 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sheich
Date: 2014-11-27 22:39
Hi all,
I'm new to this forum, and I have a question related to a Buffet R13. I'm a high school player in my school's wind ensemble, and this is my fifth year playing. In our town's local newspaper, there is a 1966 Buffet R13 for sale at $1000. It has been completely overhauled by our state's main instrument repair shop in October. My question is, should I check out this instrument (is it a good deal?) or should I save my money for a newer model or even go for a Ridenour clarinet? I am possibly considering a career in music. Your thoughts would be very welcome! Thank you,
-sheich
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2014-11-27 23:10
Hello Sheich,
Go play it. If it seems good, or if it wows you, talk the seller into allowing you to have your teacher play it. It might be a gem.
Ask about the history of the instrument. Has it been played non-stop since the 60's? Has it sat mostly unplayed?
Don't be afraid to walk away from it to explore newer options.
You won't know anything without trying it.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: sheich
Date: 2014-11-27 23:18
Thank you for your advice! This is exactly what my teacher told me. I know some people swear by the Buffet clarinets of this era, so I might call and check it out. I actually have a much newer R13 that I rent from my school (no idea why the school owns such a nice instrument), so I'll bring it along and play them side by side. Is the $1000 a reasonable asking price? If I like it, should I try to talk them down some? Thank you!
-sheich
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2014-11-27 23:31
If it's in great shape, and it is a good representative of a Buffet R13 (or better still a good representative of those wonderful 60's Buffet R13's) -- then $1000 is a very good price.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-11-28 00:44
Make sure you have a clarinet teacher check it out with you.
Examine it carefully for repaired cracks, repaired bore, etc. Make sure the serial numbers match. Run leak tests: blow/suction tests.
Always check tuning when play testing, using your mouthpiece, and play test the instrument on several broken in reeds.
I found one for a student where the bore had been drilled out and a 2" sleeve inserted, with re-drilled tone holes, to fix cracks. Pointing that out saved the student quite a lot of money (the instrument played fine). So make sure someone who knows what they're doing helps you examine the instrument.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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