Klarinet Archive - Posting 000759.txt from 1998/08

From: <Felix1297@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: klarinet Digest 26 Aug 1998 08:15:02 -0000 Issue 426
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 10:08:28 -0400

In a message dated 98-08-26 04:16:12 EDT, you write:

<<
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
>>
Dear Jack,

I have with me an original catalogue from the 50's that present the NEW models
of Buffet Crampon clarinets which were distributed at this time by Carl Fisher
Musical Instruments CO.Inc New York 3 NY. The Models number are kind of funy
and I am not sure one hundred purcent but I think those were made by Carl
Fisher and not Buffet for this market I can double check .I give you some
example: R13, R13 1/2, R14, R14 1/2, R16 , R16 3/4.
The 1/2 apparently was used for the clarinet with Eb lever. For the R13
The R14 was a clarinet with 17 keys and 7 rings wich was a clarinet with the
Eb lever + a ring for the third finger to facilite the G# passages.
The R16 was a 19Key 7Rings clarinet articuled G#, Eb lever and Forked Bb.
The R16 3/4 was a 20 keys 7 rings clarinet With all the feature from the R16 +
low Eb key.
When I found this catalogue it was the first time I have seen those number. I
have seen many Buffet Calrinet with Name from cities or stores on it I think
it was very common many years ago now the stores put their sticker on the
case.

For the Evette and Schaeffer story you are right they were working for Buffet
and was at hight possition in the compagny they decided toe design a student
line of instrument and use their rwo names to call it.

For the Academie model it is what people say in the factory I was not born or
a very little boy that had no idear that one day he will write on the calrinet
list and make Musical instrument ( It is a WONDERFULL job and I cannot be
thanksfull enough to my parents who let me leave my passion ). I don't know if
the person on the list learn or appreciate what I write ( even if sometime
they must laugh when I add a new word to their language) but personnaly I
would like to say I am enjoying a lot what's going on the list .

Musicaly Yours

Francois Kloc
Woodwind Product Specialist
Boosey & Hawkes Musical Instruments Inc.

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