Clarinet Ideas! Options

[Pixie*Porsche]

I'm currently thinking of changing my Clarinet (currently a vintage Buffet BC20) theres nothing wrong with it but i would like a more modern instrument, i think the clarinet plays slightly sharp (could it be due to it being tuned to A=442/4?)

Currently i'm looking at:
Buffet RC Prestige,
LeBlanc Concerto II,
Selmer Recital,
Yamaha CSG.

Also considering a Howarth Clarinet, i'd really like to know what people think of these they look very nice and you have the choice of grenadilla, cocobolo or kingwood, does it make any difference as i do really like the look of the other woods but not sure if they perform as good as the grenadilla!

Other (outside) consideration is a Hanson clarinet (one of the professional serie - rosewood pref!) or maybe even a Peter Eaton does anyone have any opinions on these?

Any other suggestions would be welcome, opinions etc. Budget not really an issue as i am looking for an instrument that will last!

Also what should i ask for a trade in price for my clarinet does anyone have any ideas?

Regards,
Nicia

[stevensfo]

I think you should ask this question on the international forum : www.woodwind.org

Though they are rather biased towards Buffets!

At this level, there is no clear answer. Just don't be in a hurry, and try as many as possible.

Also remember that even when someone has a clarinet that they love, they immediately start worrying about the mouthpiece and barrel to use with it.

Bit of advice: when you go to try clarinets, take some music where you have to alternate between the lower keys a lot. ie Test the keywork! It's surprising how much the keys vary, and they DO make a big difference.

Steve

[Rosemary7391]

I can say that the hanson Rosewood clarinets are very nice - and they will let you take one away for a week so you can try them out etc. The keywork suits my hands well - but that may well be different for you. Try it, try every one you can get your hands on, thats really the only thing to do at this level. You will know when you find the one that you like!

[barry-clari]

Nicia, I'm sure you have a good idea of what constitutes a good clarinet, so I'd recommend trying out lots of different clarinets to see what you like best. Take your time with your decision, and maybe also try out some mouthpieces too. This clearly is an investment in something that's likely to last you for an extremely long time, so do make sure that what you pick is right for Nicia. I can give you my preferences, but they, chances are, will not be the same as yours.

Hope you enjoy your search for the ideal clarinet Nicia. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Carl]

Nicia, I'm sure you have a good idea of what constitutes a good clarinet, so I'd recommend trying out lots of different clarinets to see what you like best. Take your time with your decision, and maybe also try out some mouthpieces too. This clearly is an investment in something that's likely to last you for an extremely long time, so do make sure that what you pick is right for Nicia. I can give you my preferences, but they, chances are, will not be the same as yours.

Hope you enjoy your search for the ideal clarinet Nicia. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I bought a new clarinet last December which will hopefully last me for the rest of my years. I chose the Selmer Arthea. They are a new model and difficult to find but most of the bigger shops such as Howarths and Wood Winnd and Reed are now getting them in. I'm more than happy with mine. My teacher has tried it and also likes it. It has a beautiful tone and is lovely to play. I found the biggest problem for a few weeks was getting used to the extra Ab/Eb key which seemed to get in the way. I had alot of fun trying different models out, so hope you do to!

[Deborah]

I'd recommend trying out lots of different clarinets to see what you like best. Take your time with your decision, and maybe also try out some mouthpieces too. This clearly is an investment in something that's likely to last you for an extremely long time, so do make sure that what you pick is right for you

Couldn't have put it better myself (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

maybe even a Peter Eaton does anyone have any opinions on these?

I love my Elites (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) They make a really rich, chocolatey sound, particularly in the lower register. I'm sure things will improve again when I get some new reeds (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Nicia, it sounds as though you may be heading to the south for your clarinet excursion. I'm just outside London (and only a couple of junctions around the M25 from Peter Eaton), so you're welcome to pop round for a cuppa when you're down this way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Pixie*Porsche]

I'd recommend trying out lots of different clarinets to see what you like best. Take your time with your decision, and maybe also try out some mouthpieces too. This clearly is an investment in something that's likely to last you for an extremely long time, so do make sure that what you pick is right for you

Couldn't have put it better myself (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

maybe even a Peter Eaton does anyone have any opinions on these?

I love my Elites (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) They make a really rich, chocolatey sound, particularly in the lower register. I'm sure things will improve again when I get some new reeds (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Nicia, it sounds as though you may be heading to the south for your clarinet excursion. I'm just outside London (and only a couple of junctions around the M25 from Peter Eaton), so you're welcome to pop round for a cuppa when you're down this way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Sounds lovely, i may just take you up on that offer!

I can't make it down until about Easter time so hopefully then i'll be Clarinet shopping, i have a little research to do and maybe a few more contracts!! I am going to take my time on this and definetely try some mouthpieces out, Howarth have got loads of choice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Got to be the best place to be looking at!

[Kate]

Not long since I went through all this!! Just don't judge anything on what other people say. If someone says "Yamahas are rubbish" (not my own opinion....) don't believe them before playing one. I'm sure you know exactly what you want by now anyway - enjoy it!

[Louigi]

I went through this last year and now I play a pair of Buffet R13 and I love them. my clarinet teacher want to trade his buffet festival with my R13. THat's how great they are. Although Selmar have a very good sound but they are very heavy, especally the A clarinet and it might be a problem performing a concerto on them.

Make sure you try lots of instruments because I know with Buffets every instruments are different and a very good Buffet will last you a lifetime and most people play buffet so it'll be very easy to tune with them.