Selecting an instrument
Pricing
Our goal is to offer clean, good looking and completely functional instruments for about half of the lowest price you would pay
for the same or similar new version from an online retailer. Prices at a local music store would be substantially more.
When we make purchases, we expect that a complete servicing will be needed.
These 2 factors limit the amount we can afford to pay, which restricts our ability to offer some highly desired models.
Occasionally, a complete servicing is not needed and we can confidently offer these instruments at a reduced price.
The supply of and demand for most makes and models in the used marketplace distorts the value relationship
between models compared to the current new selling price.
Usually this means we can offer better instruments for less than half of their new selling price.
Wooden Selmer (USA) and LeBlanc clarinets are good examples.
Some models are priced at slightly more than half and/or are only rarely available.
Wooden Buffet clarinets and all Bass Clarinets are in this group.
Unlike most consumer goods, the age of a musical instrument is a very poor predictor of condition or suitability.
Selmer introduced the plastic bodied clarinet in 1948, Buffet the polycylindrical bore in 1954. Since then, Valentino
synthetic pads, which can be installed on any clarinet, are the only substanial inovation. IMO, adjustable thumb rests are usually not
needed and can be trouble.
Many instruments are lightly used for several months or years and then sit in the memory closet. Instruments that are used heavily
also receive regular maintenance.
What is good?
Quality
The timing and duration of musical notes are totally controlled by the person playing the instrument. However, there are three other
qualities of notes that are heavily influenced by the equipment.
Pitch refers to the frequency of the vibration. The more accurate the notes are and the more correct the
intervals between notes, the better the instrument's intonation.
Volume refers to how loud the note is. The more similar an instrument's volume when changing between notes, the more even
it is. Projection also refers to how loud notes are. The easier it is to change how loud the notes sound, the more
responsive the instrument is.
Tone may be more subjective than scientific and is sometimes referred to as 'color'. Tone that sounds more like a trumpet is
referred to as 'bright'. Tone that sounds more like a violin is referred to as 'dark'. We often hear the terms 'sweet' and 'warm' used
to describe tones between 'bright' and 'dark'.
All woodwinds rely on 'over-blowing' to double or triple the range of notes that can be played using the limited number of tone holes
that can be controlled by 8 fingers and 1 thumb.
Flutes and piccolos are relatively easy to overblow by increasing the speed of the air stream. Woodwinds with reeds require
additional vents to facilitate overblowing. These vents are called 'register' on clarinets and 'octave' on saxophones and double reeds.
The placement of these vents controls the interval between registers and octaves. These vents disrupt the fundamental frequency produced by
the vibrating air column and allow the harmonic notes to sound.
Regardless of the type of overblowing involved, the placement and size of a tone hole that would be ideal for one register or octave
would not be ideal for the other registers or octaves that use the same tone hole.
The best result is a compromise that balances pitch, volume and tone across the instruments range.
On clarinets, two techniques are used to refine this beyond compromise, undercut tone holes and
polycylindrical bores. These work because they influence one register more than the others. However,
instruments with these features are not necessarily better than those without them. Also, instruments with polycylindrical bores
require precise breath control and are more difficult to play.
Mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, the player's embouchre and even their oral cavity all influence musical quality. The intonation of a clarinet
can be severely degraded by a poorly matched mouthpiece. Comparatively, saxophone mouthpieces have greater influence on tone and
projection than clarinet mouthpieces. However, picking a suitable mouthpiece is critical for early success and advancement.
More information about mouthpieces.
The idea that any woodwind inherently 'plays in tune' like a piano is an oversimplification. What we want
is an instrument that 'can be played in tune' with an even response throughout its range. The easier it is to do this, the better.
Value
As general guide, if you want someone to learn to play music, purchase the best instrument your budget permits. In most cases, better
instruments are easier to play in tune. (the much desired Buffet R-13 is a notable exception)
However, students typically spend the first 2 or 3 years focusing on learning to play the correct note, at the correct time, for the
correct duration. Playing in tune and with expression are advanced skills. There is little or nothing gained, in the short
term, by providing a better instrument to a beginner. They might sound a bit better than they actually are.
All of the instruments offered here meet a minimum performance standard. Student, intermediate and most professional level instruments
play easily and they all can be played in tune, but the effort and control required to do so varies.
Don't purchase a professional level clarinet for a beginner. The springs will be set to provide a lighter touch and are more easily
opened by overblowing. Breath control is an advanced skill and prerequisite.
Be careful when considering the purchase an intermediate level flute for a beginner. Silver head joints and bodies are fine and do
produce better tone. Open holes can be plugged until the player is ready. The extra note on a 'B' foot may not be used, but the extra
keywork might get in the way. Definately get an offset 'G' which makes the flute easier to play, especailly for small hands. Avoid
flutes with an inline 'G' for this reason.
Beware of poorly designed and constructed instruments being offered at attractive prices, often by retailers that you might normally trust.
A used instrument offered by a private party is often a good deal, but it can be risky. Make sure that it's still a good deal even
if it turns out that a complete overhaul will be needed.
Usually, a reconditioned brand name instrument offers the best value.
Plastic Clarinets
History
Early clarinets were made of wood.
Metal clarinets were made for marching. Compared to wooden clarinets, they were more expensive to produce and were musically
inferior. However, they don't crack when exposed to temperature extremes.
The Selmer company revolutionized the clarinet market with the introduction of the plastic bodied clarinet in 1948.
Not only were they comparatively inexpensive, they were also of good quality, sounded much like wooden bodied instruments and could stand up to temperature extremes.
They were so good that production of metal clarinets was completely halted by all makers within a few years and resources were turned
to develop models to compete with the Selmer instrument.
The original model was numbered 1400. It was marketed as Bundy until the early 1990's, but is available today as a Selmer 1400B.
Although it inherited acoustics from it's French mother, the keywork is more rugged and heavily nickel plated.
All except the earliest have stainless steel springs, rods and pivots. Over a million have been made.
All parts are interchangeable except for a few keys from the earliest version.
It is the standard by which all other plastic bodied clarinets continue to be judged.
Recently many makers have changed from PVC (poly-vinyl-chloride) to ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). Apparently, this change has
been forced by enviornmental issues. ABS is lighter and can be given a brushed wood-like finish, but should hold up equally well.
Unfortunately, both tone and projection seem to suffer.
The Best
Only 3 plastic bodied clarinets have been developed that exceed the performance quality of the Selmer 1400 based on accuracy of intonation,
evenness of response and tone.
Selmer developed a model that shares the acoustical design and keywork of their intermediate wooden instruments.
Originally labeled Signet it is available today as the CL-301 and 311. Intonation is very good and it has a wood-like tone.
It is generally available used as the CL-300
Yamaha has offered a number of well built models that are acoustically accurate. The Model YCL-20 is essentially equal
to the current model YCL-250 and is widely available used. The older models YCL-24 and YCL-26 has some variations in
construction and the more recent YCL-1/Advantage features silver plated keys, but are similar performers.
They all are brighter than most clarinets which is good for marching band, but not so good for other work.
LeBlanc has made a string of undistinguished models, but the V-40, currently labeled Vito 7250 is a standout performer.
In addition to good intonation the tone is most similar to wooden bodied instrument. They have finally switched to stainless steel
hardware. However, I can only recomend this model with caution attached. All Vitos have extra plastic or flashing at the bottom of the tone
holes. This is a normal result of the molding process that should have been removed, but wasn't. Sometimes it is symmetrical and only
diminishes the evenness of response. Often it isn't and diminishes the intonation as well. Unless this is removed an inconsistant result
can be expected.
The Rest
Listed alphabetically by maker and model and described as compared to the Selmer Bundy/1400. Plain steel means the springs, rods
and pivot screws are subject to rust.
Armstrong 4001, 4006 lighter, small tone holes are good for small fingers. Plain steel.
Artley 17s, Prelude/18s lighter, small tone holes are good for small fingers. Plain steel.
Buffet Evette early models were hard rubber with metal insert in upper joint. Plain steel. Discontinued.
Buffet B-12 early models made of PVC are better than more recent models made of ABS which blow sharp in the
middle register of the upper joint. Plain steel.
LeBlanc Normandy, Vito Resotone, Resotone(2), Resotone(3), Claritone and 7212. The Dazzler was
like a 7212 in bright colors. All use plain steel. Discontinued except the 7212.
LeBlanc 7214 somewhat better acoustically when flashing is removed, but earlier versions continued to use plain steel.
Yamaha YCL-21,22 and 23 are undistingished earlier models, the 24II was made by Leblanc. Discontinued.
Wooden Clarinets
In General
Wooden clarinets are not recommended for youngsters. They require more care than plastic clarinets.
More information about care.
Do not use a wooden clarinet for marching or pep band. They cannot tolerate exposure to extremes or sudden changes in temperature.
Blowing warm air through a cold instrument rapidly creates tremendous internal stress. OTOH, I'm very skeptical of assertions that either extremes or
changes in humidity can cause cracks. The forces involved are weak and slow acting.
Wooden bodied clarinets sound better than plastic bodied clarinets. I don't know why, they just do. If you have interest, there is an
ongoing controversy to be joined. If you only want it to sound better, get a wooden clarinet.
As a material, wood is much more costly than plastic. It takes decades to grow to usable size and years to be properly seasoned.
More than half ends up as waste and there are losses during the production process.
Naturally occurring internal stresses are not evenly distributed when wood grows. Additional stresses build up during seasoning.
These stresses are unevenly released when wood is machined. These forces can distort the dimensions or cause the instrument to crack.
A visual inspection of wood billets, which are split not sawn, can reveal characteristics that are associated with these stresses, as well as other defects
like knots and worm holes. A billet that is free of defects is more valuable and will be used in producing more expensive instruments.
Still, the performance characteristics of the same model wooden clarinet can vary slighty between individual instruments.
A properly repaired hairline crack will not affect performance or longevity but will substantially reduce the selling price.
More information about cracks.
Most wooden clarinets are made from Grenadilla or African Blackwood, which is not the same as Ebony. It is a member of the Rosewood
family. A few models have been made from Honduran Rosewood, which has excellent acoustical properties but is more difficult to machine.
Intermediate or Step-up Models
Instruments are designed and made to be sold profitably at a specific price point. The street price for intermediate models available
today range from $600 to $1100. All of today's models have been available for many decades with the most significant changes being the
maker marks and increased offerings of silver plated key work. The Yamahas have been around since the 70's, all the others since the
40's or 50's.
Listed alphabetically by maker and model with quality groupings of good, better and best based on intonation, evenness and tone.
Good
Amati, Ernst-Rediel, 301, 311 and 314 current 311 is a very good value at $600 street.
Armstrong 4018, 4012, small tone holes are good for small fingers. 4012 have plastci barrel and bell.
Artley All models, small tone holes are good for small fingers.
Buffet Evette precursor to current E-11.
LeBlanc Normandy, Jeffrey, Normandy Special, Normandy 4, Vito VSP and Noblet 4 are all very similar, except
for age. Change to Noblet 4 label comes with huge increase street price. Earlier models are a good value.
Off Brands and Orphans various models are typically priced here between $222 and $250. They all meet a standard of
acceptable performance and condition. The best choice when budget is a major concern.
Selmer Bundy Wooden body, sometimes with plastic barrel and/or bell. Same design as it's plastic bodied twin.
It defines the minimum performance standard and is a good value. Plenty of them out there, but it has been discontinued.
Better
Buescher 400 Special same as Selmer Signet Special, but with really cool rings.
Buffet E-11, Evette & Schaffer, Evette Master Model, E-12.
LeBlanc Noblet, D.Noblet, Noblet 27, Noblet 40 all very similar in construction and performance. Recent price
increase for the model 40 make it a poor deal, but earlier models are very good values.
Selmer Signet, Signet Special, Signet 100, 100, CL-100, CL-103, CL-200, CL-201, CL-211 all very similar except for age. CL-2xx models are slightly more refined, less free blowing.
Plenty are available used, which makes them a very good value. The only wooden models made in the USA today are a good value at $1000 street.
Best
Buffet C-13/International top of the German made Buffet line. Very similar to the R-13 model. Limited
distribution but very good value. IMO, the most balanced of Buffet's models.
LeBlanc Noblet Artist, 45 and Millennium Recent price increase for the model 45 make it a poor deal, but earlier models
are very good values.
Selmer Soloist and Omega the best clarinets ever made in the USA. Not many available, but worth looking for.
Yamaha YCL-32, YCL-34, YCL-450 all are similar. The YCL-34 is the most available of the 'best' intermediate
models and usually an excellent value.
Professional Models
Buffet R-13, other models made in France Buffet has offered professional quality instruments with modern key work
since early in the 20th century. Until recently R-13s have not been labeled as such. Models made before the polycylindrical bore was
introduced in 1954 (serial # 48xxx) are not in demand, so be careful. Demand for polycylindrical models keeps used prices very high
and limits availability. These are not for the casual player. They have smaller tone holes in relation to the size of the bore which makes
them resistant, as opposed to free-blowing. This imparts an advantage when playing the Altissimo notes and especially when playing softly.
The down side is they are more difficult to play and projection is diminished. I recommend using a close mouthpiece with a hard reed, clamp
down and blow hard. Embouchure must be developed and maintained to be successful. The Buffet website has a serial number lookup feature
to date the production year, professional models only. Intonation is variable. The 12th is often wide. Many have been customized to
correct specific problems. Keywork often needs attention, probably due to greater use. The right hand pinkie cluster is mounted closer
and less perpendicular to the body. A problem for players with short pinkies. It feels different than all other clarinets. Tone is sweet and warm, neither dark or bright.
Leblanc any model branded LeBlanc Noblet started making clarinets in the 1750s. The Leblanc line was added sometime
after 1904. These are the most generally available professional models and usually excellent values. There are no published manufacturing
dates. Intonation is excellent, evenness usually is too. The Classic X models and earilier issue without a model designation are very
similar to the current Concerto model. The Symphonie X models are very similar to the Opus. All the models with an 'L' prefix are wonderful
clarinets. The Dynamique X and Pete Fountain models have very good projection, while they aren't really resistant they seem to require
more air. Tone is full, more dark than warm.
Selmer any model made in France Henri Selmer began making clarinets in 1898 and exporting to the USA in 1904.
All models have been of professional quality, but improvements were accomplished in the 1920's and again in the 1950's. Those made
before 1954 lacked model designations, but fairly complete serial number lists have been published.
Tone holes are large, projection is outstanding, but they do require more air. Selmer's are preferred by Jazz musicians, most notably by
Benny Goodman, but they are actually quite flexible instruments. Demand is strong, but supply is pretty good and they are usually very good values. Earlier unplated keywork often
needs attention, probably due to greater use. Intonation and keywork improved with the Series 9 and later. The Series 10G was produced
to compete with the Buffet R-13 and is a superior instrument. Tone is full and dark.
Yamaha YCL-52, YCL-6X, YCL-72, YCL-8X, YCL-CS, YCL-CX, Allegro and others Yamaha has been producing excellent
clarinets since the 1970's. Their website indicates the starting and ending year each model was made, but you have to write to
request a production date. Intonation and evenness are near perfect. Keywork and projection are very good. Tone is mostly sweet and warm,
but the higher notes can be somewhat bright. Very responsive and flexible.
Flutes All these models are well constructed. Silver plating is less subject to wear and is less slippery,
but will tarnish if exposed to sulphides (cooking onion, rubber bands). Solid, Sterling or Coin silver improves tone with the greatest impact coming from the head joint.
Student Closed (Plateau) keys, offset 'G', most with 'C' foot, most have silver or nickel plated body and
head joint
Armstrong 102, 104, earlier unmarked for model
Artley 110, 18-0
DeFord student (unmarked), ELD
Emerson Alpha, student (unmarked)
Gemeinhardt M2, 2SP, 2NP
Other Brands and Orphans Various models
Selmer Bundy, Bundy II, FL300 (some unmarked for model), FL301 and FL302, Signet and Signet Special
Some have solid silver head joints and others also have solid silver bodies.
Yamaha 221, 225
Intermediate Open (French) keys, in line 'G', some with solid silver head joint, some with solid silver bodies,
some with one extra note, referred to as a 'B' foot
Armstrong 103, 303 C and B foot models, 303 has solid silver head joint
Artley 15-0 'C' and 'B' foot models
DeFord 6 'C' and 'B' foot models, solid silver body and head joint
Gemeinhardt M3, 3 'C' and 'B' foot models, some have solid silver head joints and others also have solid silver
bodies. Special headjoints are also available.
Other Brands and Orphans Various models
Selmer Signet, Signet Special and some unmarked for model 'C' and 'B' foot models,
Some have solid silver head joints and others also have solid silver bodies.
Yamaha 261, 265, 281, 285 'C' and 'B' foot models.
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