 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: inalim
Date: 2014-09-07 02:24
Hi there everyone !
So I've been playing a Yamaha 250 for about 7 years. I purchased it in middle school and used it all the way through high school. Now that I am moving on to play in my college's wind ensemble I would like to know what clarinet I should consider buying . I won't be able to afford a R-13 buffet for at least another year so I was wondering what is the next best thing for a price equal to or lower than $1,000 ?
Also I have a M30 Vandoren mouthpiece and a Mitchell Lurie metal ligature .. Do you have recommendations for better ligatures and mouthpieces ?
Post Edited (2014-09-07 02:27)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2014-09-07 03:01
instead of saying "buy this", I'd like you to ponder about the following:
- what do you think is the "bottleneck" in your current setup?
- is there a minimum standard - formally or silently - required by your current or future environment?
just these two questions will steer you into a certain direction. Could be the reed, or the mouthpiece, or the instrument, could be hours invested in practicing, could be money invested into a formidable teacher - I can't tell from here. Just so much - it probably isn't the ligature.
Good luck, and I mean it seriously.
--
Ben
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Author: inalim
Date: 2014-09-07 03:30
I posted this knowing my skill level .. I am merely asking for suggestions for a step up above a plastic clarinet I've owned for quite a while. I wasn't blaming my clarinet,ligature,mouthpiece or anything like that .
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-09-07 03:30
There are many fine professional level clarinets available second hand on the market that are every bit as good or better than the "fashionable" R13" but because they are not fashionable are significantly cheaper.
Any one of those would be a significant step up from your yamaha 250.
Consider the professional models from Leblanc, Selmer and even Yamaha and you are most likely to find good examples under (often far under) $1000.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2014-09-07 03:41
inalim, I didn't mean to say you blamed your equipment. Sorry if my answer suggested otherwise.
About your question - Norman got it right, look for a 2nd hand instrument of these fine makers. There is just one model - the one you feel confident with. Try as many as you can. Keep variables at a minimum (bring your own equipment and compare). Be open-minded, don't limit yourself to a certain brand before you've tried the others.
--
Ben
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-07 06:09
I was in your same situation last December (I have a Yamaha 200ad) and now I have a Buffet E11 which I enjoy a lot. Be sure and try one. Also check out the Buffet E12f and E13, LeBlanc Bliss, Backun protege, Yamaha 650,or Ridenour 576. All are fine instruments and I suggest trying all of them that you can get your hands on. You can also consider a new barrel, bell, mouthpiece, ligature or reeds to change the sound of your current clarinet or the new one if you feel it's necessary. Whenever possible try before you buy and do your research. Good luck on your search!
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: efsf081
Date: 2014-09-07 08:01
I think leblanc should be your best choose. Compare to Buffet, Yamaha, the 2nd hand price of leblanc is lower. The key-work and wood of leblanc is great. Unlike E11(which use plastic at the tone hole), even the middle level Leblanc wood clarinet is a "whole wood" clarinet.
You can get a nice leblanc wood clarinet(rapsodie, sonata, esprit) at $500. Then you can have money to repair/ set up the clarinet, or buy a better mouthpiece.
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-07 18:14
efsf081 wrote:
> I think leblanc should be your best choose. Compare to Buffet,
> Yamaha, the 2nd hand price of leblanc is lower. The key-work
> and wood of leblanc is great. Unlike E11(which use plastic at
> the tone hole), even the middle level Leblanc wood clarinet is
> a "whole wood" clarinet.
>
> You can get a nice leblanc wood clarinet(rapsodie, sonata,
> esprit) at $500. Then you can have money to repair/ set up the
> clarinet, or buy a better mouthpiece.
I wouldn't say that 2nd hand LeBlancs are anybody less expensive than second hand Buffets. E11s frequently go for $500 or less on the auction site that shall not be named and I have seen E13s sell for about the same. In fact I saw a r13 sell for $500 at my local music store.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-09-07 18:27
Check out a Buffet E12F.
Or look around for a used R13, or a used Yamaha 650. (Yamaha's are wonderful...)
If that is outside your budget, used E11's can be had for under 1000.
Just understand that if you buy used,you really want to be able to play test it first - and have a teacher check it out for damage, repaired cracks, etc. first.
Also expect some maintenance anytime you buy a used instrument - figure a trip to the shop if buying used. There are almost always a few pads, key corks, etc. that need to be replaced on used instruments.
Good luck in your search.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2014-09-08 07:34
Also in the $1K range is the Ridenour 576 BC. This is a very nice instrument which will outperform the Buffet intermediate instruments listed above, and gives an R13 a run for far less money. I have had one for several years and am quite satisfied with it. For a little more money (~$1600), the new Ridenour Libertas is supposed to be a real gem.
THe nicew thing about these clarinets is that they are hard rubber, which will not craxck or distort as wood does.
Additionally, you would be purchasing direct from the designer of the instrument, who has your satisfaction as his main goal. Check it out here:
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com
Usual disclaimers apply: I am a satisfied customer, who had had great experience with Tom's products. Nothing more.
“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: BobD
Date: 2014-09-09 01:23
A used r13 would be my choice for around a Grand.
Bob Draznik
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-09-09 01:31
I second Jeff Albrecht's suggestion of getting the Ridenour Clarinet which there is a model under $1000.
They are built really well, and the tuning is excellent!
I work with Tom as his enforcer......  (no I don't, well... did for one guy actually)
Then again, Ricardo has referred to me as his consigliere!
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Bubalooy
Date: 2014-09-09 02:53
I just got a used Leblanc LL for well below 1000. It is an older model clarinet and I think that is why it was cheap. I am not sure what the present top line Leblanc is and it replaced the Opus model. The Opus model, I believe, is what replaced the LL which was the top of the line. The one I got plays really well. I'm not sure I could say an R13 is better. Perhaps I was just lucky to get it so cheap but you might want to check around.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2014-09-09 03:04
I bought a Leblanc LL 5 years ago. I intended to have it overhauled and sell it to a student who was in need for a better clarinet. Well, 2 years later I sold my Buffet RC Prestige and kept the Leblanc. Superior intonation, homogenity of registers, great tone an easy response. I don't need a better instrument. If you can buy an LL I would say go for it.
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Author: avins
Date: 2014-09-09 11:03
I had the yamaha 650 untill 2 years ago which I liked very much , but although I wanted then the R13 , I didnt think the price justified my level of playing , I left the clarinet for 2 years and came back to it recently .This time I decided to go for the best , I know its not what you want at the moment , but I got the R13 , this clarinet is way and above anything else Ive tried especially as for tone quality, I use M30 VD V12 3 but got the legere 3 1/4 which I prefer over cane , Ive just ordered 3 1/2 as the 3 1/4 is just that little bit too soft,
to sum up, I think the Yamaha 650 is an excellent clarinet all in all , argonomically mechanically and sound
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Author: efsf081
Date: 2014-09-09 14:01
Yes ,Yamaha 650 is great. It is made by unstained wood, and the case is very cool too, look like the case of buffet festival or prestige. I try one from my student before, highly recommend.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2014-09-09 20:22
A 1930s-vintage Kohlert, see other thread "Who Killed Kohlert", get one for $50 and have it overhauled nicely for another $200, save a thousand bucks or more for your college expenses 
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Author: MSK
Date: 2014-09-10 01:54
I purchased a nice vintage Evette and Schaeffer K series (made by Buffet) for $150 from that auction site. Paid another $150 for local overhaul. $300 got me a great wooden step up instrument for my son. Used R13s in working condition are hard to find under $1000.
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Author: inalim
Date: 2014-09-16 03:17
Thanks for your advice ! I ended up purchasing an E11 Buffet for only $500! Super happy with it
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-16 05:06
inalim wrote:
> Thanks for your advice ! I ended up purchasing an E11 Buffet
> for only $500! Super happy with it
If your anything like me you'll love it. Have fun!
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2014-09-17 04:59
I would say anything by Yamaha in the wood models...they are good but try to test one at least
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Author: locke9342
Date: 2014-09-17 07:10
Regarding the Ridenour 576 bc , I recently bought one (under 1000 and he was really flexible on financing and everything) and honestly I was disappointed. The tone for the most part sounds the same as my buffet b12 except for the lower region which sounds better and the throat tones which on some notes sound worse( mainly just a buzzing noise when I do side keys). There is also a really high pitched squeak that comes with my F - G on/above the staff along with the actual note that comes and goes. It is also heavier than my B12 which is causing me some problems with my thumb, but that's not the clarinets fault. However the tuning is much better and I have I really like the register key. Now all these things should be taken with a large piece of salt considering I have only had it for 1 or 2 weeks and Tom or Ted( I get the two confused) tried to help me to the best of their abilities although it didn't really help much. I am also not a professional, just a a High school kid trying for all state. On a side not my teacher tried it and said she liked it, but didn't have the lively feeling a wood clarinet had, but she's kinda biased.
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