Ok, so currently I have a Yamaha student clarinet that I'm renting. My clarinet teacher wants me to buy a professional clarinet by next june, and I wouldn't mind a better clarinet.

My question is, what is the actual difference between a student model clarinet and a professional one? I know that professional clarinets are made out of wood, but why is there a 2,500$ difference from a Buffet E11 and a Buffet R13. They both have the same keys, and the wood is both the same. Is it just the quality of wood?

Also, when I do go to buy a clarinet, I'm thinking of not just trying Buffets, but other brands too. Anyone recommend any? My final choice will be on the sound of the clarinet, not price or brand name.

The difference between a professional model and student model can be very slight but make a world of difference. Do not assume 'wood' is your only choice for a professional quality instrument. Often student model instruments are designed to help the student hit the correct notes, but very few can get a top quality porfessional tone from one. A professional instrument can get a better sound or tone that you just can't get with a student model. Professional instruments use more 'heartwood' and lesser instruments will use wood further from the center of the tree. Obviously there is less heartwood available and that results in higher prices to use that type of wood. But the grains match and it lasts longer.

Buffett R13's are probably the best known professional quality clarinet. However there are intonation issues you have to stay on top of. Another professional quality clarinet NOT made of wood is Ridenour. He is using modern technology to avoid using so much wood. There is a lot of wood gone through to make a single clarinet.

http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/

I have a friend with a pair of clarinets from this guy. A set of 2 (Bb/A) for less than the price of one buffett. The tone is consistent, the scale is excellent. He is using them professionally. I do not think he gets the same gorgeous deep tone as the Buffett, but it is nice and in tune. Also I think the professional world is going back to a more lighter sound quality on many instruments.

If you are going to purchase a professional quality instrument have the instrument played by your teacher and/or a professional. They will be able to put the insturment through it's paces and find things you don't know about yet. Every Buffett is different. You don't have the ear or techniques to test what the new insturment can do (well you don't have the ear and technique YET). With a good instrument you will get them.

Oh, I remember I saw those clarinets a while back.

Wow... 1,000 for a professional b flat and 1,200 for an A clarinet. Totally amazing. It's about 7,100 for a b flat and A clarinet from buffet.

The only problem is, I'd like to try it out before actually playing it. Oh, and my teacher has already told me she will be coming when I do buy a clarinet. I should see if there are any stores that carry those clarinets. They look really nice!

Tom does offer a 5 day trial policy...more info can be found on his website.

I think it says that you have to pay for it first, and the 5 day trial thing is like, testing it out, then you can return it if you want.

Anywho I emailed them and I'm hoping for a reply.

There are quite a few music stores where I live, and my clarinet teach might even know someone that owns one that I could perhaps try.

I'd really like to know if anyone has tried these clarinets or owns one themselfs.

Dont just lurk =)

in my opinion, I would still save for the buffet, they have excellent craftmanship and will last, plus sound amazing! I wish the fox double reed company would make clarinets, lol

I have played Tom's instruments. They are well well crafted and have a nice tone. I prefer my Buffet, but if I had to buy a new horn and didn't have help from my parents...I would definatley go with his horns.

Currently, the fact is that I do have enough money for a buffet, but not for an A clarinet as well, although I would need to buy an A clarinet in a couple of years. Sadly Buffet R-13s A clarinets are 3,700+ after tax new, which is quite expensive.

If I did buy one of Toms lovely clarinets, I could perhaps even indulge and get a Bassett A clarinet instead (Yay Low C!) along with a nice B flat clarinet. Im wondering if there is even a case for a B flat / Basset A in exsistance?

Now my only problem is with the trail period, 5 days could not be long enough, and since I live in Canada shipping will be more, and if it goes over 5 days, he acts as if the clarinet is bought.

So I asked my clarinet teacher whether or not she knows anyone that plays one, or if she does see anyone that plays one, that I could perhaps compare it with a Buffet R13, or go to the music store and compare it with several clarinets.

It'd be really nice to grab one of these clarinets, and working part-time I can make back all the money in a matter of months.

The basset joint fits a standard one of his A clarinets...but the lower joint comes in a seperate case.

I apologize. If you buy the basset with the upper joint as a complete set, It comes in one case. If you purchase the lower joint IN ADDITION to an A, the basset joint comes in a separate case.

I know that if I purchase a basset clarinet, it comes in a case and if I purchase an A clarinet with the bottom joint of the basset clarinet as extra, the bottom joint is in a separate case. My question was, is there a double case for B flat and basset, like a B flat and A clarinet case.

Take the weekend off, fly to Manhattan. Go to AK Wind Instrument Centre 701 7th Ave. Talk to Alex. You'll probably get a used Clarinet of your dreams for around 750. And you can try them to your hearts content. Just bring your fav mouthpiece. I spent two glorious hours there. Played on every make of clarinet known to man or woman. New and used. Finally bought a beautiful Noblet (intermed. LeBlank which are not made any more.) If that doesn't work there are three other stores just around the corner. The clari and the flight will probably be cheaper than buying a new instrument and you'll have a wonderful weekend in your fav stores surrounded by all those beautiful instruments. And the older used ones are already "broken in". Only one problem: You might not want to go home!!! . Happy blowing. Check out his website www.akwic.com

Uh, theres only 1 problem. I'm under 18, plus I don't think my clarinet teacher wants to fly out to NY just to help me buy a clarinet. It's a nice thought though. Personally, I'd ask some other people if it was worth it, but I might want to wait a few years to buy a clarinet there (I'm still in highschool =X )

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Also the website you gave me, all the clarinet links don't work. D=

One question, why do you absolutely want to buy new? Can't you find a used Buffet which will cost you less than a new one, and then still have some money to start thinking of buying your A clarinet in a couple of years?