Woodwind.OrgThe Clarinet BBoardThe C4 standard

 
  BBoard Equipment Study Resources Music General    
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Help/Rules  |  Smileys/Notes  |  Log In   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 
 best plastic clarinet
Author: catkeel 
Date:   2009-11-27 22:27

I`m playing a Ridenour 147 and would like to get something better. At this stage of my life (78 yrs ) I don`t feel like the hassle of a wood clarinet , oiling the bore , worrying about cracks etc.. What is the best used/rebuilt plastic clarinet out there or is my 147 as good as any used student type horn I could get.
Thanks.....Bob



Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: JJAlbrecht 
Date:   2009-11-27 22:34

For about $500 right now you could get the new Ridenour Lyrique 146, which would include a hard rubber barrel. If you like Tom's instruments in general, this might be a way to go. Another possibility woulfd be his 576 bc, which is his top-line instrument, and available new for less than a grand. This one is all hard rubber, and comes with two barrels. I have one and really like it. The person who sits next to me in my concert band has his A clarinet and is also happy with that instrument.

The Vito and Yamaha student models are also quite good from a quality standpoint.

Jeff

Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: tictactux 2017
Date:   2009-11-27 22:39

> I`m playing a Ridenour 147 and would like to get something better.

Uhm, define "better". What are the shortcomings of your current setup?

--
Ben

Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2009-11-27 22:45

Hi Bob,

So why do you want a new clarinet?

I have 4 TR 147s and really like them. I started my two granddaughters on them a few years ago and they are probably as good as any beginner clarinet I have ever played (and as a former HS band director for many years have played a whole lot of them). I use the two that are left as backups for myself or any of my pals that need one.

My main clarinets are a Leblanc L200 and a Yamaha CS Custom. I also have an R13 and a Selmer Series 9*; all of these are professional level wooden clarinets and I have never had any cracks. Ever! I have never had any hassles with wooden clarinet maintenance either.

Maybe all you need is to have your TR 147 adjusted by a really good pro (send it to Eric Satterlee up in Lansing, MI), add a new case, and maybe a new MP that your teacher recommends and you have tried out. Put the money left over in your pocket.

If must have something new, Tom Ridenour's products are great.

HRL

PS I'm 72 and am still an active professional musician.



Post Edited (2009-11-27 22:47)

Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: Bluesparkle 
Date:   2009-11-28 15:18

Got a used 147 and put $65 worth of tech work and pads on it. I'm holding it for my son, when he starts band next year. However, there was a young lady at church who was struggling with her mom's nice wooden Noblet that had also been recently reworked. I gave her the 147 to try, and she hasn't picked up the Noblet since. I agree with Hank that your 147 may just need a few adjustments. The one I have plays more consistently in tune than my R-13, it's very light, and the price is right.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2009-11-28 17:36

Blue,

The intonation on all of my 147s is prefect. Better then most of my prop wooden clarinets (but the L200 and Selmer 9* are both perfect as well).

HRL

Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: jacoblikesmusic 
Date:   2009-11-29 05:05

I don't know about used/rebuilt but my best bet for a plastic clarinet would be the Bliss clarinets. They have a composite material one and also one with a wooden barrel.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: best plastic clarinet
Author: rfoot 
Date:   2009-11-29 16:31

I haven't played many different clarinets, but here is my opinion:

My previous clarinet was a Yamaha 26II, and it was good. The sound was average, but the way the keys played was really good. Even with it being poorly serviced I managed to get through to Grade 8 on it. Hanson make good non-wooden clarinets, made from rubber. The sound isn't too dissimilar from a wooden one, and they're just as easy to lay. And, buying directly from Hanson's, they cost under £500.

Reply To Message
 Avail. Forums  |  Threaded View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 


 Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.
Search Woodwind.Org

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

The Clarinet Pages
For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.

 
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org