Hi guys

I have the chance of buying a pair of Buffet RC Prestige clarinets, B flat and A, for 1,800 UK pounds total.

They date from about 1972, hence the price.

I have been playing the clarinets myself over the past 18 months so know them well and know they are all in working order.

What I don't know is whether I really need an A clarinet. I've used it for the Schumann Fantasiestuck, yes, but wonder if I'll really use it enough long-term to justify the purchase.

Maybe I should wait a few years till I have more in the clarinet kitty, then simply buy a new B flat instrument?

Or is this a deal I shouldn't let pass me by?!

I am 40 yrs old, currently Grade 6/7 and hoping to carry on playing till my dying day, but not in a pro capacity, just in amateur orchestras/bands.

All advice most gratefully received!

Rob

I can't speak for adult orchestras - but my daughter uses her A clarinet in all of the orchestras she's involved with, so at least once a week in term time. She doesn't have much/if any call to use it in her school wind band, though, so if you're heading in the band rather than orchestra direction you might not need it.

She hasn't used it much for solo work. Like you she's played the Schumann. Also, Mozart clarinet concerto and the Stravinski things whose name currently eludes me.

My daughter is still not very keen on her A clarinet and tends to avoid it where possible! So.. I'd say if you've found one that you enjoy playing then go for it!

As its already been said you only really need an A for orchestral work - but it is important for that. There is a reason the composers wrote for the A - why use a Bb for an A's job?!

I'd say you've got a good deal for ?1800. Buffet were making good qualilty clarinets in the 70's and I think that it was before the introduction of the 'Prestige' range so they would have been top of the range instruments.

Is the Bb ok for you? It's the one that you'd be mostly playing so I'd base your decision on that more.

Not enough. I can't get into an orchestra : the clarinettists seem to take root there

I wouldn't be without mine; when you need it you NEED IT (just talk to the clarinettists in the orchestra I play bassoon in... f# major is no fun at all!)

Get the pair. Live on beans on toast if necessary.

If you get the chance to play in an orchestra you will need an A.
I play in a couple of windbands and can't get a place in an orchestra so I dont actually NEED an A; but when they get down to my name on that reserve list I will be able to say "Yes" straight away! Also there is a great deal of difference between NEED and WANT....I desperately wanted an A and I derrive an enormous amount of pleasure from owning it and playing Mozart on it or the Schumann Fantasiestucke. I play it for an hour once or twice a week and it is worth every penny.

Ok, toast and beans it is!

Thanks very much for all the replies. Very useful advice, most appreciated.

One final question, any tips in London on where to get them serviced? I know Howarths of course but they're pricy.

Rob

Whereabouts in London?

Doesn't really matter. I live SW but work centrally.

My repairer's in Bromley, so probably a bit of a trek for you. Michael White in Ealing has a good reputation for saxes

Bromley is doable - I assume you mean the man http://www.stephenbutler-repairs.co.uk/


I will try either him or Mr White.


Many thanks again!

Yes, that's the one

I've had the call. I NEED my A.

YAY!!

Thank you. I am thrilled to get into an orchestra at last.

Really happy for you!