 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: RyanD
Date: 2011-07-16 08:01
Ok this is going to be a wee bit wordy. I have been playing clarinet for 6 years now. I started on a Selmer Omega student plastic in fifth grade and outgrew it at the begging of 8th grade. I then bought a Yamaha 450N. Im going into the 10th grade when school resumes. I am planning on majoring in music education. The problem is that everyone says that i have an excellent tone even the judges at the Issma state competition where i recived a gold however I feel like I am fighting my clarinet anytime i play anything. If i allow it it will go stuffy. I was in the advanced band at the music for all summer symposium and it seemed everyone else in that band had a professional instrament. They had Buffet R13s and R13 prestige and they all sounded fantastic. After the symposium was over and i came home i called my teacher and asked about the R13s and she said that she would let me try one. When i did i discovered that it was alot easier to play and i didnt have to fight it. However i found that my tone on my clarinet was better and she agreed.
So my question is; I want a professional clarinet that has a beutiful tone. It dosent have to be a buffet. I am open to many brands including: Ridinour Buffet Leblanc Yamaha Selmer and even though i am american i am also intrested in Hanson. Do you have any suggestions on which one i should buy. Im going to go on a big hunt in Indianapolis and try as many as i can but it would be nice to know which ones are worth trying and which ones are rubbage. Be as specific as you can as god knows this question is. Also tell me which mouthpiece goes the best with the clarinet. Thanks Ryan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2011-07-16 09:47
Buffet is the favorite because, in my own opinion, of how INconsistent their models are. Each R13 or whatever model they make are inconsistent in that none of them will play exactly alike. Now that is true to most other brands, but more particular in Buffet. So why would Buffet be so popular because of that? I think it's because since they are so inconsistent, theres a clarinet for everyone. You will have to go through a bunch to find that perfect one you click with, but one person who says one may be unplayable, the next person may find that clarinet to be the best they've ever played on. Now the other brands will have that problem too, but not as much. Brands like Yamaha and Selmer will have more consistency within their models, and there may not be that same kind of flexibility that Buffet has with consumers. But, this is just speculation and no one can actually prove this theory I guess you can call it. But, it's what I believe. So to answer your question on that, I personally don't think you can go wrong with Buffet because I'm sure you'd find one you'd like after trying a bunch. But do not disregard other brands. Try one for your self and judge them for yourself.
Mouthpieces vary just as much as clarinets do. However, unlike the clarinets themselves, I do not have a THIS is the one to solve all your problems because our embochures are completely different. However, Vandoren makes great mouthpieces, if you have the money I'd personally go to a custom mouthpiece maker such as Clark W Fobes, Gregory Smith, Richard Hawkins, and many more to figure out what may work best for you. So it's the same for mouthpieces, try a bunch and see for yourself what works best. Have people listen to you in a blind test (dont let them see or tell them what you play on) and see what they think as well. Hope this helps!
Post Edited (2011-07-16 09:49)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2011-07-16 12:37
RyanD - please remember that an accurate email is a REQUIREMENT for becoming a member of the BBoard. You can hide it from general availability, but the moderators must be able to access it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-16 14:27
RyanD - how much CAN you spend, and how much do you WANT to spend---as in "dollars," (not the generic expression: "as little as I can") ?
This might help to immediately preclude clarinets, that although excellent, are out of your price range, as well as clarinets priced far below the amount you had in mind, for which more money could buy better product.
I take it you have no problems with contributors here recommended instruments somewhat below your price window if they think them as well made (if not more so) than some more expensive models, as well as recommending clarinets slightly above your price window if they think the improvement in quality far exceeds the slightly more expensive cost of the next cheapest option.
Best of luck in finding yourself an instrument you feel really solid in.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2011-07-16 14:40
RyanD,
When was the last time that you had your clarinet serviced? That could be part of the issue of your clarinet fighting you when you play. Take it to a reputable repairman and see what they can do for you. Everything may look fine, but one pad being slightly off adjustment can make a world of difference when you're playing.
Mouthpieces are such a personal option also. Every player is different, and will play a different mouthpiece/reed combination. Where are you located? and are there stores around you that have a good option of clarinets/mouthpieces that you could trial?
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-07-16 15:18
Ryan, if ten people give you their answer you might get ten different answers. There is no right answer for you. The only way you will know what you like best is the try several of each model and type so be prepared to spend a lot of time there and by all means, bring a tuner. It's the same thing with a mouthpiece, everyone is different so me, or anyone else, telling you which is the best for you is a very silly exercise. The only way to know is to try as many as you can with different strength reeds because some will play better with a slightly stronger reed and some with a softer reed.
My advise, look for a clarinet first assuming you already have a decent mouthpiece. There is no better mouthpiece for any given clarinet. Ask to try what they have in stock in your price range, there's a big price difference between some models, as much as $2k or more. Then look for the general feel and tone quality of the one's you try. Evenness in quality throughout the range, full tone and smooth feel. Then once you pick say 3 or 4 of the best ones then the most important thing happens, you look for the best intonation. Warm up each clarinet for a few minutes and then check the 12ths to make sure they are not to large, e-b, d-a etc down to low e-b. Then make sure the throat tones are not flat when the concert A, your break B, is at A440-441. You don't want flat throat tones. A bit sharp is better because when you pull out a little at the barrel those will be effected more then anything else and can also be corrected easily with fingers, tape or a longer barrel. Remember, no matter how much you like the tone and feel of a clarinet intonation is the most important thing. You have to be able to easily adjust any note that is not perfect, and no clarinet is perfect.
Once you choose a clarinet and get comfortable with it you can then go on a mouthpiece hunt if you need to at a later date.
Make sure you can take it on approval for a week or two so your teacher can try it before you buy it. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RyanD
Date: 2011-07-16 20:18
Sorry about the email not being avaliable i thought i put it on. But i must have messed that up how do i fix it?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Laurelin
Date: 2011-07-16 22:09
I agree with concertmaster3. Ask your private teacher who the best repair tech around is, and take the clarinet you already have to that person. If you feel like it's 'stuffy' and you have to fight it to get that wonderful tone, chances are you have some air leaks - pads that are not sealing completely. If this is true, then you get a clarinet that you know sounds wonderful, and now it plays easily - for way, way less money than buying a whole new one costs.
Save the 3500 for an A clarinet or something. Get your beautiful sounding instrument to a good tech, have him/her check for pads not sealing correctly, maybe get some of the cork redone and the keywork oiled. It'll play better.
The other thing you might check that might induce stuffiness in clarinets is key height. if the key isn't lifting high enough off the tone hole, that can produce resistance and sometimes a bit of a buzzing to your tone. If a key is lifting too high off a tone hole it'll make that note sharp, though.
"if I allow it it'll go stuffy" sounds more like pad sealing issues than anything else, because if you clamp down hard enough on the keys, the pads will seal anyway. But your hand will cramp, and your fingers will be slow.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-16 23:42
I agree to at least rule out the repair route RyanD--if you already haven't done so.
and so just we're absolutely clear with each other, you seek a single Bb clarinet, not one (1) Bb and one (1) A pitched clarinet right..?
by the way, you told me your limit 3.5K....now, how much to you WANT (not CAN) to spend (i.e. how much to you see yourself spending)..remember you'll need/want things after a new horn is yours....
..like an "A" clarinet as mentioned prior by me and others before... assuming you DON'T seek both Bb and A horns as I ask above...
You do imply it's 1 horn you seek, but maybe that's wrong, or maybe 2 horns is something you should consider going into this endeavor.
Best of luck regardless!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2011-07-16 23:52
It's all too was to dig at Buffet, I'd probably be considered an underboss (or less, who knows...) in their mafia, but they are quite good instruments.
Plenty of other brands though, so good luck!! Get what you feel comfortable, sound good, and are in tune on.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RyanD
Date: 2011-07-17 09:25
In responce to ThatPerfectReed I am seeking a Bb clarinet only. Im alittle bit tired of getting my clarinet repaired as it seems it breaks every other week. I take alot of care with my clarinet so much so that i have been late to my next class a few times. Despite this the keys that I use for the throat notes fall off alot. As to the question of what i would like to spend i would say less then 3000 but the thing is my local music store overcharges like crazy for their instraments infact they charged me about 2000 for my used 450n. And all the websites i have found for places in Indy have there cheaper professional models for around 3000. Also aside from the clarinet i dont think i will be buying any expensive accsesories for awhile as i already have a fair selection on mouthpieces and ligatures including a pamarico ruby. Vandoren 5rv and a selmer hs*.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2011-07-17 18:26
You should give MuncyWinds a try for some clarinets. Or even have one picked out by Lisa Canning. Though Lisa only picks out Buffet instruments, I've heard some great things from people who have gone through her. They both don't over charge as they go for the minimum retail value that Buffet asks for, so you're not getting ripped off.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-07-17 23:10
I don't think its been mentioned in this thread yet, but check out different barrels for your omega. A barrel can noticeably change the resistance and responsiveness of a clarinet and it is not going to run you close to the cost of another clarinet. Worth trying.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-18 01:14
My 2 cents--recognizing many other opinions are valid.
I take it you're not that far from Indianapolis given your writing. I found a quick search of airfare rountrips to NY was about $200--maybe that's terribly wrong. And it sounds like, also from your writing, that prices for clarinets in Indianapolis aren't much discounted.
So consider coming to NY, and taking the walk down 48th St in Manhattan (music store row) and visit the woodwind shops, not the least of which being Buffet's NY Headquarters
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buffet-Crampon-USA-New-York-Showroom/103996739642722
Where you can try many instruments, and Buffet models, AND take the short trip out to Long Island via safe public transportion to Weiner Music's storefront
weinermusic.com where they can have a try a whole bunch of clarinets too.
Weiner's been around for atleast 30+ years and moves a LOT of Buffet clarinets (they specialize in woodwinds) at very competitive prices. Or visit them online if you like. I have no affliliation with Buffet or Weiner.
A prior poster suggested Muncy, which I concur with, as well as wwbw.com .
(I bear no affiliation with any clarinet maker or seller.)
Wait--I hear it coming, so I'll try to preempt it. NY is a major music capital--but music and musical instrument sales occur everywhere. Buffet is a strong clarinet maker, but other strong ones exist as well.
I'm just about going with the odds Ryan: having a large inventory of Buffets (and mouthpieces) to try, I think, might, given your price range, be the path of least resistance. That there are wonderful clarinet makers, from Bakun, to Selmer, to Rossi, to Leblanc, to Yahama, to Ridenour (especially for the $), to whoever else I didn't mention, I think we all agree.
And for all the credence I give to professional instrument testers who work on your behalf, the clarinet has to fit YOU Ryan.
If additional 411 on how to buy a clarinet in the Metro NY area interests you, contact me offline from the board. I'll be happy to give you precise instructions on how to get everywhere safely. You'll need a plan to make your time in the big apple efficient, and hopefully do this trip in 1 day, avoiding stayovers.
And for all you say about seeking just a Bb horn, consider that Tom Ridenour can sell you 2 excellent horns, one in Bb, and one in A, which if your serious about the clarinet you'll need the A instrument down the line, for what it might cost to buy just one of some of the other brands.
Again, best of luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RyanD
Date: 2011-07-19 18:17
Thank you everyone. You gave me some things to consider and i apreciate it..
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
