 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Charles
Date: 2001-02-15 20:40
I have a buffet wood clarinet. It reads "Buffet Crampon & C","A PARIS","BREVETES". The barrel is otto link and 9 mm shorter than my Bb barrel. The horn is about 2.5 inch shorter than Bb. Serial number is 6##H. The horn was fully overhauled. One inch long crack on upper side of lower joint was fixed. The horn is not in the original case. Is this horn key of C? Anybody can figure it's value? Thanks in advance.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-02-15 21:57
Charles -
According to the serial number chart here on Sneezy, your instrument was made in 1894. From the measurements, it is undoubtedly in C.
We need more information to even give a guess on value. First, is it a Boehm system instrument or an Albert system? An Albert system has only 2 keys for the right little finger. If it's an Albert system, the value is fairly low, though Buffets in C are rare enough that it might attract interest on eBay in about the $100-150 range.
The next question is whether it's high or low pitch. The letters "H.P." or "L.P." should be stamped on the bell, above or below the trademark, and may also appear on the upper joint above or below the trademark. If you see "L.P." you're in luck -- its pitched at A-440. If it's "H.P." the pitch is about A-452, which is unplayble with anyone else today. Since you've had it put in playing condition, you can check it against a tuner to find the pitch. A standard Bb mouthpiece should work.
If the instrument is at high pitch, once again the value is low -- probably not much over than $100, even for a Buffet.
If it's a low pitch Boehm instrument, then the value will be higher -- maybe $200, or more depending on condition. If the crack went through a tone hole, then even if it's fixed, the value will be low.
In the final analysis, everything depends on whether it can be played in tune, and how it responds and sounds. Lots of the older instruments are way out, particularly if the key action is loose. On the other hand, I have a Buffet C made in 1928, and it's great.
C clarinets are hard to find and great fun to play. I looked for years before I found mine. I wouldn't sell it at any price.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Charles
Date: 2001-02-15 22:11
I couldn't find any L or H but key system looks same as Bb. Only register tone hole is in front. the crack is not serious. It didn't reach to bore.
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