Intermediate level instrument choices
GaryT
and I need some help evaluating choices. The Buffet E11 seems to be the
standard step-up choice. The price at wwbw.com is $550. However, they are
also closing out the Amati 604, which is listed as an advanced model, for
$699. Would that be better bang for the buck? Then there is the lower cost
Amati 314 selling for $490 at Allman Music. I know nothing about the
workmanship from these companies so your comments and suggestions for these
or any other makes and models is appreciated. She is currently using a
Vandoren 5RV Lyre mouthpiece.
--
Gary Templeman
SFAlexi
I give a hearty vote for the amati. I am moving up from my buffet E-13 to the
Amati. While some people may look at this and think it ludicrous (the E-13
costing significantly MORE than the Amati 604), I have playtested a few in the
Amati pro line and find them to be EXCELLENT. Much better than my E-13, that's
for sure. I have heard great things about the Amati student line as well.
Make sure you by new Amati instruments since they recently had their factory
redone and the newer instruments are MUCH better than the old ones.
BTW, be prepared for the overwhelming response of Buffet lovers who will do
everything to convince you I'm wrong and that Buffet is the way to go (and not
even suggest the other big makers, Selmer, Leblanc and Yamaha).
If you have any questions about the Amati line, email me. I keep in touch with
a distributor and live right next to the USA distribution factory which I visit
once in a while to test the new clarinets they get in. Just for fun, not for
pay :-(
Alexi
Dee D. Flint
"GaryT" <gtemp...@yourclothesattbi.com> wrote in message
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I would personally recommend the Leblanc Noblet or sticking to an instrument
by either Yamaha, Leblanc, Selmer, or Buffet.
Whatever brand you chose, she should play test it before buying. She needs
to check for tuning. Every instrument brand is slightly different in how
the keys feel and she needs to pick one that feels like a good fit in her
hand. If at all possible, if she has a private instructor, that instructor
should check out the tuning.
Rene
instruments both cheap and bad. So they gained a bad reputation. The pro
line may be a different thing altogether, but I cannot say anything
substantial.
The E13 is not a professional clarinet, even if they are trying to tell you.
The E11 is even an entry level instrument. I'd prefer a cheap B12 instead,
which is good enough for the first years. For an upgrade, you might want to
look at the conservatoir models C12. You should also consider the Selmer
Odysee, and the better Yamaha clarinets.
All in all, there is a lot of choice. I am still sceptical about the Amatis,
and would change my mind only after test playing.
Dee D. Flint
"Rene" <gro...@ku-eichstaett.de> wrote in message
news:b8dr4a$91nja$1...@ID-52523.news.dfncis.de...
> The E13 is not a professional clarinet, even if they are trying to tell
you.
> The E11 is even an entry level instrument. I'd prefer a cheap B12 instead,
> which is good enough for the first years. For an upgrade, you might want
to
> look at the conservatoir models C12. You should also consider the Selmer
> Odysee, and the better Yamaha clarinets.
The B-12 is in the same class as the person's current Yamaha 20. They are
looking to upgrade not move across to another student level clarinet. So
unless they upgrade, it would be better to simply have get the Yamaha 20
overhauled rather than by a B-12. Note also that they have spoken of the
E-13 as an intermediate instrument (which it is) not as a pro grade
clarinet.
:D Tiffany 3
However, on the E11, that is a good price. Great, in fact, as far as I
know. I haven't seen them for less than $900 new, but then again, I
haven't been looking. I'm looking to step up to a Buffet R13 and
completely skip the E11, though, because I have a clarinet that I
believe plays better than the E11 (or AT LEAST equivalent to it) which
is an Artley Special Edition (base model number says it is LE200). I
would reccommend the Artley very strongly. It is simply a wonderful
clarinet. I got mine from a local place. I'm not sure if they do
things out of town like that but if you're interested my email is
xxtiff...@hotmail.com and I'll find out for you or give you the
number. (I don't think they have a website.) Just so you know that
it's not just me liking this clarinet better because it's mine: the
person I take lessons from is a very well-known clarinet player around
here (Huntington, Wv) and they have even told me that my tone is just
WONDERFUL, among other things. =) Let me know if you're interested.
"GaryT" <gtemp...@yourclothesattbi.com> wrote in message news:<5Cmqa.89971$gK.1...@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.net>...
GaryT
Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Although I played clarinet back in
elementary school, that was far too long ago for any knowledge to remain.
<g> One weakness is in understanding the advantages or disadvantages of
various keying options. One of the reasons I was intrigued by the Amati is
that it is listed with 19 keys and 7 rings plus an Eb lever, which would
seem to expand the versitility and growth opportunities. Certain other
models are described with trill keys. I do not know how much the additional
options change the already learned fingering patterns and whether changing
from her current 17 keys and 6 rings to 19 and 7 would be relatively minor
or major bump in the learning curve. Are there significant advantages to
having those additional fingering options?
--
Gary Templeman
Rene
> looking to upgrade not move across to another student level clarinet. So
> unless they upgrade, it would be better to simply have get the Yamaha 20
> overhauled rather than by a B-12. Note also that they have spoken of the
> E-13 as an intermediate instrument (which it is) not as a pro grade
> clarinet.
You are, of course, right in everything you said. I probably watched too
little attention to the original poster. However, one answer I got right:
The E11 is not the natural stepup from the Yamaha 20 or the B12. It is just
a wooden replacement.
Thinking about it, I like to add that one should find a clarinet that the
player trusts in (afdter test play), the teacher recommends and the repair
guy knows well (you need one, unless you can fix the basic things yourself).
Then stick with it and learn to make it part of yourself. Likewise for the
mouthpiece. The price is less important in the long run.
Rene
your price of 700$ looks stunningly low. The listed price is even 1700$.
It seems to be a clarinet designed for the advanced player, coming with two
barrels, an extra Eb left lever, rings on all keys, articulated C#/G# (from
the picture) and an a bass extension (cannot comment on this).
For that price, is it DEFINITELY worth looking at. However, I still wanted
to test play. Or have someone else do it.
Rene
Rene
http://www.homestead.com/prosites-allmanmusic/amaticlarinets.html
Also, the clarinet might be quite heavy. It is longer then usual and has
more metal. Just a thought.
"Rene" <gro...@ku-eichstaett.de> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:b8ide3$a6d47$1...@ID-52523.news.dfncis.de...
Rene
http://www.homestead.com/prosites-allmanmusic/amaticlarinets.html
Also, the clarinet might be quite heavy. It is longer then usual and has
more metal. Just a thought.
"Rene" <gro...@ku-eichstaett.de> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:b8iebc$9t4i5$1...@ID-52523.news.dfncis.de...
SFAlexi
>
>http://www.homestead.com/prosites-allmanmusic/amaticlarinets.html
>
>Also, the clarinet might be quite heavy. It is longer then usual and has
>more metal. Just a thought.
www.grahams-music.com lists the 604 at 812 if I remember correctly (I'm buying
one from him in the near future). WWBW listed a closeout sale on Amati 604's
for 699 each. Whether they have any left I don't know. I have playtested
Amatis and enjoyed what I heard. However to each his/her own and you are very
correct to make sure to have someone playtest it before buying. The problem is
finding a place that stocks them. If you live in NJ, you may want to call up
the distribution center in Mountainside, NJ. If you don't, you would probably
have to mailorder for a trial (end up paying the full price and if you're not
satisfied, go through the return process).
Alexi
Forest Aten
> Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Although I played clarinet back
in
> elementary school, that was far too long ago for any knowledge to remain.
> <g> One weakness is in understanding the advantages or disadvantages of
> various keying options. One of the reasons I was intrigued by the Amati is
> that it is listed with 19 keys and 7 rings plus an Eb lever, which would
> seem to expand the versitility and growth opportunities. Certain other
> models are described with trill keys. I do not know how much the
additional
> options change the already learned fingering patterns and whether changing
> from her current 17 keys and 6 rings to 19 and 7 would be relatively minor
> or major bump in the learning curve. Are there significant advantages to
> having those additional fingering options?
> --
> Gary Templeman
>
Gary,
Intonation is critical! All these extra keys are most often not used by the
best clarinet players in the world. As far as most professional players
think....the extra keys offer no bang for the buck. The best and most
consistent manufacturers (listed by Dee earlier: Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc,
Yamaha) produce intermediate clarinets that have pretty good intonation.
If you try the Amati....be sure that the thing plays in-tune.
Forest Aten
Clarinet/bass clarinet
Dallas Opera
Artists Management
very good intermediate instrument.
the E-11 is for smaller hands though most players don't know that one.
David Blumberg (Clarinet Professor)
"GaryT" <gtemp...@yourclothesattbi.com> wrote in message
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Kevin Davis
"intermediate level" instrument. If it is purely a price barrier that is
preventing you from looking into any pro models then so be it, but I would
highly suggest bypassing the intermediate level if your daughter is
seriously considering playing through secondary schools. Consider it in
investment terms: bought a beginning clarinet that will last 5-7 years. Pro
clarinets last as long as the player can stand it, but coming right out of a
beginning clarinet it would most likely last 6-8 years. Throw in an
intermediate clarinet between the two and you end up spending more in the
long run.
As for additional alternate fingering mechanisms, they are hardly if ever
used. Composers are getting more "aggressive" in their writing for clarinet,
but those alternate keys will keep their lacquer on the longest. The key
additions are a purely technical facilitation and although a nice addition
are not completely necessary.
Best Wishes,
Kevin Davis
Florida State University
Collegiate Music Education National Conference
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
kevin...@comcast.net
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