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06 Oct, 2010
This might be the best sounding clarinet ever made
1 of 1 found this helpful Of the three primary makers of clarinets (Buffet, Selmer and Leblanc) Leblanc was the most experimental and came out with many different models over the years. I happen to believe that the LL was probably the best combination of tonal quality, keywork and intonation they or anyone else ever developed. There is some inconsistancy between individual instruments but when you get your hands on a good Leblanc LL hang on, it may be the best clarinet you will ever play.
06 Oct, 2010
Buffet R-13 Clarinet
In 1955 Buffet developed the R-13 model clarinet. This is the instrument that worldwide is used by more top professional performers than any other. Then as now there were three choices for professionals all made in France and all quite good. Leblanc, Selmer (Paris) and Buffet. When I was a college student in the late 60's learning to be a professional musician I played a Leblanc and my teacher at the time was a devoted Selmer player. As time went on the R-13 Buffet grew to become the leading choice for many of us because it combined many of the qualities of the other two and eliminated some of their problems. The Selmer Series 10 is also an excellent instrument well known for having great intonation but not a particularly warm sound. The R-13 is also known for great intonation where earlier Buffet clarinets were not. The Leblanc sounded great and had great keywork but was difficult to play in tune. The R-13 has great keywork and excellent intonation. While tonal quality is always a great debate and I still prefer my Leblanc LL it comes as no surprise that the R-13 has become the instrument of choice for professionals becasue it is a superior combination of intonation, tonal quality and mechanical reliability.
I am a bit of a collector so I own a number of Buffet, Leblanc and Selmer clarinets. I have to admit the R-13 is the most consistant. If you are a serious student the R-13 is probably the clarinet your teacher will expect you to show up with! However when you do find that special Leblanc or Selmer they can be really wonderful instruments and out perform the average R-13. Clarinets, like all musical instruments, are very personal and having the opportunity to play a number of them before buying is a great advantage.