 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2011-03-02 02:57
I am evaluating a Buffet Clarinet, made in France, presumably R13 (serial #909xx), originally purchased new in 1965. The original owner hasn't played it for several years so it needs new pads, etc. but I was able to play it nonetheless. Seems like a good one, plays about 20c flat across the board but that could just be me. I tend to play flat and usually end up getting a shorter barrel to compensate.
So, to the point: I'm trying to decide if this is an R13, and if so, worth purchasing and overhauling? Buffet website says it was made in 1992, which isn't correct obviously. It has all the hallmarks of an R13 (I've searched extensively in the archives for this information) and plays freely with good tone, even with yucky pads. No cracks that I can see, good looking wood, tight grain, lighter-colored bell, only a few noisy keys that need cork.
Does this sound like a good clarinet to purchase and overhaul? What would be an acceptable starting price for this clarinet as-is? Does anyone want pictures?
FWIW, I'm not sure if I'd keep it as a backup or sell it eventually... I already have a full-boehm that I play regularly, but it's nice to have a great backup, even if this trial clarinet is missing the eb/ab lever that I adore.
Thanks in advance for opinions ...
Michelle
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-03-02 05:04
Hi, Michelle:
If you require a Buffet, I don't see how you could go too far wrong with a nice fixer-upper R13. Just keep in mind that this is not your main performance instrument, so don't overpay. Keep looking if you can't get a good deal on this--or any other backup instrument, for that matter.
If you don't require a Buffet, then why settle for a clarinet without the left-hand Eb/Ab lever? There are other makers' clarinets of respectable quality with this keywork that can be bought used for far less than what a fixer-upper R13 would run. You could purchase such an instrument and have it restored to top-notch condition for a total investment that could be less than what the unrestored R13 mentioned above is likely going to cost you.
Cheers...Ursa
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-03-02 16:26
In the '60's Buffet included a mouthpiece gauge --a piece of heavy glazed paper about a centimeter wide and a couple of inches long. You were instructed not to use a mouthpiece that didn't fit the gauge.
Because of the taper in the baffle of a mouthpiece, it was never clear to me where to stick the gauge. Later, I did learn that a "long" or "large volume" mouthpiece would play flat on my '61 Buffet.
So, I think that your uniform 20-ct out-of-tune problem is probably "easy" to fix by going back to the mouthpiece search program.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-03-02 16:57
From the information you provide, it sounds like the clarinet is indeed an R13. For some reason, there is a gap in Buffet's serial number database around the time yours was made. They probably lost some information at some point or simply overlooked it when they created the database (which appears to have been created from factory production records or, less likely, sales records). Your serial number is consistent with an R13 made around 1964-65. FWIW, the serial number would put this clarinet in Buffet's "Golden Age," according to most definitions.
To determine a reasonable current market value, your best bet would probably be to look at recent R13 sales on eBay, focusing on R13s from around the time yours was made. The older ones typically don't bring quite as high a price as those in the < 20-25 year-old range. My SWAG would be around $800-$900 for an instrument that has not been completely refurbished recently. If you can buy it for around that price, I'd say it's a fair deal. If the seller wants $1,100 - $1,200, it's (IMO) overpriced, unless it's a real gem (but you probably won't be able to tell that until it's overhauled). Around $400, I'd say it's a steal if there are no structural issues.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-03-02 18:39
It's an easy decision. If it plays in tune, and plays forte and pp and the price is right, that depends on you, it's worth buying because the 90000 series was one of their best, assuming it's not blown out. You could alway get a barrel and even bell to enhance the tone quality. Not a Buffet but one of the custom ones. I'm still using my A clarinet from that series after doing that and having the register key moved up higher. That isn't recommended for a Bb clarinet but perhaps a new tube if the throat Bb is stuffy or out of tune. It's still the best A I've ever tried. Make sure you get a quality overhaul though or you will be wasting your money.. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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