 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Titus
Date: 2014-05-09 06:10
Currently, I play on an intermediate model (Buffet e11). I am heading into 11th grade and my teacher thinks it's time for me to upgrade as I have outgrown my student model.
She, like everyone else, recommends the Buffet R13 (at a shop where I can playtest it).
However, I do want to explore other options as this is most likely a purchase that will last with me for years (if not 10 +). What are your thoughts on the Backun Protege and the Ridenour G-1? They are both under $3k and seems to be great models. However, I haven't seen a review of the G-1 except for the Sherman Friedland one.
Thanks for your opinions in advance!
Post Edited (2014-06-06 01:34)
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Author: tylerleecutts
Date: 2014-05-09 06:50
I wouldn't get the Ridenour G1. If you want his best work, check out the Libertas, for under 2000.00. It's supposed to be fantastic.
As far as non-Buffet brands, John Bruce Yeh strongly recommended the SEV and CEV models by Yamaha. The Patricola line of clarinets are also very good, as well as a Leblanc Opus (they're discontinued, but the remaining clarinets out there are VERY good.)
I recommend an R13 (obviously, I play on one). Why? I can almost guarantee that most reputable shops will have more R13s than the models listed above. The "try before you buy" part in this is HUGE. I went through trying almost 20 very well set-up R13s before i found the flexibility that I wanted with some core stability. Why? Because ALL WOOD IS DIFFERENT. This concept has been proven in not only clarinet manufacturing, but in other wooden musical instruments as well. For instance, two Steinway pianos of the same model will play differently. Not to say that the other R13s I tried were bad, but you need to look at what you like.
As far as plating goes, I personally don't believe it affects the sound. I use nickel plating, and prefer the feel of the metal to silver.
The real question is: how much are you willing to pay, and how many clarinets you are willing to go through to get "the one".
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Author: Titus
Date: 2014-05-09 07:48
I will also look at the Libertas.
My budget is no more than 3k (give or take a couple hundred). I am willing to try out as many clarinets (well, depending on how many the shops can provide) to find the right one for me.
If I go the R13 route, I will probably look at the nickel plate (no allergies and I don't have a preference with plating type) or a good used one.
I don't know how I can acquire and Opus or a Concerto now, but I've heard a lot of great things about them.
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Author: AAAClarinet
Date: 2014-05-09 10:59
I got a Ridenour Lyrique hard rubber clarinet and it is incredible. You won't need to try several as they are very consistent. You could get a libertas and have money left over for a great mouthpiece, sheet music and lessons.
AAAClarinet
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-05-09 17:31
I'd test drive the Lyrique Libertas ... I have one and it's very, very good. If you don't mind some (less of them everyday) people looking askance at your choice, IMHO the way to go ... you can almost get a Libertas B-flat and his current A clarinet for $3K.
As far as Buffet clarinets, I like the Festival the best ... not owned one, but played some on extended loans. The Festival (unless you find a used one) is a bit over your $3K limit ... I discovered the Festival after I had purchased my last R13.
I suspect the Yamaha instruments are fine, as usual.
Selmer has always made great, and sometimes unusual stuff, but most would be over your 3K limit.
Try them all, but please use the resources of a really good teacher.
Too many great choices ... good luck!
Tom
Post Edited (2014-05-09 17:34)
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Author: Intonation
Date: 2014-05-09 18:35
The backun protege is also a very fine horn! Though it is very difficult to find a dealer. I had to drive 3 hours to Menlo Park to try one out. But I am very glad I did it, I've been traveling all around California looking for an R13 that played the way I wanted. I was curious of the backun clarinets so i gave It a try. It outplayed EVERY R13 I've tried. There are many factors that can go into it though. And through all the excitement I didn't look for that "depth" that I like about the R13. Intonation DEFINITELY went to the Protege though. The tuner I used was frozen green, except the altissimo G.which I like considerin that for my current setup (also a buffet E11) altissimo G is on the spot with the fingering I use but the side key Eb/Bb is higher in pitch. I find that altissimo notes are easier to manipulate than most other notes on clarinet (depending on the fingering). Definitely keep the Backun in consideration though, just make sure to try before you buy.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2014-05-09 20:24
The Yamaha YCL-650 doesn't get much attention on the BBoard these days, but many examples of them are superb instruments, and they're an outstanding value. If I were in the market today for something like a basic R13, I'd be sure to try a few 650s before finalizing my decision.
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Author: Titus
Date: 2014-05-09 23:12
The G1 are still sold on Ridenour's website (I checked with the site).
The Libertas sound great from everything I've read on read on the board so far. A solo recital would be great with the model. However, can its sound blend in with an ensemble that uses wooden clarinets?
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-05-10 03:29
Titus - I have good success in "blending" my Libertas in a community band with an eclectic collection of many clarinets. My sound is rounder and sweeter than most wooden clarinets, which have more "edge" to the sound. This is partly a function of design and partly the material.
If nothing else, the average timbre blend of the section benefits by adding the Libertas typically nicer sound to the mix.
The Libertas has better intonation than most clarinets, but with a good setup, has the flexibility to tune within the ensemble, temper chords and make beautiful music.
Tom
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Author: Titus
Date: 2014-05-11 01:08
Thank you Tom! If the Ridenour Libertas has a trial policy, I will definitely give it a spin when I have a lesson.
Hopefully, I can find a store with some Backun Protege on hand as well.
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Author: Titus
Date: 2014-05-11 04:07
One final question.
I just found Tom Ridenour's ebay page where he sells used clarinets. Obviously, no one recommends buying anything like clarinets on the bay, but since he is a reputable dealer, would it be more okay? Titus wrote:
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Author: super20bu6
Date: 2014-05-11 18:30
I'll second the vote for Patricola. Loving my CL2. Don't ignore them...check out WWBW's trial on them. They're worth a try.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-05-11 21:52
"Obviously, no one recommends buying anything like clarinets on the bay,"
Can't imagine where you got that idea......
Bob Draznik
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-05-12 05:00
Titus - Tom is extremely reputable, so wherever he sells (be it Amazon,eBay, website), as long as it is him, or his Son, you can't go wrong.
Always, always be aware of a store's return policy - his is liberal, but there are Music Stores who once the $'s are spent, no refunds, only credits.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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