 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-05-29 13:20
All the information I've read on this board seem to point to no particular identifying marks to tell one if an R-13 is an Academy model or a standard R-13. The logo is claimed to be identical, the cut out, the double posts, the bore, the keys etc. The only detail that is suggested is that the Academy is an R-13 with some minor cosmetic deficiency that precluded its sale as the more expensive R-13 ($350 less in some years). Well, after 20 years or even less, cosmetic differences abound on even the most well cared for but played clarinet. Key scratches, worn plating, wood scratches and discolorations are the rule even after 2 years. So, in effect is an Academy the equal to an R-13 after a short period of initial ownership?
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Bill
Date: 2013-05-29 14:59
According to Alvin Swiney (all rise):
During the 38,000 series Buffet clarinet the bore design changed for
the worse thanks to the great idea of one of the French Engineers. The bore
of the lower joint was so large that if made the right hand notes go a
quarter tone sharper in pitch. I refuse to sell them anymore. After several
years of loosing the American market, the Buffet Company contacted me and
asked if I could get them back on the right track. So I sent them the
correct bore and tone hole dimensions By Bob McGinnnis who was going to
France for a visit. The factory used my dimension and sent me two free
Clarinets for my help. The instruments were with my dimensions of course."
At that point Mr. Moennig went to the safe and showed me the new prototype
which was numbered in the 41,500 series. According to Mr. Moennig the bad
bore clarinets (39,000 to 41,000), Were labeled "Academy Model" and sold as
student level clarinets until they were depleted.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-05-29 21:59
I read somewhere that there were two different types of Academy models. There were those that had bad intonation and there was another set that had cosmetic blemishes. I guess I never go to the part where there was an indication of the word Academy anywhere on the instruments. Personally, I wouldn't mind a scratch or two but intonation problems are a deal breaker.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2013-05-30 03:33
There were two completely different Academy models. If you run a search on this site you will find information about them that should clear up your misconceptions.
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2013-05-30 04:24
If your instrument is not marked "Academy Model" then it is not an Academy Model. Case is closed.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Bill
Date: 2013-05-31 16:26
Interesting thread! I'll be checking back. Never heard about two versions of "Academy Model." But, hey, I'm here to learn.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: susieray
Date: 2013-06-03 23:50
I have owned a couple and they were very nice instruments. Listed as model R-113 in the catalog. Yes they are the R13 with a little knot in the wood, etc....were manufactured in the 1960's and clearly marked "Academy Model"
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-06-04 00:17
It looks like if one can get a hold on an Academy R13 that has a cosmetic issue like a knot but doesn't have an intonation problem, you have a real bargain. I just wish someone who is passing through Miami who is familiar with Buffets would play my '86 R-13 and give an honest opinion how mine rates compared to other. With a shorter Bakun barrel it plays in tune with itself with a degree of depth, warmth and clarity that puts a smile on my face. Repairmen have said they like it. but maybe they think I'm paying them to flatter my horn.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2013-06-04 00:28
So that makes three different Academy models: (1) the ones Alvin Swiney identified, (2) the later R113 (from the timing, it appears that Buffet decided to adopt the "Academy" identification for rejected R13s in lieu of the earlier Evette & Schaeffer Master Model designation (very rare, 5-digit serial number with no prefix)) and (3) an (Evette and Schaeffer?) Academy Model made in West Germany, presumably in the 1980s.
Best regards,
jnk
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