What's the difference? : Buffet Crampon's Mopane Wood vs. Grenadilla Wood

[@billducker7404]

Thank You for your this video I was interested to hear the new Buffet. God bless you. Bill. Uk

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

You're welcome, Bill! Thank you for watching.

[@blevinsmusic]

I LOVE my mopane wood R13. After about six months, it's just getting smoother and smoother.

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

It really is a gorgeous horn! Congratulations!

[@blevinsmusic]

@@fleming_instruments_and_repair Thank you so much :-). Honestly, I also have a Ridenour Lyrica II, purchased around the same time. Although the sound quality differs, (but not in a bad way) and Ridenour mechanisms are a bit different than Buffet, it's a really nice instrument and I'm planning to make some comparison videos, I think it will be really interesting for people....$1600 vs. around six grand LOL. I've always played Buffets though, have never warmed up to most others that I've tried over the years except for Ridenour.

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

@@blevinsmusic Different clarinets really do have different spirits. Nothing is wrong or right, it's all about what you like and what works best with you. We're glad you've found multiple voices that you vibe with!

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

I tried very hard to make sure that the playing and setup were consistent between each instrument. I believe what you’re hearing is the wood difference!

[@cooker4000]

Whoa! The mopaine sounds so much cleaner.and richer. Was it the wood or the playing?

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

Thanks for your comment! did a thorough warm-up on both instruments before recording, and while I'm not a virtuoso, I'm confident the difference you're hearing comes down to the wood itself. The mopane definitely offered a deeper resonance and richer tone in my experience.

[@TheTradeGallery]

I know you were warmed up for the mopaine and that might be why it sounds so much warmer and fuller. Still, I do love the way the way you make the mopaine sound! If you don't mind, I have a question about clarinets in general I'd like to ask. I play as a hobby, and I do it on an old E-11 I kept from high school (the version without the bell ring). Even though there are much better clarinets from a technical and a quality control standpoint, like the R13, I still prefer the E-11; because it has a sort of a bite when I play, that gives my blowing substance and lets me fill and warm the sound in a way that higher tier clarinets just don't allow. The ability to do more with the instrument just doesn't overcome that lack of feedback, and the sense that I'm not really working with an instrument that has a part in producing the sound. Are there better clarinets I can move up to that sort of bite, or push back, or bring a substance when they're blown like like the E-11 does?

[@fleming_instruments_and_repair]

Thanks for your comment! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I did a thorough warm-up on both instruments before recording, and while I'm not a virtuoso, I'm confident the difference you're hearing comes down to the wood itself. The mopane definitely offered a slightly different resonance and richer tone in my experience. When you mention 'bite or pushback', I believe you mean resistance. Resistance is built first in the strength of your reed, then the chamber/baffle of the mouthpiece, then finally in the bore of the clarinet. Some instruments immediately come to mind when looking to change up your resistance level. Yamaha CSVR: This clarinet boasts a larger bore, offering the responsiveness you might be seeking without feeling stuffy. Backun Alpha Plus: This new full-wood beginner clarinet is known for its unique feel and projection. We love it here at the shop! Some mouthpieces that are good are the Backun Vocalise, and Vandoren's M15, M30, etc. These styles come in differnt openings for a dialed in response that fits each player! Speaking of reeds, have you considered trying a slightly lower strength? The R13 has a bit more resistance than the E11, and sometimes a softer reed can help unlock its full potential. Additionally, exploring a slightly wider mouthpiece opening might also enhance that "bite" you mentioned. If you'd like to chat more about specific options or get a feel for these instruments firsthand, please don't hesitate to call us at the shop! I'm always happy to talk clarinets, and hey, it's literally my job. :) Finding the perfect instrument is a journey, so keep exploring! Thanks again for your comment, and happy playing! -Wes