Klarinet Archive - Posting 000559.txt from 1995/12

From: Nick Shackleton <njs5@-----.UK>
Subj: Re: Odd Buffet (fwd)
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 1995 20:39:14 -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
>
>Sounds like one of the versions of "Half Boehm" system. Buffet had more
than one type on their list. I once bought one in Sweden and was told that
they were popular with jazz players there at one time. Nick Shackleton