 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-29 07:04
What's the difference? I searched boards out of curiousity on Master Model's but came up with the fact that there were both an Evette Master Model (looks like serial numbers start with "D" in these posts) and the Evette & Schauffer MMs (starting with "K"). Is there a difference in quality? Or is it just a timeframe of being made? Thanks.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2003-12-29 14:52
Alexi,
The Evette line was, for many years, Buffet's student model instrument. The Evette & Schaeffer line was their high-end intermediate model. When they were being made, the two lines were manufactured at different factories -- the E&S instruments at the same factory that made professional models and the Evette instruments (both wood and plastic) at a separate factory, first in France and later (around 1977) in Germany. The D- and K-series were the last for the wooden Evette and E&S lines, respectively. They were different models being made at the same time.
Until around 1952, I can find no evidence that the "Master Model" designation was used for either line. From sometime around 1952 to 1960 or 61 (if memory serves), all E&S clarinets appear to have been labelled "Master Model." Then,starting somewhere around 1961 (between K10000 and K11000), Buffet dropped the "Master Model" designation from most of its E&S clarinets, though occasionally a "Master Model" would pop up, at apparently random intervals. The reason, according to Buffet promotional literature from this time period, is that, from around 1960, E&S "Master Models" were simply E&S instruments that turned out particularly well. This apparently continued until Buffet dropped the Evette and Evette & Schaeffer designations, if favor of E11, E12 and E13 (around 1981).
The literature I have doesn't mention the Evette Master Model, perhaps because Buffet hadn't introduced it yet, but given the rather random way they are salted into the D-series serial number sequence, it makes sense that they were chosen the same way, i.e., they were Evettes that turned out particularly well. I don't know when Buffet began using the "Master Model" designation with Evettes but it was probably sometime between 1968 and 1972 (They don't show up on a 1968 price list and cpaok recently sold one from 1972 on eBay. It is not a rejected R13, BTW). They were probably made until 1981, until 1977 in France and from 1977-81 in Germany. The Buffet serial number list actually stops around 39xxx in 1977. I believe this corresponds to the move to Germany for this model. I note that the one you just bought today, however, has serial number 43780. I speculate that it is German made and would be interested in knowing if it was, indeed made in Germany or if it was made in France.
The Evette is the forerunner to the current E11. The Evette Master Model is the forerunner to the current E12. The E&S (and E&S Master Model) were the forerunners of the current E13.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-29 21:34
Thanks. And you found me out. I have always been curious since many people had high opinions of the master model series so I decided, on a whim (I know that it's the WORST way to purchase something like a clarinet) to try one out. I have already bought my performance clarinet and it's going to be sent to David Spiegelthal at the end of this week for a repad and full adjustment including intonation, but I have been curious to the master model line.
I currently own an Evette and Schaeffer K-series (non Master Model) as my primary instrument. THe one I bought is significantly better. However I figured that this being a "Master Model" (and your information above would seem to confirm it) should be about the same model as my current clarinet, but one that turned out "particularly well" so maybe it's better than mine. In which case I'll retire mine and use the MM as a secondary to my new one (assuming that it is not better than the one I picked . . . and I don't think it will be since it's just a very good E12).
I made doubly sure that there was an adequate return policy, in which I was informed I will only lose S&H back to the company after a seven day trial. It'll only take me one day to see where it ranks compared to my instrument. So I figured it wasn't THAT big a risk.
Thanks for the indepth information. I had done searching and found tons of information about the Master Models, but not the differences between them. Now I know.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2003-12-29 23:28
>>>>>>I note that the one you just bought today, however, has serial number 43780. I speculate that it is German made and would be interested in knowing if it was, indeed made in Germany or if it was made in France.<<<<<<
Yes, this serial number falls into West German Evette Master Model category. Some Evette MM clarinets from this period were actually made in France but assembled in Germany. I had D-series Evette Master Model #D405XX. The LJ just above the serial number was stamped "Made in France". This clarinet had older type German logo, "EVETTE" in the oval and Buffet Crampon (in a straight-line pattern) below and German made keywork. Left hand (pinkie finger) keywork not pinned together, but just overlapping. "Ears" on the LJ bridge key vs. UJ.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2003-12-30 03:20
While a "good" Evette Master Model could certainly be a better instrument than a "bad" Evette & Schaeffer, I would ordinarily expect your E&S to be the better instrument for a couple of reasons. First of all the E&S is a higher-end instrument, made by the same artisans who made the R13. There should be more hand finishing with the E&S than the Evette. Second, your E&S is French-made while your Evette Master Model is apparently German-made. If you do some searching around the bulletin board archives and the Klarinet archives, I think you will find that the general conclusion is that even the French Evettes are more desirable than the later German ones. The German Evettes (and later the E11's) incorporated some cost cutting features (e.g., the left-hand pinkie keywork Vytas mentions in his post) that, IMO, compromise the instrument's quality. Look closely at the linkages on the two instruments and I think you will see what I mean. Also, look at the size of the right-hand pinky key cluster. On the E11, the keys are smaller (it is a student instrument made for a child's hands). It wouldn't surprise me if this were also the case with the German Evettes. Depending on the size of your hands, this may not be a problem (it isn't for me) but it's something you will probably want to check out.
Oh, one other comment. I think it might be more accurate to say, at least for the time period involved, that an Evette Master Model (E12) was simply a very good E11.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2003-12-30 03:33)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-30 04:25
Oh well. Looks like I may be out some shipping and handling charges. Well, at least my conscience would be at ease knowing that I've tried a Master Model. Only thing I can do now is wait and see. I'll repost once I get it and test it side by side.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2003-12-30 14:58
It could turn out to be a very nice horn. You won't know until you try. On the other hand, if you get back your bid price, you will be more than halfway to a decent used A clarinet or even a Noblet bass.:) BTW, what did you choose as your front line instrument?
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-31 02:45
Quote:
the other hand, if you get back your bid price, you will be more than halfway to a decent used A clarinet or even a Noblet bass I was thinking the same exact thing. I thought, "Hey. I had enough money after my actual clarinet purchase to throw on a Master Model. If I need to get it back, I should save it somewhere (glass jar maybe?) and for next christmas buy myself an A. (I'd rather have an A than a bass. I don't like playing bass clarinet too much ![[frown]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie2.gif) )
As for my first choice . . . I'm gonna leave that up in the air until I get it back. So I don't have multiple posts and I have just one large post explaining my choice, how I made it, my process, and what I've had done to it. I also have to wait not only for the instrument, but for a few mouthpieces I've ordered so I can explain my entirely new setup! (or could be the old mouthpiece if it's better than the ones I tried. But we'll see).
Sorry but I'm going to make you wait just a LITTLE longer. By the end of january/beginning of february it should be posted.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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