Klarinet Archive - Posting 000744.txt from 1998/08

From: Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: [kl] Fw: Buffet E13
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 10:08:13 -0400

Hi George,

Thank you for taking the trouble to dig up this info, but I'm pretty sure the list on Sneezy only applies to Buffet's professional instruments, not to the company's student or intermediate
lines. It is my understanding that the "Evette" and "Evette and Schaeffer" models were named after two men who worked at Buffet during the early 1900's. The situation is, I believe, similar
to that of George Bundy at Selmer and Vito Pascucci with Leblanc, though Pascucci's relationship to Leblanc was somewhat different. (For details, see the history of Leblanc at their
website. Gee, maybe someday Buffet will introduce their Kloc model. I'm sure it will be top-of-the-line. ;^) )

I don't know exactly when the first "Evette" and "Evette and Schaeffer" clarinets were made but I'm pretty sure it was some years after the turn of the century. I'm also pretty sure that
these lines both had their own unique numbering systems. They also exhibit a variety of labels over the years, e.g., "Evette, Sponsored by Buffet" (both plastic and wood), "Evette and
Schaeffer," (simply) "Evette," "Evette Master Model," and, finally, B12, E11, E12 and E13. Each change in model designation may also have been accompanied by an new numbering system, e.g.,
the E13 numbering system does appear on Sneezy.

There is considerable folklore surrounding some of these instruments, including the suggestion that some may be R13's that failed final inspection due to some minor flaw in the key plating or
the color of the wood. Francois' comments in a recent post identifying the "Academie" model as "rejected" R13's, however, raise doubts about such assertions, at least in my mind.

Anybody out there know the facts?

Warm regards,
Jack Kissinger
St. Louis

George Landis wrote:

> According to the list on sneezy (at www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/How Old/Buffet.html/), your Buffet with a serial number that begins with "A" was built in 1886 or 1887. Check it out.
>
> Regards,
>
> George Landis
>

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