Klarinet Archive - Posting 000222.txt from 2006/10

From: Steve Boardman <sboardman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Buffet Custom Clarinet
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:01:51 -0400

I am wondering if anyone has any information about a mysterious new
product from Buffet--a "Buffet Custom Wood Clarinet" that is sold
exclusively by Sam Ash. There are some specs on the Sam Ash website, but
no one seems to know too much about this horn, not even Buffet. When I
spoke to the Buffet customer rep, he implied that it was "almost" an
R-13, but all he could do was refer me to Ash, and no one there had
played one. I have actually seen the horn--it is clearly labeled
"Buffet-Crampon," but it does not have any model identification at all
and is stamped "Germany," which is where the E-11s are made. It does
have an Eb lever, but absolutely no one could (or would) give me the
bore diameter (not even Buffet). The "list price" of $1,945 is
comparable to an E-11 and a LeBlanc Sonata, and it is "discounted" to
$999.99, but whether this is truly a "professional" clarinet as Buffet
and Ash claim is a mystery.

Hopefully, someone on the list will have some knowledge of this and can
enlighten me. I am currently playing an E-11, which is reasonably
satisfactory for a 60-something very part time musician who plays mainly
for his own pleasure; but for a number of years I have wanted an R-13 or
something comparable. However, with one son in college and another right
behind, I could not justify the expense. If, however, this horn is
comparable to an R-13, I would seriously consider it.

If anyone has played this clarinet or knows anything about it, I would
very much appreciate any information that can be provided.

Thanks,
Steve

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