 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Conn Alto
Date: 2007-12-04 14:18
Hi, I am new here. If anyone can give me some info on these clarinets I would appreciate it. I have one for trial and it seems very good. I am mainly a sax player but this seems to be a big improvement on my old Selmer Series 9.
If this an R-13 model?
thank you.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-12-04 15:04
I remember someone asked me this and from searching this forum I found the Limite is supposed to be exactly the same as the R13 in the bore and tone holes but slightly different keys (like pivot screws for the banana B/F# like E13) and possibly other things on the outside (I think maybe the cut part under the right pinky keys).
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-12-04 15:06
Limite' ????
Not Limited?
The Buffet Limited if memory serves correct are basically the Buffet International which is an improvement on the E-11, but not a whole lot more. Basically equal to an E-12, but not an E-13. They are made for certain large music stores.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Emily's Dad
Date: 2007-12-05 03:04
The Limite' was distributed in the US by the Brook Mays music stores. It is made in France at the Buffet factory where the R-13's are made. Somewhat lesser keywork. Would be similar to the C-13 Internationals that are German made. Also would be comparable to the "Conservatiore" model listed in Buffet's web site-basically a high end intermediate horn for serious players not quite ready (or ready to spend the money!) for a professional horn.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-12-05 11:56
Lots of misinformation above.
The Buffet Limite' is NOT an International.
The Buffet Limite' is a BC1102. The BC1102 is also known as the E-13.
It is my understanding that a decision has been made to stop offering the E-13 in the USA; the Limite' will be offered in its place.
The Buffet Limite' is NOT an R-13. Unfortunately, the former Brook Mays website & its in-store personnel told everyone that it was. The Limite' began "life" as a creation for the middle market retailer (aka Brooks Mays, Caldwell Music, H & H, etc.) just as the BC8501 (the C-13 or International) was created for that same market.
Presently there is no stock of Limite' in the US. Remaining stocks of E-13 will be sold off on a regular wholesale basis - business as usual. When the E-13's are gone, the Limite' should begin arriving. Retail & wholesale prices are the SAME between these 2 models.
...GBK
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-12-05 14:00
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> So does it play better than an E-13 due to it's fancy name?
Don't know about that, but expect a 3-5% across the board price increase in Buffet clarinets on January 1...GBK
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-12-05 14:41
Sorry about giving wrong information. Strange because someone on this board was interested in finding out more info about the Limite and both Brook Mays and Buffet told him it was the same as the R13. I wonder why they would do that, or maybe it was just a misunderstanding.
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Author: Conn Alto
Date: 2007-12-05 15:48
Just to make interesting, would anyone care to offer an opinion as to the merits of a Series 9 Selmer vs. what is apparently a new E-13? The 9 is from 1960, no cracks, plays top to bottom but does not sound as impressive as the Buffet. I have been told that even though it plays it needs an overhaul by one tech but those guys always say that.
Thanks for all the responses.
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Author: Emily's Dad
Date: 2007-12-09 00:07
I also apologize for any wrong info. Allow me another Limite' question. Why is it when you search the Buffet web site for some serial numers (partcularly some of the "Limite'" serial numbers-as listed on "that auction site") you get a whole page of results. When I put the older C-12 serial number fom Emily's horn, I only get the one result?
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Author: pewd
Date: 2007-12-09 01:31
>Unfortunately, the former Brook Mays website & its in-store personnel
>told everyone that it was.
several local music stores (dallas) purchased a supply of Limite's when brook mays went out of business, and are presently telling my students basically the same thing - that this is a professional instrument, just as good as an R13.
i've played a few of them - i'm not real impressed wtih them.
the local stores are pushing them real hard - makes me wonder if they're having trouble moving them
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2007-12-10 00:28
Often these clarinets are falsely advertised like this:
"The Limite' is a limited production version of the legendary R-13 that has not been available before to the US Market".
BTW Limite' clarinets have prefix "K" before the serial number and that alone is very clear indication of an intermediate level clarinet.
Prefix "K" is used on all intermediate level clarinets made in the main Buffet factory since 1930
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: ww.player
Date: 2007-12-11 17:17
I have a good friend that was formerly a manager for Brook Mays. According to him, the Limite was an E13 body with an R13 barrel and bell. He did not think it was a particularly good combination and actually preferred either the stock E13 or R13 over the Limite.
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Author: TMorgan
Date: 2019-08-25 22:48
I am so glad to have found you. I have the opportunity to purchase a 7 year old excellent shape limite for $600. Seems like a great deal....Is it?
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Author: Chetclar
Date: 2019-08-27 05:34
For a purchase price of 600.00, if in excellent condition, the Limite purchase would be a good deal. It is an upper level intermediate, French made instrument, not as good as an R13, better than other Buffet intermediate models. The marketing of this instrument was indeed confusing, and it was a E13, made in France by Buffet.
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Author: GER
Date: 2021-08-22 13:31
Posting only to add a data point on the Buffet Limite' Bb Clarinet. Confirming some of what is stated above and adding a bit to it. Possibly benefiting others that may come across this model for sale. There is not much info to be found, and this thread was useful to me in my purchase decisions.
I just acquired a used copy of this clarinet. The keywork is solid and it is playing excellently so far. Looks great cosmetically as well - no sign that it was ever damaged or cracked.
The model number is engraved into the bell - 1103B
The barrel is also engraved 1103B 650
The engraved serial number is K161XXX
The upper joint has the Limite' marking in script.
Both upper and lower joints are stamped with the typical Buffet - Crampon, Made in France logo.
I live in an area where this would have been sold new by Brook Mays. That company, as it existed for many, many years, went out of business in 2005-2006. I really have no way to tell how old my copy is. I only know that it was played regularly and well cared for over the last 7 or so years. Given it's condition, it could be an old inventory "new" copy that a local repair shop picked up when BM closed out, possibly with no more than 15 years of use on it. The BM name is still in use, but it is not the place I remember as my favorite "toy" store for everything music.
As to pricing, I know of a recent sale of one of these that was set up in top playing condition by a shop I trust highly for the same price of a typical used R13 in very good condition. I have seen others priced similarly and down to as low as a what was mentioned in the post above. What I paid was on the lower end, but the specifics don't matter. What does matter is that you have someone you trust that is highly qualified assess the condition and cost to recondition if necessary of any clarinet before you buy. I was not shopping for a Limite' or an E13. This clarinet was brought to my daughter's private instructor, a "retired" top notch pro player, by another of his students. So he knew this clarinet very well. This was too good an option to pass up in waiting even longer for the right R13 to come up which was the original target.
I made this purchase so that I can practice with and motivate my early teen daughter in her clarinet studies. If I succeed in my task, this Limite' is a perfect clarinet for her to grow into from her E11. The last owner placed 1st chair state playing it in high school last year, so it must be quite a respectable copy - even if it is not an R13.
GER
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Author: ahebert
Date: 2021-08-23 22:43
Regarding the Series 9 Selmers...
My b-flat is a Series 9 and I love it. It always had some issues with intonation in the lower register but the flexibility of the horn was a good match for me. I need a horn I can play chamber music and orchestral stuff with, but I also play small combo jazz. Lo and Behold, a "new to me" but very old Selmer barrel, gifted to me by my repair guy, improved those issues bigtime. Now, I wouldn't trade that horn for anything...
...except maybe.... A Series 9*.
My A clarinet is a 9* and I love this horn. I got it for cheap on ebay and my tech went over it to the tune of lots of $$ but totally worth it. However, I'm the first one to admit that getting a winner like this is pure, raw luck. I got lucky.
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