 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: oboeidaho
Date: 2009-08-28 22:16
Hi from the oboe BB; I found this old Buffet clarinet at Value Village for $30 - just wondering if anyone can tell me whether I should bother trying to "better" it?
It is definitely stamped with the Buffet logo on the main joints, on the lower joint near the tenon is 2226 which I assume is the serial number, although it isn't like the current serial numbers it seems. I think it is quite old, but there are no big cracks, lots of "crud" and really needs a re-pad.
Comments?
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-08-29 01:10
oboeidaho -
The instrument was made in 1928. See http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HowOld/Buffet.html. Instruments from that period can be excellent. My C clarinet is S/N 2525, and it's the best instrument I own.
Crud is actually a good sign -- it means the instrument hasn't been played. My C clarinet had all the holes crusted over, and I got a Buffet Bb/A pair from 1908 in the same condition which restored to play beautifully.
It's certainly worth a lot more than $30.
The barrel and bell should also have the Buffet logo, and the bell should also be stamped "Carl Fischer Inc."
Before having restoration work done, make sure it isn't stamped "H.P." (high pitch), which would put it at A-460, making it unusable.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2009-08-29 02:29
Yes, I have an old Buffet from 1926, and it is my all-time favorite. A real player.
Susan
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2009-08-29 15:20
If that clarinet can be made playable with something close to a normal overhaul (cleaning, corks, pads, springs, minimal crack repair), then you got a great bargain, oboeidaho. My favorite clarinets are Buffets from 1931 (in A) and 1937 (in Bb).
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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