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Ersch
(2 points)
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Hey, so I've decided it's time to buy an Eb clarinet, but I'm not sure which kind to get. I don't want a really cheap one that will be out of tune, but I also don't want to spend $2,000. Any helpful suggestions, sucess stories, etc.?
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Hump
(217 points)
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Um, they're almost always out of tune? But really, I've heard people play on plastic Bundys that sounded just fine, and those go for less than $200 used. You'll want to have it set up by a real pro(the best repair guy you can find) so plan a couple hundred for that. And, a good mouthpiece is a must if you ever want to play close to pitch. Make sure the little chromatic 3rd-finger keys haven't been ground off. I've seen a few like that... Some people think these keys cause them problems, or they have really fat fingers, so they grind off the left-hand chrom Eb key.
If you want a good investment, buy a used R13, and make sure it is in great shape. It may cost you 1200 or a little more, but you can sell it for what you paid. It's like playing a potentially sweet horn for free! .... that is, unless you crack it. It will still need to be professional PC'd more than likely, so include that cost when searching. Good luck!
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Phil-McCrevis
(282 points)
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I guess Hump is now the Eb clarinet expert too!
Eb clarinets that play in tune are hard to find so what I do is play everything on the Bb clarinet and transpose.
Try it and watch the magic begin to flow. Everyone will be amazed that the Eb part doesn't blow. You will be a hero.
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stellazirconium
(1 point)
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A good mouthpiece and reed combo goes a long way in keeping it in tune. Work on ear and embouchure.
I suggest a wood E-Flat if you can, since the plastic ones tend to sound bad. I have played both. You're looking at spending around $2000+; might as well buy a used professional or new intermediate E-flat. I play a Buffet E11 E-Flat, but I also played the R13 Prestige E-Flat when I was trying them out. There were no notable differences in tone, or playability. The differences were in looks: the R13 Prestige has a 2 piece body, whereas the E11 is the standard one piece body. The R13 obviously is their "premium" wood, and there were some finish flaws on the outside of the E11 (not really noticable.) Of course though, I used my own mouthpiece and reeds as the ones that come with the clarinet is passable at best. I suggest you do the same or at least use the same mouthpiece to try both.
I have no experience with other E-flat models from other companies however. Someone else will have to help you there.
On the side note, if money is an issue and it's the high pitches that are important rather than the timbre of the E-Flat, it'd be better to play them on your B-Flat instead.
Stell
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tmheimer
(39 points)
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Buffet R13 sounds good. I bought mine in 1975-still use it. Use the stock buffet mouthpice that came with it.
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