i was wondering if anyone could give me an opinion on the best clarinets around at the moment. money isn't an issue. my teacher is obsessed with buffets, and i currently play a buffet (well, an old boosey and hawkes) but i've heard that selmers are equally good if not better. i've also noticed that there seems to be various different types of specific professional clarinets, for example the R13 seems good, but theres an R13 prestige for about £500 more ! are the "improved" versions of the top clarinets actually any better ? i will, ofcourse, be trying before buying, but i was just interested to hear as many opinions before hand as possible.

thanks.

Mine is a Prestini, and it works great! It is a beginner clarinet with a wood outside and plastic inside. I personaly like this brand because it has a good tone. Then again, this is the only brand I've tried...

The improved clarinets just have better tone and last longer.

I use Yamaha and It is the top of the line. It is always in tune and it is really great for solos and for general playing. I just bought it new 3 years ago and I had to repair a pad only once. I totally reccommend this clarinet for everyone.

what type of yamaha is that ? i've never really thought much of yamaha for any instrument, but to be honest that could just be my opinion.

I play a Buffet that I have managed to break twice. The first time my dad worked on it with me standing over his back, holding my breathe due to the fact he had only tried to hold my clarinet once before and nearly bit the reed in two. (he played it upside down) The other time it was way down in between the keys and had to be sent out. I played a wooden clarinet instead, made by Yamaha (spelling?) It was pretty good! I enjoyed playing that clarinet those couple weeks. So what I am trying to say without blabbering on and on and on... is that I think Buffet is the best out there, for me anyway, as I did have a bit of trouble getting some higher stuff to come out of the Yamaha. Good luck and have a blast picking one out!
-Maggie

My clarinet is only a yamaha plastic cheapy one but my sister has a Buffet R13 and it has a nice tone and has served her well so far.

buffet r13 are the best kind out there. Their dependability is great and they are relatively cheap. There is also a new line out from Leblanc designed by Backun. These are top of the line and unbelievably amazing.