Klarinet Archive - Posting 000242.txt from 1999/05

From: LeliaLoban@-----.com
Subj: [kl] The History of the R-13 CLARINET
Date: Sat, 8 May 1999 17:46:30 -0400

WesGoFrank wrote,
>>[snip]...I can certainly see from the literature I have that the R-13, R-13
1/2,R-14,R-14 1/2, R-16, and the R-16 3/4 were intended as the professional
models with the E-13 Evette-Schaeffer Clarinet as a less expensive
professional model made in the Buffet factory with the same bore and wood.
The difference seemed to be the hand finishing of the key mechanism and the
final tuning. I just noted that the professional models were tuned by
Monsieur Lefebvre, France's greatest clarinetist, according to the
literature. The Evette clarinet, Model E-10, sponsored by Buffet, was made in
another factory, and I suppose was meant to be an entry level clarinet. The
only thing that bothers me about the labeling of the Buffet clarinets is
that, knowing there was a designation of R-13 in America for the older series
clarinets, why Buffet didn't designate the poly-cylindrical by another label
instead of continuing the R-13 label to avoid the confusion that was certain
to follow. I guess that is something we will never know. I am sure some of
you may feel that I've been a pain in the ---- about this labeling thing. I
just wanted to clear up this thing for myself. >>

I don't think you've been a pain at all. Institutional memory is fallible,
despite current employees' best intentions. People die; people forget;
company records get lost. Some back-story for people who don't read the
bulletin board: A number of weeks ago, when Wes left a message on the bb
with information that there was an R-13 before 1955, several people dismissed
him as if he were obviously wrong, even though his vintage, published
catalogue ought to be respected as a first-rate, credible source. A lot of
people would have backed off in confusion or disgust at that point, but
fortunately Wes has persisted. If he hadn't, we'd all still be passing
misinformation and hearsay back and forth. I've now seen a copy of this
catalogue. It says exactly what he says it says, and I'm convinced he's
interpreted the information correctly. Wes, thank you for bringing new
information to light and for going to all the time and trouble to follow
through with this research.

Lelia

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