What is the finest brand of Clarinet available?

Question: What is the finest brand of Clarinet available!?

I'm curious to know if there are any clarinet equivalents to, say, a Stradivarius (violin) or a Steinway (piano)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Buffet (R-13), Selmer Paris, and Leblanc Paris are the top of the line as professional level - factory production clarinets go!. When it comes to top-level professional instruments, which of these is best is a matter of opinion among players but the overwhelming majority are playing one of these three!.

There are a few makers though that make every instrument handcrafted!. These would be closer to the Stradivarii of the clarinet world!.

Patricola - http://www!.patricola!.it/
Stephen Fox - http://www!.sfoxclarinets!.com/

Stradivarius is a historical maker!. The historical counterpart in clarinets would be Johann Christoph Denner

As for Steinway!. Both Selmer and Leblanc _are_ Steinway!. That is, Conn-Selmer Co!. that makes the Selmer and Leblanc instruments is owned by Steinway Musical Instruments Inc (NYSE: LVB)Www@QuestionHome@Com

Ultimately the skill and passion of the player will bring out the best with any instrument!.!.!.!.but I know Buffet is a very highly regarded brand!. LeBlanc is good too!. Of course both brands make horns in various qualities, different models for beginner, intermediate, pro, etc!. Mine is a Buffet model R-13 (one of their pro models) and I love it to death!. :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

Buffet and Selmer are probably the highest-thought of brands!. There really isn't an equivalent to a Steinway or a Strad; player preference, mouthpiece and reed setup can make a huge difference!.Www@QuestionHome@Com