Klarinet Archive - Posting 000149.txt from 2006/07

From: "Mark Sausville" <sausvill@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Elite clarinets
Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 03:36:57 -0400

Folks,

I'd like to hear the groups comments on Buffet Elite clarinets, both on
sound/playing characteristics and monetary value.

I have a Bb and an A in super condition. I bought these in the very early
90s. I have an extra Bb top joint (with keys). The first top joint is
pristine and plays beautifully. The second top joint is cracked but
repaired with a carbon fibre band. It plays very well indeed.

Albert Alphin and Francois Kloc have done the maintenance on these
instruments.

These days, I'm playing a Buffet RC Prestige Bb and almost no A.

The Elites are a very interesting contrast to the R13 and RC style. The are
bright but centered and less resistant than the Rs. A darker
mouthpiece/reed combination sounds best to me.

These horns are early (when Buffet cared about them), prior to the several
drops in price (and production).

I've begun to play a lot more {again) and I'd like to develop some budget
for pursuing a decent bass clarinet.

I've looked around and no one seems to have any of these horns for sale so
it's hard to know what they might fetch. Buffet has discontinued them (I
guess the R13 lock is too strong, though I haven't met anyone who doesn't
like these horns).

If they aren't worth too much, I will keep them because I like them quite a
bit.

Can someone recommend a place where they could be placed for consignment?
Since they are unusual, I'm wondering if there is a place that specializes
in the hard to find.

Thanks,

Mark Sausville

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