Klarinet Archive - Posting 000552.txt from 1997/01

From: Gary Van Cott <Gary_VanCott@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Buffet Clarinets/Eefers
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 13:49:35 -0500

Gary VanCott = NHIN
01/26/97 11:02 AM

Could somebody explain to me the differences between the various
Buffet instruments? The models I am reffering to are the R-13, Prestige R-
13, Elite, Prestige RC, and the Festival. What are the strengths and
weaknesses of them all? My second question is about Eb clarinets. I need
a Eb clarinet, but I don't need a $3000 clarinet. What would be a decent,
wooden Eb for a low price? I have found an Amati Eb for $549, a Ripamonti
for $995, and a Vito for $520 (I think the Vito is plastic). I really
can't go higher than a $1000. Should I consider a used Eb? Take your time
replying since the purchase is still a little while in the future. Thanks.

-Christopher J. Thibeault
**********************
Chris,
If you can get anyone to *really* answer your first question you will have
succeeded where many others including myself have failed. I have come to
the conclusion, that unlike most companies, which have real marketing
strategies, Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet Crampon just runs new designs up the
flag pole to see if anyone will salute. Witness the latest, the "Vintage."
I didn't know there was a huge market for old R-13s.

I also believe that they are missing some opportunities. I think the most
troublesome notes on the instrument are the middle staff Bb and B.
Designing an instrument with the additional keywork to fix these problems
won't be difficult for Buffet (although it might take a one piece
instrument like the Rossi to do it right). I think there would be a real
market for such a instrument as long as the price was close to the current
models.

On the Eb question. My kids' (yep, two of them) teacher recently bought a
used Selmer Eb. She has been playing it in our clarinet quartet and it
really sounds great and has a good scale. I think they can be found for
less than $1,000. The only problem she has is that it came with one of
those Accubore barrels (with the cooling fins). She ordered a Selmer barrel
but it was too long. So she is now trying to find out if she can get a
shorter Selmer barrel or if she will need to have the one she bought cut
down.

Gary
Las Vegas, NV

Gary_VanCott@-----.com