To say I was 'languishing' on my old Buffet E11 would probably be an understatement, and a year or so ago I decided it was time to move up to a professional model clarinet. The choice is overwhelming, and I would always recommend trying out new instruments before you buy them, but here's a ... Read review
Advantages: Bright tone, looks nice, good case Disadvantages: Doesn't come cheap...
...was 'languishing' on my old Buffet E11 would probably be an understatement, and a year or so ago I decided it was time to move up to a professional model clarinet. The choice is overwhelming, and I would always recommend trying out new instruments before you buy them, but here's a hint in the right direction - the Buffet RC Prestige is perhaps the best clarinet in the Buffet range, and Buffet know how to make good clarinets!
In finding ... ...considerably. I tried Yamaha, Leblanc, Buffet and many other makes, but time after time found myself returning to the make I know and trust - that indeed being Buffet. This is with good reason too - the sheer quality of all the clarinets that they make is surely unrivalled, and the clarinets sit comfortably under the fingers. I have always found Yamaha clarinets to be cheap copies of Buffets, and the Leblanc keywork is most uncomfortable.
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To say I was 'languishing' on my old Buffet E11 would probably be an understatement, and a year or so ago I decided it was time to move up to a professional model clarinet. The choice is overwhelming, and I would always recommend trying out new instruments before you buy them, but here's a hint in the right direction - the Buffet RC Prestige is perhaps the best clarinet in the Buffet range, and Buffet know how to make good clarinets!
In finding the right clarinet I must have tried close on 20 different clarinets, which ranged in price quite considerably. I tried Yamaha, Leblanc, Buffet and many other makes, but time after time found myself returning to the make I know and trust - that indeed being Buffet. This is with good reason too - the sheer quality of all the clarinets that they make is surely unrivalled, and the clarinets sit comfortably under the fingers. I have always found Yamaha clarinets to be cheap copies of Buffets, and the Leblanc keywork is most uncomfortable.
This brings me onto the Prestige itself - there are two models in the range - the R13 Prestige, and the RC Prestige. I much prefer the brighter tone of the RC models, with a slightly different bore shape it is not only nicer to play, but more pleasant to listen to. And the difference between the Prestige models and lesser models is more than just the quality of finish - the sound has a sense of purity to it; a warmness that the standard R13 and RC models simply lack.
The African blackwood used on the RC Prestige gives the clarinet an almost sexy quality (yes, I did say sexy!) - a reddy-brown tint that simply is more appealing to look at than your average black clarinet. There are silver plated keys, and the clarinet is hand finished for that little extra quality. Also, the ends of the main joints are metal capped - this is more than just for show, as it helps prevent the wood splitting. There is also an auxilliary Eb key (or low G# if you prefer to call it thus), which I have to say is far more useful than I first thought it would be - it's remarkable how many composers put in fingerings that would otherwise be very awkward! Be aware though, it sticks out a bit so if you're not careful it can be broken (my friend learnt this the hard way).
For your money you get a nice leather case with combination locks, usually (unless the music shop has nicked them) a couple of half-decent reeds, the bog-standard buffet cleaner (I recommend their 'deluxe' cleaner, well worth its weight in gold), and most importantly of all, a Buffet pencil. Call me sad if you will, but it really is a very nice pencil!! Like I said above, it doesn't come cheap, but I've tried more expensive clarinets and have to say this one comes out better every time.
Don't simply rush out and buy the Buffet RC Prestige Bb clarinet (or if you can afford it, a Bb and A clarinet pair) - try a few different ones first, THEN buy the Buffet RC Prestige!
Advantages: A nice rich sound. Uses up my spare time. Disadvantages: Uses up my spare time
...of £32. The Buffet RC Prestige is supposed to be the best clarinet in the Buffet range so I am very proud to have it. Buffet has been making Clarinets for over 175 years and are the worlds greatest. It is made from African Blackwood and is reddy-brown in colour. The keys are silver-plated and are easy to use. This is supposed to give a more even overtone and a rounder sound.
The keys are set out nicely making it easy to play. Of course you have ... ...mistake. A standard Buffet mouthpiece comes with the clarinet, which comes in its own little case. The reeds inside the mouthpiece can split easily so I have to have some as spare. I am now on my third reed.
It is quite easy to take apart and put back together although the keys dig in a bit and can hurt.
The carrying case is quite sturdy and is heavy to carry around.
It has a nice rich sound and is supposed to be responsive although my aunt can’t ...
MissNicole 19.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Buffet RC Prestige Bb Clarinet
Advantages: Great Quality and Sound Disadvantages: A bit expensive
...school i asked for a buffet B12 clarinet for christmas. I kept this clarinet until the last year of my A levels but my clarinet teacher advised me that i needed a new one to progress further. Because of this i then started to try many different clarinets. I tried nearly every model and every make and narrowed it down to a Buffet RC and a Buffet R13. The reason i chose an RC prestige was because of the dark mellow german tone compared to the R13 prestige ... ...the pupils to go for Buffet as they make outstanding clarinet. Even the most basic models are well built and sound good. The one thing i would say is that if you try an RC prestige, do not expect to make a nice sound out of it straight away. The whole way of playing what is classed as a professional instrument compared to a lower model such as an E model or a B model is completely different. Because of this many people are put off but if you do persist ...
musicdave 12.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Buffet RC Prestige Bb Clarinet
