 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sbl03
Date: 2009-01-10 18:08
I'm planning on buying a Buffet R13, and I was wondering the difference between tone quality for a 10-30 year old and an almost brand new one. I like really dark tones. Would you recommend other models from Buffet for high school wind ensemble?
Post Edited (2009-01-10 18:10)
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-01-10 19:15
I'm no expert on this, but I heard it from the guy who just overhauled my R-13 (circa 1983). He said my clarinet is made from a good piece of wood, and he guessed it to be from the '70s. He thinks that, starting about mid '80s, the wood used wasn't quite as dense and is a bit "softer," and just isn't the same quality. Something having to do with the wood itself, not necessarily a problem with the manufacturer. Don't know. Maybe some of the techs can answer this better.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2009-01-11 00:26
Professional clarinets lose hundres of dollars in value the moment they are driven off the lot.
A properly maintained clarinet can last for decades. Most clarinets are used for a few years and then reside in attics or closets for the remainder of their existence.
There are many thiry and forty year old, low milage clarinets out there.
In the case of R13s, some people argue that the old ones are better.
Unless you are very wealthy, I would suggest auditioning any used ones that you find, then having any that you take a liking to inspected by a trusted expert (either an experienced player or an experienced techician) before buying.
If your search is sucessful, you should save hundreds of dollars, and you may
end up with a better clarinet.
Post Edited (2009-01-11 11:58)
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Author: Lynn
Date: 2009-01-11 17:35
Hmmmm?
"Professional clarinets lose hundres of dollars in value the moment they are driven off the lot."
Maybe my 1935 Buffet Model 13 is an exception. It recently appraised for a figure exceding $2000. I have a copy of a 1928 Carl Fischer catalogue listing the Model 13 for $125. I've yet to play a "modern" R-13 for which I would trade.
Lynn
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2009-01-11 22:41
Lynn wrote:
> Maybe my 1935 Buffet Model 13 is an exception. It recently
> appraised for a figure exceeding $2000.
Appraisals (for insurance, especially) and selling figures are 2 different things. Appraisals are on the wild side sometimes - I watched an "Antiques Roadshow" once where an average metal clarinet was appraised waaaaaay high of what you could get for it on a "well advertised auction" (eBay  ).
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2009-01-12 14:50
In 1958, you could get a 57 chevy for less than a 58.
Once something becomes a "collectible" or a "legend" all bets are off.
An r13 from the 60s may be more than it cost new (in the 60s) but still a lot less than a new R13 now.
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