 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: marcello.mollo
Date: 2004-12-11 05:35
I am looking to replace a 1940s buffet that I played for years. I have found a 1982 Buffet C-12 in good condition for $500, which is my upper price limit. Am I better off with this or a newer E-11? Any advice appreciated.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-12-11 14:25
I would also recommend having your 1940s vintage Buffet overhauled. Many of those "older" clarinets were excellant players and will continue to play well with a little "TLC" given as needed. You didn't mention the model, but if it was a pro model in its "day", it may not be smart to trade down to a newer (perhaps nicer looking) student model--and wind up with a clarinet that looks great, but does not play as well.
At lease, have your old Buffet put in "playing condition" by a good repair tech so you can assess its true playing capabilities before giving it up. You might also want to try a newer mouthpiece before deciding that "its the clarinet". There are many recommendations for good student level as well as expensive custom made pro models posted in previous threads. Often, a mouthpiece upgrade is all that is really needed.
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Author: madvax
Date: 2004-12-11 15:06
The Buffet C-12 is a fine instrument. I have had the opportunity to play several C-12's and E-11's. In my opinion, the C-12 is a better clarinet than the E-11. I recall one particularly nice C-12 that I played that even rivaled many R-13's.
You may want to consider broadening your search to include models from Leblanc, Yamaha, and Selmer. These companies also make excellent advanced and pro model instruments.
When choosing which instrument, it's ideal to audition the instruments side by side (if possible) and have the largest selection of potential candidates as possible/reasonable. It's also helpful to use a tuner to aid in evaluating intonation.
Let us know which way you decide and why.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-12-11 15:29
I agree with William. What ever you do, DON'T get rid of the old Buffet. Send it to the Brannens or someone who is skilled at overhauling Buffets. A good old Buffet that has been overhauled is a valuable treasure. If you want to buy the C-12 to use while the old one is being fixed, or as a back up, great.
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Author: jim S.
Date: 2004-12-11 16:45
Can you somehow get the Brannens to work on a 1940's Buffet?
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-12-11 17:21
jim S. wrote:
> Can you somehow get the Brannens to work on a 1940's Buffet?
I don't know if we can but I'm sure you can write them & ask ...
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Author: marcello.mollo
Date: 2004-12-11 23:31
Thank you all for your excellent advice. I should have been clearer. I had purchased the 1940s buffet from an old friend about 15 years ago. He recently begged me to sell it back for his daughter who is now learning. I couldn't refuse him so I have no choice but to replace it. I will definitely pass on your advice re the 1940s instrument to him.
I'm going to audition the C-12 tomorrow and I'll let you know what I learn. Is $500 the right price range if it is in very good shape?
Also, I played on a Gigliotti mouthpiece for as long as I played. I'm just getting back to playing, and I (unfortunately) let the mouthpiece go with the horn. Any advice on what to look for/how much I need to spend in a replacement mouthpiece? Is a stock buffet a bad idea.
Thanks again,
Marcello
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Author: Bill
Date: 2004-12-11 23:48
Your present Buffet has more going for it than anything you could get new for $500.00. However, you would probably find the switch to a narrower bore clarinet a plus. If I were you, I would wait, add another $500 to your price ceiling, and get an R-13.
And send me your old Buffet I play on 1930s models ... I love them.
Bill.
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Author: madvax
Date: 2004-12-12 06:06
marcello.mollo wrote:
> Is $500 the right price range if it is in very good shape?
If the C-12 is in good shape, both cosmetically and mechanically, then $500 is about the right range.
> Any advice on what to look for/how much I need to spend
> in a replacement mouthpiece? Is a stock buffet a bad idea.
The stock Buffet mouthpiece is defintely a bad idea. I'm pretty sure you can still get a Gigliotti mouthpiece.
I used to recommend the Hite J or D series mouthpieces. Since Hite has passed away, I'm not sure if you can still buy these. A good hard rubber mouthpiece will cost between $60 and $200. It's very important to get a decent mouthpiece.
I'm sure you'll get many different mouthpiece recommendations on this board (three things you should never discuss in mixed company; religion, politics, and mouthpieces). You can also try doing a search on this bulletin board for past mouthpiece discussions. You're certain to find a bunch of recommendations.
Good luck
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-12-12 14:04
Gigliottis are around online from eBay to Woodwind and Brasswind. No problem there. I agree you should add $500 and look for a good R-13.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-12-12 14:07
Where are you, on the Globe?
Your choices may be fewer in some regions.
May I also recommend the Evette and Schaefer "Master Model" if you like the Buffet sound. They're nicely made, and reasonably priced, second hand.
Personally, I play the Ridenour TR147 which is made from hard rubber.
They're a bargain, second hand and reasonably priced as new.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-12 14:12
If you liked your gigliotti mouthpiece, and sold it with the horn (GASP!), why not stick with another gigliotti mouthpiece? There ARE tons of others (which you can do a search on), but if you liked it, stick with it.
I myself have a gigliotti P mouthpiece that I will refuse to sell cause I like it soo much. It's VERY good and I figure the more good mouthpieces I have, the less for any of my 'competition' to have . . . .
muahahaha!
Also, don't underestimate the value of a good refacing on a mouthpiece. My gigliotti, before some refacing work from Dave Spiegelthal, was just 'good'. Now it's much, much better.
Alexi - who is proud to own three mouthpieces each refaced by a different one of the three most talked about refacers on this board. And each of them great.
US Army Japan Band
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