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Re: Initial R-13 serial # (cont.)

Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-03-11 19:24

The lowest serial number for R-13 that was reported on this board is 45451 (1953). This clarinet belonged to Robert Marcellus.
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=134954&t=134746

Robert Carree designed polycylindrical bore in 1950. Buffet did not adopt the R-13 designation until 1955. In 1955 the "R-13" was introduced as a model name.
With this introduction of the R-13 the throat "A" and "G#" keys got separate posts. THIS NEW KEY DESIGN SIGNIFIES the SWITCH and that's what identifies newly introduced R-13 from the rest of so called R-13s that were made before the introduction. The lowest serial number I've seen with the separate post design is 49950.

Pre R13? What does it mean? Does it mean 'Predates' or 'Prestige'? NO! When we talk about polycylindrical design 'Pre' means "PRECURSOR". (be careful when you buy an instrument on eBay with the Pre R-13 description. Many sellers interpret 'Pre' as 'Predates', which has nothing to do with polycylindrical bore design).
Pre R-13 or early R-13 were made during 1950-1955. The throat "A" and "G#" keys shared a single post and the key guide for the top two trill keys had flat, triangular prongs. Without measuring the bore you can't tell the deference between Polycylindrical and Master bore instrument made during 1950-1955 period.

The lowest Pre R-13 serial number I've worked on is 39003 (1952), It was polycylindrical, shared post design.

Mr. Francois Kloc wrote:
"Robert Caree designed the Poly-cylindrical concept around 1950 then Buffet made what they called the No1 which was a pre R13 with this new bore design and was pitched at 440. The R13 production using R13 name started in 1955. So I can tell you with almost full insurance that your instrument is a Poly cylindrical clarinet N01 which I would compare with the early R13. I hope this help and that it's sound clear to you".
___________________________

Vytas Krass
Pro clarinet technician.
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker.
Former pro clarinet player.

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