 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nathan
Date: 2002-08-27 01:38
I have the option of buying one of these in good condition for about 100 bucks. it is wood and Case included. Serial # D30983. i am wondering what the differences are between the main buffet line of clarinets and the evette models? how do the evettes compare. is it a decent clarinet and worth buying?
thanks so much
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-08-27 02:38
The Evette is a "main-line" student model wooden Buffet. It was the immediate forerunner to Buffet's current E11. The instrument you are looking at was made in 1973. That means it was made in France at a separate factory from the one where Buffet made its high-end intermediate and professional models. (From around 1978 to around 1981 Evettes were made in Germany. Then, if my memory serves, in 1981, the model was redesignated the E11.) I mention this because I think the "French" Evettes were somewhat better built and are more highly regarded than their German successors. I'm pretty sure that its bore is cylindrical, not polycylindrical like the R13.
When my daughter was in middle school band, she used an Evette made in 1972 that I reconditioned for her as her "school" instrument. We still have it. As student model clarinets go, I think it is very well made. With a Fobes Debut mouthpiece, she had very nice tone and good intonation. If you are looking for an instrument to start on or for an inexpensive backup, then, if the one you are looking at is in truly good condition, I think $100 is a good price. I wouldn't part with ours for anything close to that.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2002-08-27 07:20
My daughter has my D series Evette. I bought it new for myself in 1969. It turns out that the Evettes then were essentially R-13 seconds. Mine had wood that wasn't as shiny as other R-13. Bought it for $250 new after picking it from 50 clarinets. Last year I dumped about $300 or $400 into a complete overhaul. It is absolutely the best playing horn I have ever used. It has wonderful tone and is well in tune.
If you get lucky that could be a wonderful instrument. Unfortunately there was considerable variation between horns in that series. So I suggest you play it and check it out. If it is not playable figure in a few hundred in repairs... too much of a gamble. If it plays $100 is good, if it plays beautifully then $100 is a steal.
IMHO, Terry
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-08-27 13:40
Sorry, Terry, as nice an instrument as you may have, I don't agree that Evettes are R13 seconds. What is the basis for this statement which, IMHO, is urban legend to the nth degree. As has been pointed out on this board and on the Klarinet list in the past, there are observable and measurable differences in the keywork, for example. If you read Buffet's promotional literature from the period, you will find that Evettes weren't even made in the same factory as R13's. According to that literature, they were made in a second factory in Paris with experienced supervisors. According to the Boosey serial number list, the D-series started in 1963. Does it make sense that Buffet would have had over 30,000 seconds in a 10-year period when their total production of R13's was only about 70,000?
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-08-27 14:09
Nathan -
Look at the "sliver" key for the right ring finger, on the lower joint. It has three parts, soldered together: the central tube, the pad cup and strut and the finger touch.
On the R-13 design, each side piece is in the shape of the "swoop" on Nike sneakers -- it starts at the end of the tube and curves out to the side.
On the non-R-13 design, one of the side pieces has the swoop shape and the other sticks straight out from the side tube.
If the key has only one swoop, it's definitely the intermediate design.
Still, I agree with Jack that whatever design it is, $100 is a good price if the instrument is in good shape. You should take it to a repair shop for a quick evaluation before buying, and you should definitely have a good player check the intonation.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Nathan
Date: 2002-08-27 21:02
Don't laugh but the clarinet I mentioned is one that's on ebay, so I would be risking the money and have no way of playing it. But the link is here and it could be a steal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=901134703&rd=1
i was going to bid up to 90 (10 shipping)
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Author: Sandra F. H.
Date: 2002-08-27 23:43
I've purchased many Evettes and Evette-Schaeffers and had them reconditioned for students. They are generally good instruments, and actually I've only rejected one. However, I did much research on this here and other places. Evette-Schaeffers were the fore-runners to the E-13's. Evettes were fore-runners to the E-11's. This I've gathered from the information in my research. Jack is right; they were never rejected R-13's. The master models of each were also in series, and weren't selected from Evettes or Evette-schaeffers. I had an outstanding Evette-Schaeffer Master Model and an exceptional Evette Master Model with an absolutely beautiful sound. Just try the instrument. I also would not reject all "Evette sponsored by Buffet" models, either, because some of them are really nice clarinets. I play Buffet R-13's. I also have some older instruments from various makers, and also some Selmers (not the new 1400's) that are student models. Good luck... Sandra
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Author: Nathan
Date: 2002-08-28 02:24
well, it ended up going for $213.61 to another bidder. o well, probably best i didnt get it
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Author: Sandra F. H.
Date: 2002-08-28 13:37
Actually, Nathan, I think that there was a crack in the bell, and there may have been more cracks. If the instrument has not been taken care of, at least in my observation, cracks often develop at the middle tenon. There may have been more problems that the seller couldn't see. Always email and ask questions. I've gotten some beautiful instruments on ebay and also some duds.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-08-28 15:28
I'm inclined to think that the line in the photo that looks like a crack in the bell is actually just a reflection of the tube for the rings on the lower joint. I don't see how the seller could have missed a crack of that size and I can't imagine that a seller could have over 400 transactions (most of which appear to have been sales) without a single negative feedback response unless s/he gave honest descriptions. Sellers who don't know much about clarinets can fail to recognize problems and there might be hidden problems here but my bet would be that the bell is okay.
While I think the price paid was on the high side for eBay where an instrument of this make, model and age is concerned, it is the beginning of the school year and, if the buyer can have the instrument cleaned and put in good playing condition for $100 or so, s/he will still have a pretty well-made wooden clarinet for less than the cost of a ("Big 4") used plastic instrument at any of our local (St. Louis) stores.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Amy
Date: 2002-09-09 14:21
I am thinking about buying an Evette & Schaeffer / Buffet - Crampon clarinet from a co-worker. The serial number stamped on it is B4477. I haven't had any luck finding this number in searches to clue me in on age etc. Any help? It seems to be in very good condition. They are asking $300, I'm trying to get a lower price because it needs a case that fits, new mouthpiece, and the usual clean up.
Any advice would be great!
Thanks,
Amy
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Author: Amy
Date: 2002-09-10 14:19
I got an answer from Boosey - but if anyone has any comments I'd still like to hear them. Boosey says its a student model made in 1952.
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