Buffet R13 vs RC Clarinets | What's The Difference & Which Is Best?

[@billducker7404]

Thank you for your video which was very good - I’ve tried the Buffet Clarinets since 1970 when virgin Hawks started to fail to deliver their instruments. I doubled with the S1 for awhile as it was said to be the large ball instrument. I then changed to R 13 five minutes and still have them today the late great Theo King told me about the RC instruments when they came out and I have played them for some time but as you said Alistair there is a pingy sound to the R13s. Which I prefer and found I got greater projection in the orchestra with them. I like to hear the RC instruments being played but I prefer to play they are 13 instruments I’ve also played them with Cork pads Which gives them a bit more brightness to science lasting so much longer. I have them fitted by Paul Carrington of Flintham one of the best repairers in the country! Yes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Of course both instruments were designed by Robert Carre And that’s what RC stands for - the initials of his name his R13s came out in the 1950s interestingly the era of the mark seven Saxophone! Yes beauty is in the ear of the beholder. They are 13 Clarinets I process with some modifications still has nickel plating on the keys - well what’s left of the nickel as it was the only option roundabout 1970 - I have never wanted them replaced with silver as I believe it does affect the tone. I really enjoy your videos Alistair as they are very informative - if you’re an orchestra player it’s a good idea to get the instruments on outthrow and try them in the orchestra.As reeds mouthpieces And ligatures can make a difference. And new instruments need carefully breaking in. If you can keep your old instrument and move between the new and the old. I think that Dawkes Have some excellent Clarinet videos some of the ones by Anton Weinberg are also excellent - thank you Alistair and Dawkes Music. God bless you all. Bill - UK

[@goodhomeplan]

RC is mellow and colors are similar throughout. R13 is brighter has has more varying shades of color.

[@matthewdilorenzo5622]

Does that open with Saint-Saëns Sonata Op. 167 Mvt 2? I just had to play that for an audition, (although dare I say you’ve played it much better than I have!) it’s cool to hear it again! Great video!

[@nica1639]

RC hands down

[@andrewkessinger5966]

I have a very nice 1995 R13 that I got at a pawn shop and fixed up and a 1910 Buffet Albert system that I just finished getting playable (still needs some work and is missing one key which is plugged) . I have always liked the sound of thenRC better though. Some day. I am just starting to play again.

[@simonob007]

Many thanks, these comparisons are really useful, it would be great if you could compare the Yamaha CSVR and SEVR as well, really interested in these models. I am planning on coming in to Dawkes soon to try out some of these professional models, 40th birthday coming up so would like to treat myself to a professional model.

[@dawkesmusic]

Thanks, we'll add those to the list - but if we don't make the video in time you can still hopefully try them back-to-back in the shop and see how you feel about them both :)

[@pukalo]

The CS and SE families of yamaha clarinets are roughly equivalent to the R13 and RC families of Buffet clarinets, respectively.

[@phutphut9893]

What is the name of the piece that you played at the beginning of the video?

[@jamnee]

It seemed to take more effort to get sound out of the R13 than the RC. The RC was more responsive and expressive.

[@TheFatPriest]

What is the instrument between the lamp and the books?

[@dawkesmusic]

It's a metal Clarinet from the USA :)

[@klarinetta]

From what I hear I think this has to do with the setup you choose and how much air you want to be able to get through the instrument. I personally choose the Festival and Charles Bay MO-L mouthpiece with V-12 3.5+ reeds. I get more resistance in my setup but at the same time I'm able to blow high amount of air through the instrument. I've owned and played the R-13 Prestige with less resistance setup and like the more resistance setup on the Festival much better.

[@BennyGoodman1977]

R13 old school. But really much better than the Rc. Rc is more open. But R13 more control. Really great anf and much better