Klarinet Archive - Posting 000658.txt from 1998/08

From: Edmund William White <ewwhite@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] New Buffet Bass Clarinet???
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 1998 02:52:58 -0400

On Sat, 22 Aug 1998, Gary Van Cott wrote:

> There were some very brief comments on the new model Buffet bass clarinet
> after ClarinetFest, but no details. Does anyone have anything to share
> about the difference between the new and previous model?
>
> Gary
>
Well, I am the proud owner of a 1998 Buffet 1193-2 Prestige bass
clarinet. I purchased it directly from Lisa Argiris after ClarinetFest
because I needed a college horn and couldn't beg anymore. One month and
$4800.00 later, I have to say that I'm quite impressed with this
redesigned model. My Buffet replaced my high school's 1971 Selmer Paris
low Eb bass, so naturally, there is no comparison. The Prestige wins.
However, Gary would like to know the difference between the 1193 and the
1193-2. I must admit that I have not played the former 1193 extensively.
I DID play an 1183 with Northwestern University's summer faculty band. My
1193 experience is limited to play testing at Intl. Musical Suppliers,
etc. Now with the comparison.
The first thing that you'll notice about the new Buffet 1193-2 is
the keywork. Gone are the annoying bridge keys, on-the-body low C, and
fickle register mechanism. Instead, the bridge keys and register
mechanism resemble Selmer's models. Buffet opted to offset the lower
register tube, placing it to the left of the register key's rod. The
upper register tube on the neck allows for varied rotation of the neck.
Very cool. The low C is on the bell. However, Buffet placed a resonance
hole roughly three inches away from the low C tone hole. I'm not sure if I
can get a low B or Bb if I cover it with my foot. We'll see. Moving up,
you will see that the old system of linkages and rollers found on the
1193's extended mechanism have been replaced with LONG rods (like the old
Leblanc low C's). The rods are almost flush with the horn's body and
secured with plastic fasteners. Although the RH low D, the LH low D, and
the thumb keys are not as light to touch as the earler 1193's, the
mechanism is quieter and much more secure. The thumb keys are also
different. They are LARGE! The low C measures almost an inch in width
and 3/4" in height. Another major change in overall design is the use of
more adjustment screws. These are either large flathead screws (the type
that require your run-of-the-mill screwdriver, not a jeweler's model.) or
small (2mm) allen screws. These are everywhere. My clarinet guy had no
problem making minute adjustments. The peg is angled outward (away from
the body) and makes an angle of 145 degrees with the lower joint. This
translates into a shorter horn that can accommodate smaller people who may
not want to push their peg in all the way. Good deal. As a side note,
the new Buffet is about three inches shorter than its predecessor.
Finally, the tuning neck no longer has a tightening screw. The lower part
of the neck uses a combination of cork and friction (a la brass tuning
slide) to hold the neck securely while extended. Svelte design.
In all, I love the horn. It tunes better than the old 1193 (or
1183, for that matter). It looks cooler (better described as a beastly
conglomeration of wood and metal). It even feels more solid than the old
model. Due to the 1193-2's smaller size, it is more balanced and it
easier to play standing with a double-hook bass clarinet strap (Important
because I play a lot of jazz bass). That's all I can think of. I'm a bit
flustered because I just finished moving into my college dorm a few
minutes ago. Any questions can directed to me at:

Edmund William White
ewwhite@-----.edu

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