 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chuck Evans
Date: 2000-10-11 14:56
I purchased a top of the line Buffet Crampon clarinet in 1959. I have now learned that the serial numbers of clarinets up to about 58,xxx were lost or something so that it's difficult to find anything about them. Could this have been an early R-13? Does it have polycylindrical bore (how does one determine this)?? This instrument plays very well and has a great dark sound. It has been played less than 100 hours since new. I'd like to know more about it's potential.
Thx in advance for your replies.
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Author: william
Date: 2000-10-11 16:39
It is most likely a R-13, but if it "plays well," has a nice "dark" tone and is relatively in tune, sounds like a winner--don't worry about it.
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 2000-10-12 17:00
Chuck Evans --
To determine the bore dimensions of your 57xxx Buffet, take it to a nearby community college or technical school where they have an industrial arts program and ask the machinist or tool & die guy to measure the i. d. of the upper joint both at its top and bottom. A skilled auto mechanic can also do the measurement accurately.
There are at least four different ways to make this measurement. Whichever method is used, it should allow for readings to be taken at several points around the circumference of the bore. The bore dimension figures you see quoted in the ads are taken at the bottom of the upper joint. A cylindrical bore clarinet such as the Bundy Resonite should measure the same at the top and bottom. Reverse conical or polycylindrical bore clarinets, if properly made, will decrease in diameter from the top to the bottom of the upper joint. The more modern R13s should measure ~ 0.587" at the top and ~0.574" at the bottom of the upper joint (+ or - < 0.003"). However, if your 57xxx Buffet is like my 51xxx Buffet c. 1955, it will measure in the 570s at the top and in the 560s at the bottom upper joint. I believe this model is now called the "vintage" Buffet.
To determine if the bore is truly "polycylindrical" rather than "reverse conical", measurements should be taken every 10 mm or so along the bore. Or you can just trust the Buffet ads.
If you are seeking ways to improve your old Buffet, try some of the newer mouthpieces and barrels from various custom makers. An unscrupulous repair guy switched barrels on my Buffet many years ago, and it wouldn't respond properly until I found the right custom barrel. Seems like these small bore Buffets are more sensitive to barrels and mpces than the newer R13s.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-10-14 15:20
There's a bug somewhere in the BBoard code that seems to have chopped off the responses. I'm looking into it.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2000-10-15 23:55
Ok everybody, I just miked my 1953 #43086 and it came out .567 top and .566 bottom. Does that make it an S-1? I always preferred the Clarion HS+ for classical music. By the way I tried all of the professional instruments of the late 50's and this one was the best.
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Author: Chuck Evans
Date: 2000-10-16 12:47
Thanks for ALL the responses. I learned a lot, and as they say "everything I wanted to know and more." If there is interest in the instrument itself, you can find it now at auction on eBay.. Thanks to your help in letting me know how to describe it, is doing very well. If you WANT a clarinet like this-- happy bidding.
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