The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rmhoon
Date: 2016-01-01 07:47
I have the opportunity to pick up an early Buffet Crampon clarinet. It is in pretty good shape with the original case. I am not a clarinet player. I know these are not as desirable as the later Buffet clarinets such as the R13's, but do they have any real value as collectible or even as playable instruments. Any input on it would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-01-01 10:28
If it was a professional model, in low pitch and it has been looked after and is in good condition then these can be great players, although they might not get you a slot in an orchestra pit. I have several instruments of this vintage and when well set up they can be a joy to play.
As you're not yourself a player, try to get someone who is to have a look at it Depending on how old it is it may not have much value as a collectible, but could be worth while as a player. Check if it's low or high pitch. It you're not sure, measure the instrument from the end of the barrel to the bell. A low pitch Bb instrument will be around 59.5Cm or 23 1/2 inches. If it is a couple of centimetres less than this then it is a high pitch instrument and therefore of no use in a modern ensemble.
Before pitch became more or less standardised there were 2 accepted pitches, depending on where in the world you were. It was standardised on low pitch, thus rendering many instruments of the period useless for most purposes.
Tony F.
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Author: rmhoon
Date: 2016-01-03 05:37
It is LP and according to the serial number it was made in 1898. Is there a way to tell if it is a pro line or not by looking at it?
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-01-03 07:24
At that point Buffet only made pro clarinets, but by today's standards it would be a good intermediate clarinet. A decent instrument nonetheless but not quite up to the standards of today's clarinets in terms of intonation.
-Jdbassplayer
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