 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2014-01-08 22:50
Attachment: DSC06340.jpg (929k)
I bought an old Buffet-Crampon Bb clarinet for $20 from a lady whose grandfather recently passed away. It is definitely a fixer-upper but I'm enjoying it so far. Serial number is 217XX and I've dated it somewhere in the mid 1930's. As I was taking the keys off, I noticed the right-hand B Key has a "V" stamped on it. I was just curious if anyone else has come across this before and what it may mean?
Also, I attached a picture to this post
Post Edited (2014-01-08 17:54)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-01-09 02:04
Kalmen Opperman told me that when your clarinet was made, a single workman filed all an instrument's keys from blocks of German silver. Each worker stamped an initial on the bottom of one of the keys to identify his work. These aren't always easy to find, since some workers stamped the initial inside a pad cup.
That's why there are small differences from one Buffet to another during that period and why keys are usually not interchangeable.
I don't think anyone has identified which workman used which initial, and I haven't heard that a particular workman's clarinets are desirable. It's just a curiosity.
Ken Shaw
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2014-01-09 03:57
Thank you, Ken! That's exactly what I wanted to know Hopefully whoever "V" is made a decent instrument
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2014-01-09 00:41
My Buffet has the V on the same key. It's number 182xx so a bit older than yours. Mine, however, is in great shape and plays with a beautiful warm tone, though just a little sharp on the throat A so I use a 64 mm barrel.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2014-01-09 07:30
Very interesting, Pastor Rob! I'll have to let you know how it plays after I fix it up to compare the two. It was definitely a well loved instrument back in its heyday but after sitting around for so long and being mistreated it needs a bit of attention. The thumb rest was torn off and glued on several times and the left-hand C key was broken off where the flat part you press and the rod are welded/connected, amongst other issues.
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2014-01-09 08:06
Does it have the plow shaped register key? I haven't had mine too long. I still prefer my old Selmer, but now I have an instrument to keep at home for when I feel like irritating my kids. It came with a Bay mpc that is very closed, which suits me fine.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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