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Re: Adjusting to C Clarinet

Author: tims
Date: 2014-10-09 08:18

I have Ridenour C that I play regularly. Although it will work with the Bb mouthpiece you have, plan on at least testing it with several different mouthpieces to find what works best for you (for both tone and pitch). Also consider a soft ligature and traditional (thin) cut reeds if the brightness bothers you. Sit down with a tuner and map out the pitch variations because they will not be the same as what you are used to on your Bb or A. The key work on the Ridenour is more like a student instrument or an old Noblet than a Buffet or Selmer and will feel significantly different when you move quickly between that and your Bb or A. To me it feels more foreign than when I switch quickly between my Bb and my Eb (both the same brand).

That said, you do get used to it and can play it in tune without a lot of work (some of the low notes are a little more work, but still reasonable).

I would rather play the Ridenour than a Buffet E11 C ($2200) or any of the old Noblet models that are floating around, both of which have some serious tuning issues. The only other C in this price range is the Amati C, but I found it completely impossible to play in tune. You have to pay considerably more for a better C clarinet than the Ridenour. A friend used the money he saved to purchase a custom Backun barrel and bell for it along with some fine tuning by Backun's shop and still came in well under the cost of any instrument that plays nearly as well.

Buffet RC Prestige ($7,750) is, of course, a fine instrument. I have not tried the Practicola C ($3500) and Selmer only makes Cs on special order (probably at least $9000).

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