own a Lyrique, and have played a Bliss. Both are very nice instruments that will serve the purpose you intend - a serious step-up from what you had, some would argue that these are professional quality instuments. In my opinion, both of those instruments are considerably better than the mid-level offerings from Buffet, Yamaha, etc. My Lyrique plays better than my Buffet R-13 Prestige, and I was very impressed with the Bliss when I tried it.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-02-06 11:51
Clarinuts (a sponsor of this board) always has a nice selection of refurbished clarinets available, including some warranty and trial period...
--
Ben
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2009-02-06 12:35
I second the Lyrique. It is NOT a step-up student instrument; it is a professional quality clarinet. I own one, and I love it. The only other pro horn I've owned was a Buffet R13. I found the Lyrique to be superior, but that's just my opinion, compared to the only other good clarinet I've owned.
I also agree with the comment that the Lyrique is far better than the intermediate clarinets from Yamaha or Buffet. I've compared the Lyrique to the Yamaha 450N and Buffet E11, and the Lyrique is certainly in a different class.
Tom Ridenour does offer a trial period, so you would have a chance to play test the Lyrique and decide for yourself.
Don't forget to make sure your child has a decent mouthpiece as well; I think this is often overlooked when getting a new instrument. I know you can get a Lyrique with a good mouthpiece, but I don't know about what comes with the others. If all else fails, the Clark W. Fobes Debut mouthpiece is great for about $30.
JW
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-02-06 12:50
I have been working with a new Lyrique 576 BC for a few weeks now, and I can confirm what a great instrument it is. The intonation is superior to wither of the Buffet R13 models in my house, one from 1966 and another from 1971. The scale is very even, and about the only problems I had when I first switched over included a slight increase in the perceived resistance and a slightly different feel to the keywork and placement of my fingers, but that worked itself out in a week's time of playing it.
Tom Ridenour is a great person to deal with, and he stands behind his work. If the 576 is looking like too much, look at the newer model, the 146, which has a body of ABS instead of hard rubber. The mouthpiece and barrel (the most critical parts to tone production) are still hard rubber. If it plays as well as my new instrument, it is truly a great value for the lower price of $625. This price includes a very nice mouthpiece, all the standard accessories and a Thumb Saddle. Looks like a great value to me.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2009-02-06 12:51)
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