 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Fred Manrique
Date: 2009-09-06 05:56
I just picked up a used B12 today, however a few things seem strange.
1. The logos seem to be engraved. There is no gold lettering.
2. The thumb rest is not adjustable, it is a standard rest.
the serial number is 547074. The case only has 1 latch in the center. It clearly says "B12" below the logo on the upper joint.
Was there ever a B12 made with a standard thumb rest? Could this be a counterfeit?
I have been a trumpet player for the last 25 years, and this is my first clarinet. Any info would be appreciated.
Fred
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mrn
Date: 2009-09-06 06:21
It sounds like you've got the real deal to me.
I would not expect to see much, if any, gold lettering on a used instrument of sufficient age and prior use, as the gold wears off over time. What's left is the engraved pattern the gold was rubbed into at the time of manufacture. My original R13 (which I bought new) looks like that after years of use.
I think the adjustable thumbrest is a newer feature for most Buffet clarinet models. For example, my 20-year-old R13 Bb has a standard thumbrest, but my 1-year-old R13 A has an adjustable one. The following review of the B12 (from 2002) also indicates that adjustable thumbrests are a recent addition to the B12 design:
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Clarinets/Buffet_B12.htm
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-06 08:39
That sounds like a B12 from the '90s (middle to late) - has it got a metal or plastic thumbrest?
If anything, these earlier B12s are much better built than the current ones.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2009-09-06 08:39)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: PeterPC
Date: 2009-09-06 10:24
I think, sorry, know that Chris is right. It looks like my B12 from the ‘90s (serial 607xxx) and has a plastic thumbrest and a case with one (safety) latch in the middle. This instrument is very little used as you can see in the picture and plays very acceptable.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: PeterPC
Date: 2009-09-06 10:25
Attachment: Buffet Crampon B12 (Medium).JPG (85k)
I think, sorry, know that Chris is right. It looks like my B12 from the ‘90s (serial 607xxx) and has a plastic thumbrest and a case with one (safety) latch in the middle. This instrument is very little used as you can see in the picture and plays very acceptable.
Peter
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-06 11:08
Make sure the case latch doesn't come apart - these cases had the annoying habit of the small lug in the lid dropping out so the case wouldn't close, so make sure the small lug in the lid is secured well (you'll probably find it moves slightly anyway). If in doubt, drill a hole right through it and screw it in with a small screw (making sure the head is flush with the plastic), or drill two small holes through it and wire it in.
The late '90s ones had the same case with the grey interior (as pictured above) and the B12s of this time had the matt finish. The slightly earlier ones from the '90s had a gloss finish and the case lining was burgundy - some didn't have a bell ring.
The case was changed sometime in the early 2000s and had two catches (with lugs that were integral with the lid) and the lid was flattened on top.
The B12s from the mid-'80s (successors to the Evette and B&H Regent II - though they're the same instrument) had a fixed metal thumbrest and came in a different shaped case (more compact - like an oboe case but with a flare on one end) with a blue lining, and the rubber handle used to split.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.JPG){kind=link}
