Klarinet Archive - Posting 000121.txt from 1995/08

From: Doug Jennings <LYNN.D.JENNINGS@-----.GOV>
Subj: Academy Model
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 1995 17:00:19 -0400

<When I first started playing clarinet, back in my sixth-grade
<year, I started on a Bundy, as most people probably do, but my
<parents soon bought me a wooden instrument. I have been trying
<to figure out its history ever since. It's a Buffet, but below
<the logo, it says "ACADEMY MODEL." I have asked around and heard
<a few ideas, but no definite answers. If it helps, the serial
<number is 53940. I would appreciate any info on this I can get.

Wow! This question brings me out of lurker mode. I've been
lurking for about two months. By way of introduction, I'm a
community group player, having performed with just about every
community band and orchestra--there are many--in the Columbus,
Ohio area. I also do some Dixieland. It helps pay for my reeds.
I studied clarinet for a year at Ohio State but gave it up. For
about twenty years I didn't perform with any groups, although on
rare occasions I did pick up my horn to see if I could still get a
sound out of it. About two years ago I discovered community
groups. Now I can play my horn again. It's been great...like
rediscovering an old friend.

I've enjoyed this list immensely, except for the nuclear "waste"
stuff. After doing some research of the list posts and reading
the daily "poly-logue," I'm amazed at the collective knowledge
that is available here.

Now, back to your question. Since November of '94, I've played an
R-13. Prior to that, I played an "Academy Model," serial number
73353. My parents bought it for me, used, back about 1973 for
about $300 (U.S.). I still use it as a backup horn. The R-13
appears to have a larger bore; the Academy Model's barrel won't
fit on the R-13. For over twenty years, I've asked the same
questions you probably have: What is the approximate date of
manufacture? How many did they make? When did they stop making
them? What is its present value? How does it compare with
present Buffet models? What distinguishing characteristics does
it have? I was saving these questions along with a host of other
questions. Hopefully, someone can answer your question and solve
my 20-year mystery.