 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dfh
Date: 2007-08-30 02:15
I have come to won an old Evette Schaeffer (not the Master Model) clarinet. I just want to know how old it is. Are the serival numbers listed on this site for ALL clarinets EVER made by Buffet? The SN is B 4659. I'm hoping to get this thing fixed up and play some Klezmer on it - my much newer R13 is way too uptight! Thanks to all who can help!
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Author: Ed Granger
Date: 2007-08-30 13:52
Typing in your SN at the Buffet site (www.buffet-crampon.com), the entry that most nearly fits your instrument indicates a clarinet made 11/7 of 1952. The entry indicates it is for an "Evette," but the speculation on here has been that since Buffet has redone the site, the "Evettes" that come up on there are likely E&S models, not the lower-level "Evettes." It has also been pointed out that it is perhaps wise to take the Buffet site with a grain of salt vis a vis it's SN database. The database, as I understand it, may only begin in 1952 with "K"-series instruments, and your "B"-series may predate the Buffet site altogether.
Others may (and surely do) know more.
(The SN list on this site, as I understand it, is mainly for the pro-level instruments. Some of the lesser-level instruments are listed below these (i.e. E-13), but I'm pretty sure your B-series predates those.)
Ed
Post Edited (2007-08-30 14:09)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-08-30 15:54
Pictures of your instrument might help date it better by its keywork than any of the existent (and no longer existent) Buffet serial number lists. Even before reworking their site and introducing their most recent serial number list, Buffet never included the B-series E&S models. The serial numbers at their website do not list all the clarinets Buffet ever made. I have been unable to find any clarinet made outside the "main" factory -- i.e., the one where Buffet made professional instruments in France. Also, there don't appear to be serial numbers for cylindrical bore professional instruments that preceded the No1 model. The "Evette" clarinet that comes up when I enter your serial number is almost certainly a K-series clarinet.
Your B-series clarinet probably dates back to the 1940's or early 50's, a time when Buffet is reported to have had financial difficulties. Vytas Krass has provided some disturbingly convincing evidence that B-series Evette & Schaeffer models were actually not made by Buffet at all but, rather, were "stencilled" for Buffet (or, perhaps its US distributor), probably by Malerne. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. (And I still have trouble accepting it! "Say it ain't so, Francois.") Here is the thread:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=250698&t=250667
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ed Granger
Date: 2007-08-30 16:08
Jack,
According to the link you provided (and which I recalled the gist of but not the specifics) the Malerne-made E&S instruments are "D" series, rather than "B" series. Or am I reading incorrectly?
Ed
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-08-30 17:48
The original clarinet in question in that thread did have a D prefix. However, as I read his message, Vytas later said that he believed the only E&S clarinets made by Buffet were the K-prefix instruments. Also, as I recall, at the time of that thread, I looked at a couple of B-series instruments that were for sale on eBay and they had some of the distinctive characteristics of Malerne-made clarinets.
Actually, there is a B-series E&S in the completed eBay auctions now:
B-Series E&S
Note, in particular the shape of the bridge mechanism on the lower joint and the angled arm to the top pad cup on the lower joint. While these may not be exclusive to Malerne clarinets, they are fairly characteristic. FWIW, from the keywork, I would date this instrument to the 40's or early 50's, though others who post to this Board can perhaps give a more precise estimate.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: dfh
Date: 2007-08-30 19:00
Wow, thanks for all this great info! My LJ top key has the angled arm, and the LJ bridge key has ears, but of a different shape. There are not metal tenons. I don't know all the lingo for all the parts (I just play the darn thing ;-), so I couldn't follow all of the descriptions in the threads given. Does anybody want pics? I could take them and send the to you. It's pretty beat up, but the wood itself looks good and dense with an even grain, whatever that's worth. And it seems heavier than my R13.
Just guessing by the age of the man who played it in college at Purdue, it would need to be in the 40's if he got it new.
Now I have another question. I don't have the money to get this thing the overhaul it needs, but I was thinking about calling my very cool repair guy and seeing if I take it apart and get it cleaned up and perhaps put new pads on it, if he would help me get it back together and adjust it etc. Some keys need to be bent and I'm not comfortable with that. I've always wanted to try this, so why not now?
Where can I get the pads? Can they be ordered as a set?
Thanks Again!!!
Dana
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