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Re: Buffet Serial #'s

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2009-09-29 15:39

The first one is an E11. It's not in Buffet's serial number list because that list only includes models made in the Paris factory. Based on the serial number and the fact that some years ago, I traced my 3xxxxx E11 to the mid-1980's using Buffet's old serial number look-up, I would estimate that yours was made in the early 1980's. If you look verrrry closely under the Buffet logo on the upper joint, you may be able to make out the faint impression of E11 (or does the word "Evette" appear in the instrument's logo?).

The second clarinet is an early R13.

The West German Buffets were not Evette & Schaeffer models. Buffet made its E&S clarinets in Paris in the same factory where they made (make) their professional clarinets (at least the K-series, there is some evidence that Malerne made the others). E&S serial numbers, at least those in the K series, are included in the current Buffet list along with their successor, the E-13 (BC1102-2). The German-made clarinets were Evettes (which are not the same as Evette & Schaeffer). The wood Evette was predecessor to the E11.

In my experience, the current Buffet serial number list is quite accurate as far as it goes. It appears to be a database created from existing/surviving factory records at the Paris factory. It is, however, incomplete. Either Buffet has chosen not to incorporate the older records from Paris or perhaps lost them during WWII and/or during the financial turmoil it went through after the war. Also, I don't know whether/how often it is updated for new production.

Best regards,
jnk

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Buffet Serial #'s new

spfrosty

2009-09-29 02:01