The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Selmer and LeBlanc Clarinets vs Buffet?

Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-04-14 16:34

I've played and owned so many clarinets over the 48 years I've played that I can't even remember them all. But, I have tried each brand mentioned above and have found spectacular instruments in each of the 3 in this thread. My current main instrument is the Buffet R-13 Greenline that was hand-selected by an orchestra pro at the factory and then set-up by a respected tech. It is by far the best I've ever played, and I include the Prestige that was also hand-selected at the factory by my clarinet professor.

I've also owned and played many Leblancs, starting with the Vito and going up to the Opus II. They are great instruments as well. For many years I argued the value of the Opus II over the best of the Buffets. The kicker for me was key-action and personal preference. I just liked the way the R-13 felt in my hand better than the Opus II. There were only slight differences in tone. The Buffet Prestige felt great as well, but it was always a bit stuffy even after being sent off for multiple attempts to fix it.

Selmers are not my favorite, but my first clarinet was a Selmer Bundy that was part wood and part plastic WAY back in 1960. That served me well for the entire time I was in grade school.

Recently (within the last 10 years) I have owned Selmer Series 10s (which were built to compete with the Buffet R-13). I did not like them as well as the R-13.

It's really personal preference on any clarinet. They all have pros and cons and they all have times when they need technical assistance to play up to full potential. My recommendation is to try as many as you can and decide by what you like rather than the brand. What someone else considers fantastic may be garbage to your taste.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics