 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: blondemoments
Date: 2008-02-23 02:47
I've just started playing again after a 13 year time out. :-) My clarinet was given to me when I was in grade school. It is an Evette. The serial number is 1323. I am interested in how old it is and an approx value of it. I took it to a music store today and the book he had didn't go back far enough to date it. If I'm reading the chart on this website correctly, it was made in 1928?? Does anyone have any idea who I could get to appraise it (I should probably add it to my insurance)? I live in Oregon.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-02-23 04:42
The chart on this website doesn't cover your model though an Evette with no letter prefix to the serial number probably does date back to the 1930's or 40's, if my memory serves and could go back to the 20's. Exactly what does the logo on the front of the instrument say? That might help with dating.
To be honest, your clarinet is probably not worth an appraisal or insurance. These clarinets are fairly common on eBay and, if you search there, I think you will find that Evettes of your apparent vintage are only worth around $100 in fairly good condition (considerably less, if in poor condition). The Evette was Buffet's student model in its day and, while it may have been a decent student model then, because of design changes it probably doesn't stack up all that well against more recent instruments. (One exception: French-made D-series Evettes made in the 60's and 70's.)
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2008-02-23 15:43)
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Author: blondemoments
Date: 2008-02-23 17:33
All the pieces say:
"Evette
Sponsored by Buffet
Paris France"
The instrument repair shop said it's in REALLY good shape. It just needs a minor adjustment and polish.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-02-23 22:33
The "...Sponsored By" logo was the earliest used by Buffet for this model. It was used for both wood and plastic models. Is yours wood? And does it have an adjusting screw on the throat G# key?
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: blondemoments
Date: 2008-02-24 17:29
Attachment: 100_0580.JPG (640k)
Attachment: 100_0585.JPG (618k)
Attachment: 100_0586.JPG (455k)
I'm not sure what it is. It feels like wood but could be a grained really hard plastic. It does have an adjusting screw on what I think is the G# key. I'm just getting to know the clarinet world, so please forgive my lack of knowledge. I thought some pictures might help, so I'll try attaching them.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-02-25 00:53
The pictures are useful. Not only does your clarinet have the adjusting screw, it has separate posts for the A and G# throat keys and what appears to be two posts for the left hand pinky keys. These are fairly characteristic of (Buffet) clarinets made after 1950. (In an earlier thread, someone on the board dated some of these keywork changes more closely. My recollection is that the separate A and G# posts may not have been introduced until around 1953 but I may be off and perhaps someone else can correct me.) From the keywork (at the lower end) and the logo (at the upper end), I would date your clarinet between 1950 (1953?) and 1960 (when, according to an earlier serial number list on their website, Buffet changed logos and began the D-series Evettes).
This is about as close as I can get it. Perhaps someone else has more information.
Best regards,
jnk
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