Peebo- you seem to have a decent Bb and A, so what`s with the B45?? Some Vandorens work well for some people, but I`ve never heard some play on a B45 and really sound good. They`re very inconsistent anyway. I`d invest time and money in finding a better mouthpiece/reed setup before anything else as far as equipment is concerned.

Bradley

it`s funny you should ask. I`ve actually been playing on my b45 since maybe 8th grade (7 or 8 years ago now), and I`ve never had any trouble. Lately I`ve been attracted to a more closed mouthpiece like the 5rv because of my experience playing on the Eb this fall. My main reason for not switching though has been that I haven`t have time to get to a music score with a good selection in the last two years or so. But my first priority at the moment is to get a better mouthpiece and barrel, most likely moennig. what kind of mouthpiece do you prefer?

If I may:

First, I absolutely love the Clark Fobes I`m playing on. They`re a little pricey, but definitely not close to the most expensive out there. Fairly closed facings, but with a very open chamber. This means lots of control with plenty of dynamic range.

As for Vandorens I`ve tried, you may want to check out the M13, or one of its cousins. I played on an M14 before my current mouthpice. It is the same as the M13, but designed for a slightly softer reed. This one looks to be a shorter facing than the 5RV, but with a similar tip opening.

i`m playing a friends Buescher Aristocrat
can`t identify the mouthpiece coz the markings have faded off

using vandoren #3 reeds .....

Well, I play the E-11 Bb Clarinet, and I was in the middle of looking for a new clarinet. Maybe a R13 or a RC
I play on a M15 mouthpiece, and on Brancher Jazz 4 reeds. The Vandoren V12, 3 1/2 is usually what i played, but those reeds are tending to warp and water logg to easily. M15 mouthpiece is very well made. I played with a B45 about a few years back in my beginning years, and I changed it to a more closed tip.

I`d like to ask one question though;
Those who play R13 and RC Bb clarinets; which is more recommended?

Bonin-

Vandoren V12s are no more prone to warping and waterclogging than any other reed. Make sure you wipe off excess water with thumb and forefinger after playing and keep your reeds stored in any reed case, and you shouldn`t have any problems. You may also want to look into a product called "the doctor`s thirsty reed pad".

As for R13 vs RC, I`ve played them both and didn`t notice a whole lot of differences. Physically, the RC has a different bore size, hole placement, register tube, bell, etc. The RC is several hundred dollars more expensive and extremely popular in Europe, while the R13 is popular in North America. My advice is for you to play test several of each and decide which (individual) clarinet plays best for you. I would also throw in some other models - Buffet isn`t the only brand that makes good clarinets, you know!

i play a selmer, it`s plastic and i use 2 1/2 rico-royale reed

I own:

Yamaha 26II with the 4C mouthpiece and a random ligature (since my original decided to snap one day!)

I`ve been playing since July:

Boosey and Hawkes Emperor with a `windcraft` mouthpiece.


I`m currently `testing` a new one though:

It`s an old (1960`s apparently) Buffet E13. Says `Evette Schaeffer` on it... anyone think its any good? It has a B&H 926 mouthpiece which I haven`t dared try and have been warned off until I own and can clean it... it doesn`t even have a ligature but an elastic band which has rotted onto it.

Does anyone know how I can find out when the clarinet was made? (I have the serial number)... Is it a good buy for £300? Also... I`m looking at new mouthpieces, any suggestions?

1978 Noblet Model 45
Bonade inverted ligature
Vandoren 3 reed

I do not know of the lower model, the Rc or R13, but I have a set of Prestige, and my Bb is an R13 prestige while my A is an RC Prestige. I certainly prefer the sound and feel of the Bb clarinet more.

E13/Evette Master Model is a really great clarinets, I`ve played many that are better than most R13s. I wouldn`t say it`s worth it for 300 pounds, though. It depends on the condition and the instrument itself.

""E13/Evette Master Model is a really great clarinets, I`ve played many that are better than most R13s. I wouldn`t say it`s worth it for 300 pounds, though. It depends on the condition and the instrument itself.""


Was that to me? NOT worth it for £300? A new one would cost me a bomb! It`s all pretty and wooden... Were E13s made in the 1960`s? And what`s the `schaeffer` bit mean? I need a wooden clarinet... my Yamaha sounds nasty compared to the wooden one `ve been playing (but have to give back)...

I own...

Yamaha Bb YCL-34II - I`ve had it for 4 years now. It`s a really nice clarinet.

and

Buffet-Crampon R13 Prestige - I`ve only had it for about 4 months or so. It`s very nice but still trying to "break it in."

Vandoren Traditional 3 reeds
Vandoren Optimum ligature
Yamaha 4C mouthpiece - needs an upgrade; will be getting a Vandoren 5RV Lyre 13 series mouthpiece... tried it and it`s absolutely wonderful... makes the Yamaha one feel like crap!

I dont swear by Vandoren... my teacher just told me to get it :P and so far, so good.

I own and play on:
Selmer 37 Bass Clarinet
Vandoren B45, 46 Mouthpieces
Selmer C* and D Mouthpieces
Bay, BG Super Revelation, and Traditional Ligatures
I play on Vandoren 3, and 3 1/2 reeds

I also own a Selmer Clarinet, and a Yamaha Bass

Emily,

Evette Schaffer was a different line of clarinets made by Buffet up through the early 80s (starting in the early 70s I think, but I`m not sure). As far as quality is concerned most are a small step below an R13. But, I play on one and would put it against any R13. The E11 is a newer model Buffet that`s intended as a intermediate clarinet (maybe another step below the Evette Schaffer). So, essentially the Evette is like the E11 of the past, but not actually an E11. In any event, what you`ve got is a good clarinet that will take you a long way (but eventually you`ll want to replace it with a true professional horn). Good luck.