 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: col
Date: 1999-10-21 05:18
I just need some help / advice in regards to buying an A clarinet. I have found a second hand buffet RC that has a serial number beginning with 18 . I have been told it was made in 1979 - when buffet were making their best clarinets ( this could be a selling ploy ). Just wondering if anyone can assist with information on this type of instrument and the fact that it is 21 years old. should i be looking more for a newer or brand new one. Thanks for any help in advance.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-10-21 12:16
col wrote:
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... and the fact that it is 21 years old. should i be looking more for a newer or brand new one. Thanks for any help in advance.
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Nothing wrong with a 21 year old instrument as long as it was well taken care of and is in good condition. Many of us on this board play far older instruments. My main clarinet is a professional level Leblanc that is approximately 45 years old. My back up instrument is a G. Prueffer clarinet that is approximately 60 years old.
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Author: William
Date: 1999-10-21 14:21
I agree with Dee--the condition of the clarinet is more important than its age. The model that you are considering (RC Buffett, ser. beginning with 18) is a great series of clarinet and is played by many professionals around the world. I just had a chance to sell my Buffett A which is of the same series as yours, for $1200.00, to a pro based in New York City. (I decided to keep it as a back up to my LeBlancs) I recommend that you buy the instrument you have found if it is in good condition--modern clarinets are all trying to live up to the standards that these Buffetts set back then.
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Author: Lelia
Date: 1999-10-21 23:48
One advantage to an older instrument is that if it planned on cracking, it probably would have done it by now. I play an "obsolete" 1937 Buffet and love it!
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Author: Meri
Date: 1999-10-23 17:04
Col:
The best Buffet clarinets were actually made in the 1960's, not the 70's--during the 70's, Buffet was in financial trouble. Many of the 1970's instruments are not very good.
As for looking for a newer instrument: I play on a 1968 R-13, and while some of the other players in my campus band and my community band are playing new clarinets, they envy the sound of my instrument! (a couple of them have tried it with their mouthpiece) I tried playing their clarinets too: I can't get a barely-audible pp in the low register, and the upper clarion/altissimo register cannot be played p without going too flat.
But, go for an instrument you like the sound of.
Meri
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Author: col
Date: 1999-10-24 01:52
thanks everyone for the advice, im trying the clarinet next week again before i make a decison.
thanks again
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