 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: newdoubler
Date: 2008-03-19 02:23
I recently purchased a used clarinet with a buffet logo only on the bell. I'm guessing this means the bell is a replacement. Is there any way to identify a clarinet without a logo? It was claimed it was an E11 model. I'm having doubts. There is a serial number (matching) stamped on both "main" pieces.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-03-19 02:45
The E11 logo is stenciled onto the barrel, upper joint and bell, so there is a chance it could have rubbed off...GBK
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Author: newdoubler
Date: 2008-03-19 03:03
I'll add that "Made in Germany" is stamped under the serial number on the lower joint. A buffet serial number search shows made in 1961. Were E11's made in Germany during this period or only in France?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-19 06:46
E11 clarinets only carry the Buffet logo on the barrel and bell, and the top joint will have the Buffet logo with E11 beneath it. The lower joint has no Buffet logo at all, only the serial number on the back.
E11 clarinets are made by Schreiber - the E13 is French.
Depending when it was made, the logo is either stamped into the wood (in which case it'll still be legible) or more recently (from around 2000 onwards), printed onto it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-19 10:34
Yeah, the current ones are silver plated.
newdoubler, have you got any detailed photos that you could post on here?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-03-19 16:48
Am I correct in guessing that your serial number is somewhere in the 210000-225000 range? If so, it (at least the lower joint) could be from an E11. These were made in Germany starting around 1981. Though the serial number list you probably looked at does not apply to E11's, there used to be a list that did include them but it is no longer available. If my memory serves, a serial number in the above range would have been possible on an E11 from the early 1980's (or possibly its predecessor, the German-made Evette, manufactured from around 1978-80 or 81). The early E11's had no logo on the lower joint and the keys were likely nickel-plated -- I don't know if silver plating would have even been an option back then.
An E11 should have a Buffet logo on the upper joint with the marking E11 beneath. I'm not certain but I think a German Evette would have "EVETTE" in an oval. The impression may not have been very deep, however, and it could be worn. You might try a magnifying glass and/or looking at the joint at a slight angle in bright sunlight to see if a trace remains.
I have read that, for a short time around 1981 when the model designation was first adopted, the E11 mark may not have been used. As I recall, the source was a fairly reliable repair tech but I have never seen confirmation. I haven't heard of instruments without the logo though it may have been possible on a few demo models. (Don't recall the source for that claim.)
Pictures may be helpful. I have an E11 from the late 80's and may be able to tell something by comparing keywork.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: newdoubler
Date: 2008-03-19 18:32
I tried and tried to post some pictures, but they were too large to attach. Darn! My serial number search (664,000 range) indicated made in 1961, but that doesn't "jive" with any of your comments for an E11. Hmmm... I'm thinking I may have been misled.
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2008-03-19 19:33
Attachment: German_Evette_in_an_oval.JPG (70k)
Here's a German Evette logo in an oval. Many of these instruments especially "Master Models" have been made in France and assembled in Germany with the German keywork etc.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: newdoubler
Date: 2008-03-19 19:54
Thanks, Vytas. I had an Evette years ago. (Oh, if only I still had it. Then I wouldn't be going through all of this now!) What little I can see of the remaining logo on the bell seems to be the "standard" Buffet logo.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-03-20 00:31
A serial number in the 664xxx range would be more recent -- my guess would be mid- to late 1990's but it's really just an educated guess. 1961 would be way too early. The model wasn't introduced for at least twenty years after that. For circa 1981, the serial number is too high. What serial number list/search engine did you look at?
If you want to do a little digging, you could try searching eBay on "Buffet E11" without the quotes. Search descriptions as well as titles and also search on completed auctions. You will find quite a few E11's, most with pictures and some with serial numbers. The pictures you can use to compare with your clarinet. If you get lucky, you may find a seller or two who was the original owner or knows when the original purchase was made and also posts a serial number. You have to take a lot of the claims with a grain of salt but sometimes you find a description that at least sounds like the owner knows what s/he is talking about. Perhaps you can find one that shows a picture of the serial number to compare with yours but, in this case, you want the numbers fairly close because the configuration could have changed over time.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ryan Young
Date: 2008-03-21 03:51
I have a Buffet E12 that is just over two years old and the logo on the barrel has already completely worn off save for one little spot in a grain...it seems quite likely that the logo could have worn off easily
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Author: newdoubler
Date: 2008-03-22 00:37
I took it to a music store today and the technician confirmed it was indeed a Buffet. He offered to call the company with the serial number and see what model it is. Stay tuned...
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Author: job_man
Date: 2008-03-23 20:43
Hello newdoubler
In all this correspondence, you all seemed concerned about what this clarinet might be, and no-one, not even yourself, has mentioned how it plays! Now I wonder which is more important.......
Have a nice day
job_man
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Author: newdoubler
Date: 2008-03-26 02:02
You're right, job_man! As someone who hasn't played clarinet regularly in a very long time, I'm not exactly the expert on what the best sound is. I had some trouble with a possible leak or key adjustment causing squeaks, which I blamed on my poor playing abilities at first. (A technician confirmed and is fixing the leak.) However, I did play through each note and found the intonation to be very consistent. I think the sound is good, as well, and had already decided that I was pleased with the horn and the price I paid whether it's an E-11 or not! Now I'd just like to know what I have to satisfy my own curiosity.
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