The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: john kelly - australia
Date: 1999-02-05 05:15
I've just purchased a second hand Buffet clarinet and I would like to know how old it is. I believe that it could have been made in the 30's but the factory records are incomplete due to WW2 bombing raids in Paris.
The # on the instrument is: 339G1
I have also purchased a Meyer #6 mouthpiece and use Rico #4 reeds. It is necessary for me to use a wide lay and hard reed in order cut through New Orleans style brass and rhythm sections without having to rely on a microphone.
The Buffet is the best yet that I have played for this style of music.
Hoping to hear from someone in the know.
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Author: Roger Harvey
Date: 1999-02-05 11:07
John,
Have a look at
www.musictrader.com/buffet.html
They have very good instrument serial number lists which may help.
Regards,
Roger Harvey
Hobart, TAS
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Author: Ray
Date: 1999-02-05 14:03
Sneezy also has a section that lists serial numbers. It shows that S/Ns from 2G1 - 999G1 were made in 1912 .
Ray
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-02-05 17:31
You might want to check the pitch of the clarinet. If it was made in 1912 as Ray has indicated based on the serial number, it may be a high pitch instrument. If it is, it will be virtually impossible to play in an emsemble of newer instruments. High pitch instruments were nearly a semi-tone sharper than current pitch.
Look to see if HP or LP is inscribed on the instrument anywhere. If it says LP, that will match today's standard. Of course like any clarinet it may have a few tuning discrepancies. But if it is HP that indicates High Pitch. Of course if it is unmarked, you'll just have to try it against a tuner.
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