Klarinet Archive - Posting 000523.txt from 1995/12

From: "Steven E. Klimowski" <sklimows@-----.EDU>
Subj: Odd Buffet (fwd)
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 1995 20:15:25 -0500

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 1995 20:03:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Steven E. Klimowski <sklimows@-----.edu>
To: Klarinet <LISTSERV%VCCSCENT.BITNET@-----.EDU>
Subject: Odd Buffet

A few weeks ago an odd, old Buffet soprano clarinet appeared at my
studio. I wonder if anyone can help me identify it and/or tell me if it
has any monetary value.

The key mechanism is one I have never seen before; it seems to be a cross
between an Albert system and a Boehm system. There are no rings on the
upper (left hand) joint including the thumb hole. There is no insert in
the thumb hole either. The register key is like the Boehm system as are
the other keys of the left hand except that the A key does not move the
G# key which wraps over the A key. The right hand pinky keys look
identical to the modern Boehm. However, the right hand has only two rings
(for the middle and ring fingers only. The index finger of the right hand
simply covers a hole which is the upper most hole in the lower joint.

The wood looks in excellent condition; I have not detected any cracks.
There is a serial number only on the lower joint which looks like:
1I784.

Does anybody know anything about this instrument? Thanks, in advance for
your information.

Steve Klimowski