 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: 47tim
Date: 2014-08-08 04:27
I was wondering, is the Buffet Model R13 really worth it? I'm not on the rich side, and I'm still in school, so I don't want to go about shelling out five grand if it isn't worth it. I've heard mixed reviews about the R13.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-08-08 04:34
I wouldn't pay 5k.
$3,200 (nickel) about 3.6 (silver).
As you advance, you need better equipment. Which brand/model - ask your teacher. I play R13's, have for decades, so I'm biased.
Ask here, you get 30 folks recommend 10-15 different brands of instruments.
R13's remain the standard in my part of the country anyway.
Go play test 5-10 at a music store. If you notice a significant difference over what you're currently using, the yes, its worth it.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: 47tim
Date: 2014-08-08 04:41
Thanks, Paul, but there's one issue. They don't have or sell any R13's at any of the music stores near me, so it isn't really possible to try one.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-08-08 04:44
Bummer. Hopefully someone else on the board knows of a store in San Diego that does?
If you try a bunch of them, you can then decide if they work for you or not.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: 47tim
Date: 2014-08-08 05:01
I'll have to ask around about other music stores I don't know of, anyways thanks for the help!
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Author: Filettofish
Date: 2014-08-08 05:03
If trying one at a store near you isn't an option, perhaps you'd be interested in ordering used. I bought my clarinet from halfway across the country, as the seller was gracious enough to leave a 3 week grace period for returns. Used clarinets are often cheaper and less prone to cracking, as long as they were kept in good shape and maintained throughout their lives. The R13 seems to be one of those instruments where you love it or hate it; some people are Selmer fans, Leblanc fans, Backun fans, and there are us Buffet people. Despite which clarinet is your favorite, the R13 is still the standard in orchestras across the States, despite the increasing popularity of Backuns. Just something to keep in mind!
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2014-08-08 05:35
Back when I was in school, with my parents' help and my clarinet teacher's guidance, I bought a used 1961 Buffet R-13. It was quite a bargain, but was still expensive based on my family's means. I played it all through high school and college and loved it.
I have tried many other clarinets over the years, but none has been better than that R-13 (I should note that many others have been just as good, or "differently good"). I still own it. And I now play it again regularly. It may be the best money I've ever spent in music.
Just my experience. YMMV.
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2014-08-08 05:41
Since you are in San Jose, I suggest you go to Music Village, Union and Foxworthy Avs. They always keep several R13's around. Ask for Don, the manager. Tell him Jerry sent you ( maybe he'll still talk to you anyway).
Jerry
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Author: avins
Date: 2014-09-09 16:06
I enjoy the R 13 so much that since owning one about 6 month ago I enjoy my long tones practice , because the great thing about this clarinet is its big warm sound
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2014-09-09 17:31
I have a vintage Buffet that is supposedly one of those unmarked R13s. It plays super well and I only spent $600 on it. I say play a bunch of different ones, new or used, as long as it sounds good to you then does it matter if it's a brand new name brand? I have an "Artist" brand clarinet (some obscure brand most likely found in a Sears catalogue like 60 years go), and it plays and sounds nearly as good as my vintage Buffet and I only spent $50 on it. So as long as it sounds good and feels good to you, then go for it!
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-09-10 03:39
I don't play an R13 regularly myself, but I've played a fair number when I was considering buying one and I've had a few in for repair. My experience is that good ones are very good, but not all R13's are good ones. The quality of the instruments as they come from Buffet seems to be very patchy, both musically and mechanically. About half of the new ones I tried needed work to make them playable, most needed setting up to some extent and the tone ranged from superb to just above duck callers. I eventually decided that buffet ergonomics don't suit my largish hands. I play a Bliss and a B & H Imperial. Neither have the tonal qualities of the best R13's, but both are the equal of most.
Tony F.
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2014-09-10 05:14
"...is the Buffet Model R13 really worth it? I'm not on the rich side, and I'm still in school, so I don't want to go about shelling out five grand if it isn't worth it. I've heard mixed reviews about the R13."
It completely depends on what it's worth to you. Nobody else can tell you; but if you're thinking of putting out $5K for a horn you need to try as many as you can get your hands on Buffets and anything else The advice above to consider something used is good advice. If you buy a R13 and have to change everything about how you play - reeds, mouthpiece, ligature and embouchure as well as adapt fingering to a new instrument it could set you back a long way. Don't assume that getting a new instrument is going to fix all your problems. It won't necessarily. It might just give you a whole bunch more you thought you'd already fixed.
Personally I wouldn't pay $5K for any Buffet horn.
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Author: James S
Date: 2014-09-10 06:31
It is worth the money, especially if you have someone sorting and selecting for you. Shoot me an email, 47tim!
James
Owner, James' Clarinet Shop
www.jamesclarinetshop.com
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Author: Wes
Date: 2014-09-10 08:54
When I bought a new R13 Bb clarinet at the WW&BW in 2005, it cost me about $1600 and I was able to try about ten of them. Now, in 2014, the same instrument will cost about twice as much. It still plays like new.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-09-10 21:58
I borrowed a stand partner's R13 the other day and was impressed how really well his played ... I prefer my Lyrique Libertas, but a good R13 "doesn't have any flies on it", if you know what I mean ...
A Buffet that is well manufactured and well groomed can be quite nice.
Frankly, I am surprised that clarinets don't have a street price of double what they are currently. If you watch the video of the Buffet production, it is amazing all the steps and care and "touch labor" that goes into the production of an instrument. I am sure most good clarinets get the same ...
One advantage of an R13 is that it maintains it's value over a long time and is easy to sell. I don't know if any other professional clarinet, regardless of model, make and year can boast such resale value. The downside is that you will pay $1500 and up for a 20-year old instrument.
Looking at things from another angle, if you can buy a different but equivalent or superior brand/model clarinet for 1/2 the price of a R13, the depreciation differences don't matter as much ...
Try as many brands and models as you can ... and get then best one you can afford.
Tom
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Author: bensimmonds
Date: 2014-09-20 10:21
I've had the R13 for about 16 years now. Bought 2nd hand then, and it's worth around the same now. Recently overhauled and it still plays beautifully.
All that said, I'm sure I could be swayed away from it with the right clarinet at the right price. I'm starting to consider whether I might enjoy playing something else - and that for me is the operative word. Enjoyment. You have to enjoy playing your instrument regardless of what sticker it has on it. My advise would be to get around to all the music shops and just play. Check out all the instruments in your price range and even a couple above it.
Consider second-hand also. Why shouldn't you let someone else do the hard depreciation?
"You do things that some people think are impossible, and that's what separates the men from the boys" ~ Artie Shaw
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