What is a good brand for a new clarinet? I have been playing for three years on the same one and it isn't getting the job done for where I am now so I was wondering if anybody could help me with some good brands of clarinets. Feel free to get spacific

If you're in a band or ensemble, see what the director wants you to have. At my school all of my students play on Buffet horns because that's the sound I want. I recommend the Buffet R13 if you want to get the best, but there are other great horns out there with different sounds. Leblanc and Selmer have made some awesome horns, just depends on what you want to sound like.

Also, try out 2 or 3 identical horns when youre ready to buy and pick the best one. Good luck.

Personally I like the Leblanc line. It is said that the Buffet R13 and the Leblanc Concerto are tied and the only difference is pure personal preference. For the last 3 years I’ve played on a Leblanc Concerto 2. Its a great instrument but the mouthpiece that comes with it (the eddie daniels) was too "jazzy" for me so I recently bought a Vandorren B45. The leblanc Opus is also great and it is comparable to the Buffet R13 prestige. Any of these are great professional models. Hope that helps!

I agree with both of them. Most have Buffets. My...I guess section leader still uses a plastic clarinet and he's the best player ever, seriously. What i'm trying to say is that it depends on you mostly and not on the clarinet but go with the Buffet.

Personally, i find Yamaha an excellent brand..

Personally, i find Yamaha an excellent brand..

Personally I prefer and use the Buffet RC. It's a sweet little thing and for anybody who has been playing for 3 years will last many more to come. The problem is that they sometimes r a bit pricy, however if u can get a second-hand RC that is still in good condition and not cracked, then that would be the way to go. New, they can r usually worth about $3900, but apparently the RRP is $5050, or so they say in the music shop catalogues!

As for a mouthpiece, I got the Vandoren M13 Lyre after playing the plastic clarinet for a few years and use it now with the RC. I find it great for band, orchestra and solos. I must confess, however, i dont know how it would hold with jazz. The only bummer about the mouthpieces is that u have to buy a ligature. Most prefer the leather style, but i found a $115 silver, single-screw ligature. This was probably unnecessary though, and it’s starting to look like it’s rusting….. not good. The strap ligatures r probably more worth it.

noblet are very good

As you'll find most people may have personal preferences. Leblanc, Buffet, Selmer Paris, etc.

The first criteria you have to figure out for yourself is what price levels are you looking at. Otherwise everyone is going to point you to the highest and best quality instrument out there.

You can buy new, or used/ vintage instruments. So you really have to figure out exactly what you are looking for before searching for a new instrument.

Personaly, I have a couple Leblancs, Selmer Paris and Buffet instruments. They all have their particular qualities and I use them in different settings.

just take a look at this compilation of information:
http://www.saxmaniax.com/snclarinet.htm

yeah i am as well about to look into some clarinets and finally get myself a wood one.

most people suggested buffet R13 or leblanc Concerto II, but as i was looking at buffet's, there was a Buffet Vintage R13, and my only question is, is it really any better or worse or justthere for the sake of having hte vintage model.

if someone could get back to me on that, that'd be nice.

Here's the details i found online for it from catalogs
Buffet R13 Bb Vintage Professional Clarinet
The Buffet R13 Bb Vintage Professional Clarinet has one conical V2 66mm barrel and one cylindrical V. It has been crafted by Buffet with silverplated keys, undercut toneholes, specially treated polycylindrical bore, and a silverplated adjustable thumb rest. Crafted in high-quality unstained grenadilla wood to ensure evenness of tone and response. This is a clarinet that is reminiscent of the original '50s R13. Buffet includes a luxurious calfskin leather double pochette case with the R13 Professional Clarinet.

so, yeah- help plz ^_^

Delicioso:

You should start your own thread.

As for your question, Make sure you like the vintage sound before you buy. It's different, good but different. Definitely play test, play test, play test as many horns as possible. My best advice is don't buy without play testing. Good luck!