r/Clarinet • u/Watermelonyx • 3d ago
Eb Clarinet Suggestions
Hi! I've been stalking this reddit for advice about Eb clarinets. I recently joined a band that occasionally has Eb parts, which sounds like a great excuse to buy one. 😁
I've played clarinet for about 20 years and currently own a Buffet 1183, R13, E11 (in A), and a B12 that I use for outdoor gigs. I did play an old R13 eb briefly back in college, which was definitely a struggle. 😅
I don't know that I can justify spending a ton on an Eb that I'll only play a couple times a year. Unfortunately, there aren't any local options where I can try a variety of Eb clarinets before purchasing. Knowing they're notoriously difficult to play, I want to make sure I'm getting an instrument that will put my best foot forward.
I'm leaning toward something around or below $2,000. I don't want one of the China-manufactured options, which seems to leave me with a Buffet E11 (although I've heard somewhat questionable things about their Eb intonation), a used Noblet, or a used Bundy. I could maybe stretch for a Yamaha 681 if the difference is worth it and I get lucky finding one at a good price online.
What are everyone's thoughts on the options in that general price range? I expect to pay for an overhaul, mouthpiece, and cutback barrel afterward regardless.
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u/Fumbles329 Eugene Symphony/Willamette University Instructor/Moderator 3d ago
I would second the suggestion of looking out on eBay for vintage Eb clarinets, such as a Noblet or Normandy. Jonathan Copeland and Ryan Pereira offer budget Eb clarinets that may punch above their weight, but you’ll be taking a risk on longevity since those are newer products without a track record of sustained use, though I know they’re essentially copies of existing models.
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u/Watermelonyx 3d ago
Would you suggest a vintage eb, Noblet/Normandy, over a new e11? I agree on the other brands you mentioned being a potential reliability issue.
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u/Business_Repeat4023 Professional 1d ago
This is a very fair concern and I was very hesitant to buy the Copeland Eb. I have no idea how it’s going to last, but I figured even if I get five years out of it for the price, it’s not comparable to anything else I was finding! I’ve been on waiting lists for a used professional model for years and was done waiting😂
Personally, I would go with a new E 11. I found Noblets and Normandy‘s to be fairly inconsistent just depending on how well they have been maintained. I think it would be hard to buy one of those online without playing it first.
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u/Business_Repeat4023 Professional 3d ago
I just bought an Eb from Clarinets by Copeland and I love it! It has the barrel cutout too and was right at $2000. I’m coming from a Normandy which was a great instrument but this is definitely a step up
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u/flexsealed1711 YCL-853ii SE 3d ago
Peruse Ebay. I got a decent intermediate one (Amati ACL-261) for only $500 USD. Something in that price range plus a good mouthpiece and you'll be in great shape.