 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JonB
Date: 2004-03-22 07:32
I have an older Evette "Sponsored by Buffet" wooden clarinet and am trying to find out the age and any other info I can about it. The serial number is B8659 which does not show up on the Boosey & Hawkes serial number search. Can anyone help me ID this, please?
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Author: Michael Helms
Date: 2004-03-28 23:04
Please let me know if you find out anything else about this ... I have what sounds like the same Evette "Sponsored by Buffet" instrument with the serial number C5xxx.
Cheers,
-- Mike Helms
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Author: Amy Tindall
Date: 2004-03-28 23:26
I've did some research on this serial number and havn't been able to come up with anything... Is it possible that you read the number wrong? Check the both sides of the middle joint and see if the serial number read the same. Let me know
Amy E. Tindall
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2004-03-29 03:37
The only serial number list that I have seen for wooden Evettes starts with the D-series. Presumably the B- and C- series' preceded that, probably in order. I think the actual progression was: (1) no prefix, (2) Bxxxx, (3) Cxxxx, and (4) Dxxxx. If the serial number list is correct, the D-series started in 1963.
Your clarinets' keywork may provide useful clues. The following questions would be a start: (1) Does the G# key on the upper joint have an adjusting screw? (2) Do the A and G# keys on the upper joint share a post or do they each have two posts? (3) What is the shape of the "guide" for the upper two trill keys on the upper joint? (4) On the lower joint, do the left-hand cluster keys (E/B, F#/C#) share a single post or do they each have a separate post?
Since I expect you will find an adjusting screw on the G# key, my best guess at this point is that the instruments were made sometime between 1940 and 1963. Perhaps if you can answer the above questions, I or someone else (perhaps Vytas or Ken Shaw) can narrow things down further.
The B- and C- series Evettes were produced in France as wooden student model instruments, probably in a different factory than the professional and intermediate models. Some of the earliest ones may have even been produced for Buffet by another manufacturer (hence the "Sponsored by ...") but I have no actual evidence of this and the "Sponsored by ..." could simply indicate a separate factory with a different set of craftsmen -- perhaps working under the supervision of someone from the main factory.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2004-03-29 04:12)
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-03-30 00:44
Jack,
You're quite right. Only professional Buffet models and 'Evette & Schaeffer' clarinets were made in the (main) Buffet factory. Interesting detail is that the stock / model number for Evette & Schaeffer clarinets was 'E-13'.
Wooden Evettes were made in the other Buffet's factory, which they bought to satisfy the demand for lower priced instruments. BTW. Buffet bought this factory way before they put an adjusting screw on the G# key. Evette was build by people who received training in the main factory.
Your assumption that "some of the earliest ones may have even been produced for Buffet by another manufacturer" is correct. Buffet sold instruments made by another manufacturer. I actually worked on one of these. It was Hard-Rubber Evette Sponcered by Buffet s/n H310XX. This clarinet had completely deferent keywok. I've seen the same keywork on some Linton stencils. I think, the clarinet was made by SML. BTW this clarinet was made in the 60s or even 70s and is not 'one of the earliest'
Vytas Krass
Pro clarinet technician.
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker.
Former pro clarinet player.
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