 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: quiltguru
Date: 2006-03-08 19:38
In 1986 I purchased a Buffet clarinet for approx $1000, I think. It was not new when I purchased it and played it. It has not been played for 17 years but is still in excellent shape (cork and key pads all look good). It is all typical grenadilla wood with the typical Buffet Crampon logo stamped on each piece including the mouthpiece and, to the best of my recollection, had a beautiful tone. I have searched in vain for a serial number to try to find out which model I own, but can't find one. I was told that it would be above the thumb rest, but, alas, is not there. It is NOT of the Evette series, as far as I know since the logo does not include this. How can I find out which model own and how much it is worth? I had hoped my daughter would pick up the clarinet and saved it for her, but she's graduating HS this year and appears will not have an interest. Thanks for any help you can give me?
Post Edited (2006-03-08 19:39)
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Author: quiltguru
Date: 2006-03-08 20:02
I found these characteristics of an R 13 model on another thread asking the same question about an Evette Academy model the poster owned:
[The R-13 has tabs on the end of the upper joint bridge key, which are not there in picture 3.
The R-13 also has no ramp at the top of the lower joint bridge key, which this instrument shows in picture 4.
Finally, as shown in picture 4, the sliver key for the right ring finger projects straight out from the key tube, as does the pad strut. On the R-13, both of these have a curved "swoop" shape and are soldered along almost the entire length of the central tube.]
My clarinet has all of these features and has the simple Buffet Crampon logo with Paris stamped. Are these enough to conclude that I own an R 13?
Julie
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Author: quiltguru
Date: 2006-03-08 20:31
Now I feel really stupid. I put the clarinet together (I must say I forgot how nice it feels in my hands and how nice a tone it has) and by greasing the cork, some grease got into the serial number so I found it! I have an R 13 manufactured in 1967, according to the Buffet-Crampon website! Anybody have any idea of the value?
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Author: susieray
Date: 2006-03-08 21:01
I'll give you $150 for it ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Seriously, in good condition, it's worth at least $800-$1000
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-03-08 21:16
Buffet clarinets, lightly used, from the mid to late 1960's can be quite desirable.
Many feel that clarinets from that period were made with some of the best wood that Buffet ever had, and they were built with excellent craftmanship.
***Remember - Unlike today, in the 1960's the R13 was the top of the line, most expensive Bb/A clarinet offered by Buffet. The most choice wood was used and more hand assembly time was devoted to each instrument. Today, with a number of models priced higher than the R13, wood with different properties are designated for certain models.***
I have a number of R13's from the 1960's and they are my favorite Buffets.
In general, Buffets from the 1960's had 12ths which were a bit wider than found today, but they are easily managed. The sound of these instruments was robust with an abundance of carrying power. Yet, the tone could be quite flexible when needed.
Tuning, with instruments 40+ years old, of course, is crucial.
If yours is "in the balpark" it potentially could be quite a nice clarinet.
Play it...Enjoy it
...GBK
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Author: Avie
Date: 2006-03-08 23:20
I have a 1968 Buffet. When Im not playing well I can never say that its the clarinet. It seems to be asking for more. You probably have a great instrument. Have fun.![[up]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley24.gif)
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