 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-03-02 20:00
In a recent post entitled "Bad Buffet Years", I mentioned that I was going to check out a Festival from around 1992 (#368XXX). I got the chance to do that today. The results: a nice clarinet indeed, but not even in the same league with my 1966 R13 in terms of tone quality.
If the difference wasn't the quality of wood used, what do you think the difference could be? I also realize that this isn't much of a sampling and may not be representative of other instruments from either era.
GBK and others, our old R13's have a reputation among owners that borders on mystique. Mine did itself proud today; thought you guys would like to know.
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Author: Don
Date: 2002-03-02 20:20
Thanks for the update, Fred. Did you use the same mouthpiece, etc. on both instruments?
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-03-02 21:29
Same mouthpiece(s): Tried both a Greg Smith Ched 1+ and a Buffet/Ched. Tried both Vandoren V-12 3.5's and Mitchell Lurie 3.5's. Compared everything head-to-head.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-03-02 22:27
Fred...Thanks for the update. Your findings do not surprise me at all. Another vote for those "vintage years."
Have you ever read Clark Fobes' assessment of the playing characteristics of certain groups of Buffet serial numbers? I know it is only one opinion, but he IS a knowledgeable and experienced craftsman. By the way, I did read in the archives (I can't find the link right now) that David Shifrin still plays on the R-13 he had when he played with Cleveland in 1972-75 (supposedly bought in 1968 or 1969 - 99xxx-105xxx)
Interesting reading:
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/Intonation.html ...GBK
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Author: Bill
Date: 2002-03-03 02:01
I have R-13 Buffets from '85, '67, and '38. The 1938 instrument can make you cry! Pretty-pretty-pretty. The '67 is an A clarinet, so it's harder to compare, but in playing it is very smoooth and flexible. What I like about the 1985 R-13 is it's ballsy bottom tones and it's "cut" or projection. But tonally it's inert.
--Bill.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-03-03 02:19
Bill...One slight nitpick - The 1938 instrument would not be an R-13. The R-13 was created in 1955 under the direction of Robert Carée (some sources say 1950)
I'm curious to hear more about the 1938 Buffet as to intonation, tone quality, projection, etc...GBK
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Author: Marty M
Date: 2002-03-03 03:48
hi,i just aquired a 1939 buffet clarinet ..serial 19,xxx.
I had my tech overhaul it and it is just a dream instrument.
tuning and response are very good. A friend of mine told me this was a great year.im really enjoying it and adding it too my other four buffets.its a bigger sound and more free blowing than R-13.
but very full and powerfull.
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Author: Don
Date: 2002-03-04 00:48
I love this! We sound like we're sampling fine wines!
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Author: E. Michael Blake
Date: 2002-03-04 15:20
Would Buffet's "good years" have been influenced by external events? In 1938 and 1939, France was still able to go about its business, but immediately afterward, things were far different. Did Buffet continue as a manufacturer during Vichy? If so, did it maintain its earlier standards?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-03-04 23:12
A very exclusive club. We are, however, accepting new members...GBK
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-04 23:14
BGK - I'd love to join your club - but my LeBlanc would get shirty
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