 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rnwhitworth
Date: 2009-05-28 03:54
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Hello everyone,
I have come by a vintage Buffet... I was wondering if anyone had any information on it.
The serial number is 10592. I think its a 1932 or 1933 model. One of the Pre-R13's. I am amazed the clarinet is in excellent playing condition, since it has been overhauled recently.
I will attach a few pictures.
Any thoughts?
Thanks everyone.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-05-28 13:17
Hi rnw - While I'm a long way from a Buffet expert, by looking up your 10592 ser. # in our "How Old Is My" listing, yes, it shows 1932. I believe that strange looking ring-key for middle finger left hand is called a "doughnut key" whose purpose is to prduce an Eb/Bb when raised. About that time, other makers, Selmer, Penzel Mueller to my knowledge, accomplished it by a well-located small tonehole-pad in that area, somewhat improving the notes, I believe. Have fun, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-05-28 13:26
rnwhitworth -
It's from 1932. See http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/Buffet.html.
It has a wraparound register key and the "doughnut" Eb/Bb fork mechanism.
The wraparound register key means that the vent extends only slightly into the bore. The top of the vent is usually angled (as it is on my 1908 instruments) to let the key close more or less vertically rather than sliding on from the side. This is more a theoretical problem than an actual one, but it does mean that the pad seating must be carefully done.
Buffets that old often have had the bore reamed out in the upper joint above the register vent to fix intonation problems. Look down the bore from the top. If it's been reamed, the surface will be dull, changing to shiny below the register vent. Reaming usually creates more problems than it solves and affects intonation and resonance.
The Eb/Bb fork mechanism has always been problematic. The doughnut key was unfamiliar to repair shops and was superseded by the current mechanism with the extra small pad. But both of them create mechanical problems, because the bridge key and left middle finger pad had to be adjusted exactly right to seat together.
Notice also that the left ring finger hole is a little larger than on standard instruments and is not offset to the outside, which creates a less comfortable left hand position.
There's a rather clumsy looking pinning job above and below the register vent. Check inside the bore for whether the crack is fully fixed.
These Buffets can be excellent instruments if they don't have too much wear and haven't had the bore tampered with. Check the intonation, though.
Finally, you'll probably need a 67 or 68 mm barrel, and the bore will have to be different from the R-13 design. A barrel from one of the makers on this board will make a big improvement.
My 1908 Buffets have a sweeter tone than my R-13s, great for chamber music but probably not loud enough for orchestra.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2009-05-28 13:44
This clarinet is not Pre-R13. There was no "doughnut key" in the 1932. Second digit in the serial number is letter "O" and not zero. This clarinet was manufactured in 1922.
Vytas Krass
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Professional clarinet technician
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: graham
Date: 2009-05-28 15:57
Is anyone here suspicious about that Buffet logo stamp. It just doesn't look right to me.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-05-28 18:10
Graham -
I think the logo is OK. The size and shape changed over the years. This one matches those on my 1908 instruments. I'm working on a posting about this.
Vytas -
Thanks for the catch. You're certainly right about the S/N.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-05-28 18:51
Agreed to the FINE info, Vytas and Ken. It did occur to me that 1932 was awfully late for the doughnut, but I dropped that ball. As to logo, I have an old Buff barrel with that logo [as best I can read]. Am glad experts are on board. Regards, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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