 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: spyne
Date: 2003-10-11 03:35
I heard somewhere that the older the Buffet R13 the better. Has anyone else heard that? Some say that the new ones, although they are nice they just aren't the same.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-10-11 04:22
The R13 has had a number of changes since the mid 1950's. Some think those changes were for the better. Others like Hans Moennig, thought the improvements were a step backwards.
A number of players (including myself) think that the Buffets produced from 1965 to 1971 (approximate serial numbers 85,000 to 120,000 were the "Golden Age". (One of my R-13's is 96xxx and it is by far the best Buffet I have ever played) Other colleagues I know think that there are many great R-13's up to 1981 (220,000) before the bore slightly changed to more resistance.
On a personal note, I also have R-13's in the 154xxx, 162xxx and 190xxx range which are superb, but very different from the 96xxx. I also have a 248xxx and a 274xxx which play great but have a totally different feel, color and response.
Many now say that we are in the new Golden era of Buffet clarinets. I am not totally convinced. I think that great instruments are definitely out there, but it takes a little more searching and testing to find one. There have also been a number of quality control issues posted by the repair techs on this board and those concern me. I have helped students select new R-13's and it is often a frustrating task to find one that I would personally buy. Again, I may be jaded by the horns I already own.
In my mind the quality of the wood is definitely a consideration when I chose to stay with the older R-13's. It is no secret that the length of time the wood is now aged is less than in previous generations. The jury is still out as to whether this has an effect on the sound and/or reliability of the instrument.
In summary, if you find an R-13 that plays in tune and permits you to play to your full potential, it doesn't matter what year it is...GBK
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Author: stickpoet
Date: 2003-10-11 05:44
I have been a Buffet R13 buff for almost half a centry. After Selmer, my first true love was with #65514 (1960), which I gave to my son 10 years ago. Then came along #114437 (1970) -- I was faithfully wedded to it for almost 20 years. In the interim I also had my mistress, Yamaha, on the side, for its lissome coquettish attraction. I went back and forth between the two and finally realized I body and soul belong to Buffet.
Some months ago this year, I again helplessy fell in love with a new young Buffet #501972, my current lover. To the best of my knowledge, this one must have been manufactured after 1997. (The latest Buffet serial number known to me is #439774 at the end of 1997. If anyone knows what year this one was produced, please let me know...)
I remember my first Buffet sounded very pure and warm, but rather thin and a little too soft for me. Among the 3 Buffets I ruthlessly caressed day and night, in my personal observation, I like the most recent one the best. The reason is apparently personal: It is warmer, clearer, and also darker in timber than any of the past two. It is also very straightforward without becoming brassy.
The 1970 one, is still superbly functional. Just for the heck of it, every once in a while I compare the sound of the 1970 lover and my current inamorata. When I compare, I use the same barrel, mouthpiece, and reed for the two clarinets. Conclusion: I have to say that the 1970 one obviously cannot hold a candle to my sweetheart, #501972.
Maybe tastes change as one grow old, I am not sure. But again, maybe not...
With fondness, Ryan...
Post Edited (2003-10-11 05:52)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-10-11 09:07
We get a distorted, unrepresentatative picture of the 'vintage' instruments.
Firstly, like vintage pop songs, the duds have probably found resting places away from the discerning type of public eye.
Secondly, the manufacturer's faults have probably mainly been dealt with by technicians over the decades.
Post Edited (2003-10-11 09:07)
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