 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2007-07-27 00:44
I recently purchased a Buffet Radio Model Eb alto clarinet manufactured in 1959 and using a tuner discovered that it is pitched in F. I then measured the bore and it matches the large bore basset horn. I am using a Gigliotti alto clarinet mouthpiece. I did learn that their were only 163 made in 1959 and mine is the 129th. I have not been able to learn much more. If anyone has any information on this particular model I would really appreciate the input.
jmsa
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2007-07-27 02:14
Did Buffet sell it as a "basset horn"? If it has a large bore and is keyed to Eb, I'd be inclined to call it an F alto clarinet. Of course the instrument doesn't particularly care what you call it...
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2007-07-27 02:41
Buffet did indeed call it an F alto clarinet. It has great tuning, power and roundness of tone.
jmsa
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-07-27 03:12
typical of buffet clarinets
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-07-27 10:38
I'd be pleased to find that, though it does mean you are limited to what basset horn playing you can do as obviously anything below low Eb is out. But I assume most 1st basset horn parts don't descend below low Eb. And you can play cor anglais or horn parts on it.
Leblanc listed an F basset horn to low Eb on their range chart - and looking at a low C Leblanc basset horn you can see the bottom joint is divided at this point.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2007-07-27 11:34
In for you are: Mozart's Requiem, first bsthrn part of the Gran Partita (but not the second!), and first parts of K. 229 Divertimenti (pretty sure there, haven't checked).
Out for you: second bsthrn of Gran Partita, Mendelssohn Konzertstuecke, Beethoven Prometheus duet with oboe, Backofen concerto and quintet, etc.
Also, I'd remind that the low range of the basset horn (below Eb) is partly responsible for the basset horn timbre qualities of the mid range, so it will take a lot of effort to obtain desired basset horn sound on your alto clarinet in F, but that's probably not impossible.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-07-27 11:53
You can always have a low C extension built and fitted later on if you wish.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2007-07-27 22:58
Thanks BassetHorn.
I am using it to play jazz only and it is perfect for this venue. This particular instrument has allowed me to find my true voice. Thanks to everyone for your helpful information.
jmsa
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