I have a Lyrique Libertas clarinet. It plays like a fine automobile drives. The response is exceptional. Key action is crisp and accurate. Intonation is outstanding and consistent. One of the first things I did was to sound the entire range on an auto tuner function on my smart phone. No longer do I have to manipulate pitch to be accurate. I taught in a large school district in an urban area and was blessed with a large successful program for 34 years. In that time I guided many of my clarinet students to upgrade to fine clarinets as their skills progressed. This is the finest clarinet that I've ever run across. Period. No debate. And believe me I've seen and played a lot of clarinets!!
Dear Quan, that's very kind of you. Making a high quality clarinet with a top of the line acoustical design that most anyone can afford has been the long-term goal of our company. We only wish more people would become aware of it and avoid the rip-offs of companies still selling instruments made of a material that is unstable, warps, and will crack. It's sad how many players in 2020 are still stuck back in the primitive world of 19th century musical instrument making.
Cant wait for my daughter to try one of these. Tom is such a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Fortunately I live in the DFW area. If more salesmen, teachers, manufacturers, and instrument builders were like him, everyone would be happy.
In the other video on the Libertas Tom (this is Ted Ridenour, I posted the comment answering your question) answered the question regarding what differentiates the Libertas and 576bc much more thoroughly.
Tom, I'm very excited about the new clarinet! My sister Liz and I are both in the market for new horns at the same time, and will be at the Clarfest this year in Baton Rouge. Will we see you there?
Cosmetically speaking.....the mechanism is better when it comes to key fitting, finishing, and plating. Acoustically it's simply a superior instrument. Better intonation, smoother over the break, more even. We had a college professor come down a few weekends ago and compare it to his Leblanc Concerto and while he very much likes the Concerto he purchased the Libertas stating that it was simply a better clarinet in more or less every way he could think of.
woodwindwonderland.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-new-ridenour-lyrique-libertas-life.html Glad to hear it! Theirs an independent review that was done by a professional who just finished using the Libertas in an off Broadway tour of Westside Story.
The Libertas has a slightly better scale (just by a smidgen), but has more depth, flexibiilty and resonance. It is also smoother and more seamless in resistance over both middle and high breaks. It also blows a bit freer, with a fatter, more flexible and resonant lower register and the best right hand clarion tones you're likely to ever play--a crystal clear bell B. It plays a lot like the Opus/Concerto, but better, more vibrant and, at the same time, darker. The key work and workmanship is excellent--very, very good hardware, with durable, strong keys and very good key fitting. My finishing work refining it brings it up to a very high level indeed. A truly top-notch, professional clarinet.
