 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: us2340
Date: 2012-08-12 20:26
I recently bought a Buffet R-13 (serial number 57xxx) and wondered if someone could tell me anything about it? The person i bought it from said it had "German Silver" Plated keys, whatever that is, and it was from a good year of R-13's. She also gave me Moennig barrel at no extra cost. So, any help?
Post Edited (2012-08-12 21:43)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-08-12 22:27
The alloy the keys are made from is nickel silver which is also called "German silver" (same base metal as EPNS cutlery) which in turn is electroplated either in nickel plate or silver plate - older instuments were usually left unplated, but unplated nickel silver tarnishes very quickly.
There's no such thing as "German Silver Plated" keys, so they've got their terminology wrong there - they'd either be nickel or silver plated. True in the sense they're "German silver AND plated" or "plated German silver" keys, but definitely not "German silver plated" as that doesn't exist.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2012-08-12 23:18
That is an older instrument, early to mid 1950's.
Possibly unplated - can you post pictures?
Folks selling stuff always say 'that was a good year' - but - how does it play and tune?
Edit - probably a 1957 model with that serial #.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
Post Edited (2012-08-12 23:19)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-08-12 23:26
SN 57xxx comes from 1957 http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/Buffet.html. It is the original R13 design, which has the register vent set relatively low and large. This gave a superior tone in the clarion register, but also stretched it to be low at the bottom and sharp on top, and also gave a good throat Bb.
Later they moved the vent up and made it smaller, which greatly improved the intonation at the expense of beauty of tone in the clarion and a spoiled the throat Bb.
If the barrel bore is dull, this is a sign of tampering, or at least attempts to fix the intonation. If the upper joint bore (above the register vent) is also dull, the work was more extensive and usually spoils the instrument. A custom barrel can help, as can undercutting of certain holes, but these are delicate operations that require a specialist's skills and tools. Guy Chadash bores out the upper joint and lines it with Delrin.
Unplated German silver keys were universally used during this period. They turn dull fairly quickly but, at least for me, have an excellent feel, unlike nickel, which is too slippery for me.
R13s from this era require a significant effort to learn to play in tune, but the great players did fine. Check it carefully to be sure you can make the adjustments.
Ken Shaw
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2012-08-13 00:20
I have a similar R-13 (made about 2 years later than yours) and have found it to be a great instrument. The intonation tendencies are, in fact, as described by Ken Shaw (above), but I have not found the instrument difficult to play in tune. Like any horn, you have to make some adjustments. But, I have never felt that the needed adjustments required "a significant effort to play in tune." In fact, I have tried several newer, fancier horns over the years as a replacement for it....but have never found one that I like better. Perhaps I've just become accustomed to it....
Good luck with your horn....I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed mine and that it works well for you....
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Author: us2340
Date: 2012-08-13 01:59
Paul, I see you are from Dallas, Texas. Well, what a coincidence! I also see that you are a private teacher, and I would like to know if you have any tips on the All-State music for this year!
I will post pictures soon, and it plays great! It definitely tunes different than what I am used to, but ill get accustomed to it. Thanks for the info so far everyone!
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