 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jblackshear
Date: 2011-01-04 15:43
I have vintage Buffet clarinets in probably the original case and have retired and am trying to get some historical perspective and place a value on them for estate purposes. I purchased them from a family estate 15 years ago for $2000 through a local instrument restorer. The horns look new, have a rich full tone, play in tune, and the A clarinet has a wrap around octave key.
The A has a serial numbert of 1R63, placing its Paris origin in 1924. The Bb's number is 1130, placing it in 1928. The A bell has "Carl Fischer Inc, New-York" below the French logo.
How do you go about appraising these?
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2011-01-04 17:06
Given today's selling prices, I would say you paid more for these 15 years ago than they are worth today (in constant dollars, not taking inflation into account).
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-01-05 02:30
These are actually pre R-13 professional clarinets. Buffet is now putting out a clarinet called the Vintage, based on the 1960's R-13 clarinets, because a lot of players loved that vintage. I played this new vintage horn about a month ago. I, by far, prefer the new R-13 clarinets, mainly due to the sound quality.
On Ebay I think you could get $1000 to $1200 for both. It's very hard to appraise a horn without playing them. They could be cracked, in need of repair, so I would strongly suggest having a top repairman AND a top clarinet store take a look at them. I'm sure a local store here in Los Angeles called RDG Woodwinds can help you, perhaps over the phone, without the need to send the clarinets in. RDG has 2 very gifted repairmen. Ask for Nancy. I think she may be the owner, but I'm not sure. I recently bought a new A clarinet from them. They sell a lot of used horns, so my guess is they will have no problem giving you a ball park price. Good luck!
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2011-01-05 03:41)
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