Klarinet Archive - Posting 000149.txt from 2009/01

From: "K S" <krsmav@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] 1891 one-piece wood Buffet
Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:36:00 -0500

Jason -

The important information is whether the clarinet has "H.P." or "L.P."
stamped on the bell. If it's "H.P.," it's at high pitch (A-452), and
it can't be played (or altered to play) with other instruments at 440.
If so, the value is very low. If it's stamped "L.P.," it's at 440
and could be worth restoring.

If it's at low pitch, everything depends on condition and how well it
plays. However, even if it's pristine and well in tune, the value is
probably in the low hundreds.

I have a Bb/A pair of Buffets from 1908, which I bought on eBay for
under $500 in practically new but badly encrusted condition. They
restored beautifully at a cost of another $500, but I don't think I
could get $1000 for them.

They play very well, with a sweeter, slightly lighter sound than my R-13s.

Cracks are invisible until the instrument is cleaned up, so it's
difficult to estimate restoration cost. Finally, barrels that old
have almost always been monkeyed with, so you'll almost certainly need
a new one. My barrel guy (Kal Opperman) says that the length and bore
dimensions have changed significantly over the years, so you'll need a
custom design. The one he made (for both the Bb and the A) is 68 mm.,
and he had to experiment quite a bit to get the bore right.

Restore it for yourself -- not for resale.

Ken Shaw

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