 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: studiomonkey
Date: 2017-02-18 01:55
Can anyone help identify this clarinet- I have just bought from a friend- in a Buffet Crampon case, the lower joint has a stamped serial number 239987
but there are no logo stamps on the upper joint or bell, they are plain black hard plastic,with no metal ring around the bottom of the bell. The serial number does indeed fall into the category of manufacture around 1983 according to the listed serial numbers, but I have never seen a Buffet Crampon with no maker's marks before, so was wondering if it is genuine. Maybe it is old enough not to have these or some clarinets were produced without the now familiar logo stamps? It plays well and I am pleased with the tone, only a couple of pads damaged, but wonder if I could ever sell it on in future without the Buffet Crampon makers' mark, only a serial number on one piece?
Many thanks
Jan
Post Edited (2017-02-18 02:05)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2017-02-18 03:56
Are you sure this is a Buffet ?
Having a Buffet case is no guarantee that the instrument inside is Buffet.
Is the case made on a wood base or is it plastic ?
Are both sections black plastic ?
If so then it could be a very early German made B12 or equivalent based on that serial No.
If one section is wood and the other plastic then you have a clarinet made from different bits of instrument.
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Author: studiomonkey
Date: 2017-02-18 06:26
I looked up the serial number engraved on the lower joint to verify it was a Buffet and the number matched a listing. The case is black plastic with the Buffet Crampon logo on the top. I have no reason to think the friend is trying to pass it off as genuine when it is not so I decided to research it for both of us. Each part of the clarinet seems to be matching hard black plastic with same coloured/wear silver parts, no obvious substitution, hence my confusion. I am still very pleased with my purchase but realise I'd have a hard job convincing any future buyers of it's provenance when I want to upgrade (and may not be able to sell it)
Any explanation welcome!
Jan
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2017-02-19 03:12
It almost certainly sounds like a "Buffet" B12.
These were made with the Buffet name on them but are actually student level instruments made for Buffet by Schreiber in Germany.
The serial number matching a Buffet list is purely coincidental. That number, 239987, also matches a Boosey and Hawkes list and probably many other makers too.
A Buffet made clarinet with serial 239987 would be a professional wood model, typically an R13, RC or equivalent. Yours is clearly not one of those.
Buffet have never made a clarinet in black plastic or indeed any student clarinet.
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Author: studiomonkey
Date: 2017-02-19 06:43
thankyou for your advice, I shall see my friend tomorrow and discuss it with him.
However, I wonder now if it is worth the price of the overhaul I was planning!
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