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Re: E11 Serial Number and MFG dating

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2006-05-27 06:53

The Buffet serial number search is still not working and, since no one else has come forward, I will tell you what I recall - but my memory may be faulty. Around 1981, when Buffet first began using the E11 designation, the serial numbers for R13's were in the 220000 range and the E11's were fairly close - at least in the 200000's and possibly the low 200000's. I remember this because of some difficulty I had several years ago determining which model an instrument on eBay was. The numbers diverged rapidly from that point, however.

I have an E11 that I reconditioned for my daughter to use several years ago. It's serial number was 33xxxx. As I recall, when I checked it on the Buffet serial number list it was early or mid-1980's.

I think that current models are probably in the 900000's. (A quick check of E11's recently sold or for-sale on eBay turned up one with a serial number in the high 800000's. It was either described as, or looked to be a few years old.

Based on that and some interpolation, I think your clarinet was probably made in the mid- or late-1980's. Almost certainly no later than the early 90's.

If you are really interested in narrowing the date down, I recommend you keep your eye on eBay. Occasionally, someone selling an instrument they have had for many years will include the date they purchased it new and its serial number. That kind of information can be helpful in dating another instrument more accurately. I ran a quick check tonight to see what I could find and didn't turn anything up but, over time, you are likely to get some useful hits.

Best regards,
jnk

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