 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tiagocunha
Date: 2015-10-08 03:16
Good evening to all, I own a Buffet E-11 (Made in Germany) and I think it's time to upgrade it. Now, my problem is: what do I need? I play in a concert band (I only need a Bflat clarinet there) and in my university orchestra (where I need to play A flat clarinet parts but since I don't own one I transpose). Do you think I should forget the A and buy a better Bflat or use the money I would use to buy the Bflat and try to buy a pair (I saw a used pair of BH Emperors for 900 euros but I don't no if they are superior to an E-11).
Thank you for the help in advance, Tiago Cunha (Portugal)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2015-10-08 04:38
If it were me I'd pick up a good used A clarinet. A Buffet from the 1960's, a Selmer 10 series will work great and should be in your budget range. There's some really great used horns out on the market, often play better than some of the new horns. I didn't like the Selmer 9 series though, but a lot of people did.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2015-10-08 12:02
The Emperors can be nice clarinets. However: they need a different mouthpiece with a special bore. And check intonation very carefully before you buy!
If you have no problems with transposing A to Bb clarinet you could buy a Bb only. Try a used Buffet RC or R13 which will probably come around 1000 euros.
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Author: Dibbs
Date: 2015-10-08 14:22
Only the B&H 1010 needs a large bore mouthpiece. An emperor is a fine clarinet and works with a normal French mouthpiece. It was sold as the upper intermediate model, equivalent to the Buffet E13, with the 1010 and 926 as professional models. In reality there is not much difference between the emperor and the 926. It has the same bore and probably the same tone holes.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-10-08 19:05
I have a number of B & H instruments including a couple of 929's, a 1010, several Emperors and a pair of Edgwares. The 1010 is the only one that requires a special mouthpiece, the other will all work well with any good French-style mouthpiece. As far as sound and tone are concerned, they all play about the same, the difference is mainly in the quality of the build. One of the Emperors is probably the best-sounding one of the bunch.
Tony F.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-10-08 19:48
The question is whether you will need an "A" clarinet moving forward. If there is a chance that you will continue to have orchestral experience, an "A" clarinet is essential. Look, at very least you have the option of transposing using either to get the best technical results.
If, however, you find yourself mainly in wind ensembles, you can forego the "A" entirely and concentrate on getting a better "Bb."
Then of course you may want to consider how serious you want to appear amongst competitive clarinet players. You cannot go wrong with Buffet R13 (still the industry standard, for classical playing that is). There are certainly others that will work fine but you will need a strong backbone (and clear reasons why) to support your decision to play anything else........just be prepared.
..........Paul Aviles
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2015-10-08 19:49
I haven't tried many but the two Emperors I've tried weren't good, with the main issue being uneveness of the notes throughout the range.
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Author: fernie51296
Date: 2015-10-11 12:49
If you want a pair at a good price is recommend Ridenour clarinets. If just a Bflat then check out a variety. I recommend Yamaha over a Buffet or Selmer but that's just me.
Fernando
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Author: Monsterchef
Date: 2015-10-11 12:52
Can't go wrong with any professional level Buffet, Yamaha or Selmer. However, as other members have suggested, consult your teacher before choosing anything other than a Buffet.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-10-11 18:36
If you do go for the Emperors, make sure they're set up so the venting is increased as all too often the ventings are poor resulting in them being very stuffy players. Nothing to do with them being English (stiff upper lip and all that), just poor finishing and the use of far too thick key corks at the factory.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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