 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jtabor
Date: 2013-08-13 23:14
Hi,
I am currently stuck on what clarinet I want to buy at the moment. I have just started playing again and I need to upgrade from my Selmer Signet 100 (it is going for repairs this week).
I have read good things about the Buffet E11 but I have been looking at the Leblanc Bliss series clarinet.
http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/20654/Band/Clarinets/Conn_-_Selmer_Inc/Julian_Bliss_Series_Grenadilla_Clarinet.htm
Has anyone tried the Leblanc Bliss series? Would the E11 be better? Any advice would be appreciated.
-Josh
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2013-08-13 23:28
Don't forget to look at the Buffet E12F. It's a VERY nice clarinet for the money.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a Buffet Distributor
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
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Author: jtabor
Date: 2013-08-14 02:46
The only issue with trying before buying is the only two music stores in my area would have to order in whatever clarinet I end up buying. Most of what they have is in the buffet b12 kind of area.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2013-08-14 05:12
>> I have read good things about the Buffet E11 but I have been looking at the Leblanc Bliss series clarinet. <<
IMO avoid the E11 France model. If you are buying an E11 then only get one that was/is made in Germany. The E11 France (that's the name of the model, it has France written on it) is a discontinued model that has many problems (terrible post mounting system and poor QC).
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Author: joe423
Date: 2013-08-15 01:12
I would be apprehensive to go with the Leblanc Bliss. I know two people who have them and both players have gotten cracks in the upper joint. However, this could be due to not breaking it in properly. Also, how much are you looking to spend?
1975 Buffet R13 Bb Clarinet
1968 Buffet R13 A Clarinet
Pyne Clarion Mouthpiece
Vandoren V12 3.5 Reeds
Vandoren Optimum Ligature
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Author: Wes
Date: 2013-08-15 02:20
If your Signet 100 is in very good condition, it could be as good as some of those mentioned.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2013-08-15 02:21
Another vote for a E12F, or an R13 if you want a pro horn.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2013-08-15 02:34
I would recommend against the Bliss. It's about the same as a Signet 100 that's in top playing shape...
An upgrade would be an R13 or a Yamaha 650 or such.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2013-08-15 19:21
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Bbclarpg.html
For less than the cost of an E11 or E12, you might want to look at the Ridenour 576. A nice instrument, and it will not crack, as it is made of hard rubber. Tom is great about adjusting instruments you purchase from him, should the need arise.
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."
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2013-08-15 20:29
Wes wrote:
> If your Signet 100 is in very good condition, it could be as
> good as some of those mentioned.
Agreed. The increase in quality of intermediate-level clarinets over the past few decades has not been very large. Switching from an older intermediate like a Signet 100 to one of the newer intermediates will likely yield only a marginal improvement unless the older instrument is in poor shape.
A better bet would be to look at professional models. Used professional clarinet frequently sell at prices equal to or lower than the price of new intermediate clarinets. There are also a few lower priced professional instruments (Yamaha YCL-650 and Ridenour 576BC) that can be purchased new at prices similar to intermediate clarinets and are definitely worth considering.
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Author: jtabor
Date: 2013-08-16 13:27
Thank you all for the input and help. The only reason I am looking at getting another clarinet is that my signet has a few issues. It needs the cork replaced, needs to be repadded, and it has a bent key issue. I am at the point right now where I am just wanting a new instrument without the need to repair the one I have.
After I made this post I found the Backun Alpha; has anyone tried this clarinet? I have only found good things about it online and it seems like a decent instrument for the price.
-josh
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2013-08-16 14:55
jtabor wrote:
> After I made this post I found the Backun Alpha; has anyone
> tried this clarinet? I have only found good things about it
> online and it seems like a decent instrument for the price.
>
> -josh
There's not a lot of information about them available at the moment as I think this model has only been on the market for a few months.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2013-08-16 20:12
THere is ua user here who knows these clarinets very well. Look up Tom Pulaski. He is a dealer for Backun products. If you go over to the sponsor links on the right, click on INSTRUMENTS, then CLARINET COURMET. Contact Tom to ask about the Backun Alpha.
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."
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Author: hgp_atx
Date: 2013-08-17 03:33
An R13 is a true upgrade if you want a pro horn. But you gotta make sure you have someone look at it and tell you if its in good condition before you buy. Do that with even new ones because clarinets vary in quality even if they are the same brand off the shelf. If you are looking for used, do the same thing because it could be cracked.
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