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Re: Figure out model # from serial #? Buffet, Leblanc

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-08-19 04:03

I agree with Jeff in his identification.

In my experience, you will probably find more information by model name than number.

As Jeff said, Buffet 566617 is an R13, made in December, 2006. If it is new, the price is $300+ higher than the Woodwind and Brasswind (WW&BW) listed price. If it is used, it is overpriced, IMO.

From what you said, I'm assuming that all the clarinets you looked at are wood (or, at least, you think they are). In that case, Buffet 921783 is most likely an E11. Buffet's newer plastic student models have a matte finish to make them look like wood. If the clarinet you looked at is plastic, it will be either a B10 or B12. (I think the serial number is in range for any of these three models but do not have a serial number list to date the instrument. The model number (E11, B10, B12) should be stamped on the upper joint below the Buffet logo.) If the clarinet is a wooden E11, the price isn't bad. If it's a plastic B12, it's higher than the WW&BW listed price for a brand new one. Buffet considers all three of these models to be student models. The plastic would not be a step up from your Yamaha and, arguably, the E11 would be a small step.

I can't tell you anything about the Leblancs. I've never heard of the "Regency" (but I'm not a Leblanc sort of guy.

). Because of the Vito designation for one of the two you looked at, I expect it is made in the USA, rather than France. I found a few references to a Leblanc "Regency" model in a Google search but little information. I could not find the model at the Leblanc website, WW&BW or eBay (active or completed auctions) so it's possible that it may have been discontinued, or might be a special branding for a particular music store.. I just don't know. If the "Regency Step-Up" is plastic, it may be similar to the earlier Vito V40, a good plastic instrument (or it may not). However, if that's what it is, $1,489 is way overpriced. (You can find V40s on eBay for under $100, though they might need some pad and/or cork work.) There are, AFAIK, no public serial number lists to give any further information about these models, though you already have their names. Perhaps one of the teachers or repair techs will be able to tell you more about the model. The " Vito Regency" is very likely plastic. FYI, I think someone who didn't have much experience with various materials might easily mistake a V40 for wood. Not only does it look a bit like wood, it has thicker walls than most plastic clarinets (or, at least, feels like it does to me).

The model number for the current Yamaha Allegro is the YCL-550AL. Yamaha describes this on their website as a step-up (high-end) intermediate model. It is still on their "active" list for the US. However, you should look carefully at what the store has because it could be an older YCL-450AL. IMO, if the one you looked at is the 550, other than the Buffet R13, it is probably the highest-end clarinet you tried. WW&BW doesn't show it in their most recent catalog. They do carry the YCL-450 (one step below) for $1095. Surprisingly, they show the YCL-650, an entry level professional instrument comparable, IMO, to the R13, for $1345 (new!) so again be aware that your store is not a low-cost provider. The 650 is probably the best value for your dollar if you buy a new clarinet -- and, of course, if you like the way it plays. On eBay, a few 550ALs have been listed recently. In very good condition, from a seller with a lot of positive feedback, $300-$500 would appear to be the going price.

Best regards,
jnk

Post Edited (2007-08-19 04:14)

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