The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2003-12-21 04:23
I've got my new clarinet! Well, an older Buffet Crampon one. The Serial is 280154 and according to the serial number site it was made in 1985. It's model starts with B - but the rest of it has been rubbed out, so I can't tell whether it's a B10, B12 or what. Is there any way to tell from the serial number what model it is? It seems to be plastic (i'd say it is) but has the wood 'look'.
Post Edited (2003-12-21 06:07)
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2003-12-21 07:06
This is short, Alyra, because I just typed a response then lost it.
Brushed plastic - probably smooth and shiny in the bore; lighter weight.
Wooden - wood grain visible in the bore as well as on the outside; heavier.
To bring out a faint number - try rubbing it gently with light coloured chalk.
I've seen older B12s with shiny finish, and later ones with brushed finish. If you determine that its a B12 and it's brushed finish, maybe someone will know the year they changed, so you can at least narrow it down.
I'm, not sure, but I think the serial # list is only for the R13 range. Maybe someone (everyone??) will correct me.
Hope this helps. Have a Happy, Hot Christmas.
Cheers.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-12-21 08:58
Alyra...did you mean the serial number or the model number? I'm not certain that model numbers are engraved on Buffets so I'm thinking you mean serial number since a 'B" at the beginning would seem appropriate....and it's probably a B-12 model. Happy Holidays
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2003-12-21 11:40
I meant the model number starts with B - but the rest has rubbed off. (Serial number is as in my post - no letters in it).
I'm so ecstastic with this clarinet. It belonged to a jazz player who died and was part of his estate. It's plays so beautifully, but I guess any good brand would play beautifully compared to the flying clarinet I was using (before said flying clarinet cracked)..
The keys have no wear at all. It's amazing. The pads have all been replaced - and they are decent pads. There are only very minute scratches on the clarinet. There's only a little bit of mold to get rid of presumably becuase the guy passed away and it didn't have any care and sat there for a while. It has most definately been looked after though. However, how does one tell if the keys are silver or nickel plated? Are there any tell-tale signs?
Going to go buy a polishing cloth etc. from allans tomorrow to make sure I can keep this clarinet in the same excellent condition for many years to come.
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-12-21 13:18
Alyra,
Re: "how does one tell if the keys are silver or nickel plated? Are there any tell-tale signs?"
Silver plated keys will develop a dark grey/black tarnish in the areas that your fingers don't contact. Nickel does not tarnish.
It's tempting to polish the silver, but repeated polishing may eventually remove the silver plating.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2003-12-21 13:20
Yep. I just want to lightly wipe off any sweat etc. off my hands each time after I've finished...:)
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2003-12-21 13:23
Im just going to take a photo of said clarinet.
Post Edited (2003-12-21 13:26)
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-12-22 02:03
Actually nickel can tarnish over a long enough time or severe enough exposure. However it generally holds up quite well. When it does tarnish, it tarnishes with brownish spots not a gray or black film.
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