The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2012-09-03 11:03
Hello Everyone!
Ok, so I realize we've covered this a few times in the past but I still want a bit of reassurance on these clarinets. I am on a limited budget and am most put off by the crazy shipping rates to New Zealand. So, I have a few quick questions:
What do you think of them, are they as good as the hype?
How much of an improvement would one be over a buffet E11 (my current clarinet)?
If I get one, do you think I should invest in the nicer mouthpiece and extra Ab/Eb key?
What reeds have you found work well in conjunction with the Ridenour mouthpieces and the clarinet.
Finally, does anyone have any more recordings of the instrument?
Thanks for the help, any advice you have on this model would be GREATLY appreciated, as a poor student, I am quite nervous about purchasing things like this.
Thanks again!
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2012-09-03 11:46
First, I have never had the opportunity to try any Ridenour clarinet, so I can't say anything about them but I may have answers to some of your questions.
Mr. Ridenour does have recordings made by himself on his website.
I would gladly trade my left Ab/ Eb key of my Buffet RC Prestige for more accurate intonation and more uniform resistance.
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-09-03 12:36
To Mr. Sonicbang, I would say that your Buffet Prestige has a lot more to offer than just a left Ab/Eb key. Also, the Ridenour's promised uniform resistance and more accurate intonation has yet to be established over all other instruments available. I'm presently taking internet classes with Charles Niedich and Yahuda Gilad (Play with a Pro). Strangely in neither case has the Ridenour hard rubber clarinet yet made an appearance.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2012-09-03 14:54
It may cost something extra, but try before buy.
richard smith
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-09-03 17:22
Tom Ridenour's way of blowing requires a resistant clarinet, and the ones he designed (Leblanc Opus and Concerto, Selmer Signature) have that characteristic. He says that this produces a more even scale than the Buffet R13, and for me it certainly does.
However, for me, the resistance gets in the way of my ideal, which is that the tone feels like an extension of my breath. Ridenour clarinets (again, for me) have a numbness -- a "blow here and it comes out there" feel.
Many top players (Larry Combs, for example) don't feel that, or aren't bothered by it. YMMV, but it's something that you should think about when you try a Lyrique.
Ken Shaw
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Author: donald
Date: 2012-09-04 06:58
I have played some Ridenour clarinets that i thought were quite good, but KBB music brought two into the country (on my recommendation) some years ago, and these were not good instruments. A friend of mine (former principal Clarinet in a pro orchestra) has also had the experience of buying one over the internet (directly from Ridenour), and while he was happy with the result I found the poor set up of the instrument dispointing and honestly didn't think it was money well spent.
I WISH i could say only good things about these instruments as i have loads of respect for Mr Ridenour, and he gave me a free reed adjusting lesson at a clarinetfest once that was really really edifying...
I would recommend getting your E11 overhauled by Maurice Reviol (google him to find his website), Gordon Palmer (both in Ak) or Music Services in Wellington. Avoid "Dr Toot" and KBB are no good at "setup" work. Also, if you want a session adjusting your clarinet (pad height and filling tone holes, trying different barrels) then email me- I'm happy to do this for a price of a Kebab meal at Kebab Stop in Mt Eden.
donald
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-09-04 15:51
I was hoping that someone would have something good to say about Ridenour's new wood clarinets. I accept the notion that ultimately rubber instruments will exceed the reliability and tone of wood, but for the time being the romantic and aesthetic attraction I feel for wood instruments exceeds my desire for something perfect. The current offerings in hard rubber (including the Lyrique) seem to be more cheaply made in the key work and in other aspects. For this reason alone I feel justified in not owning one. When hard rubber instruments are offered with the same level of craftsmanship as the pro horns, I'll be proud to make one my own.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-09-04 17:50
Would it be possible to take the body of a Lyrique and put R13 keys on it to get the best of both worlds.
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