 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ruben
Date: 2014-07-09 19:28
I have in my collection a Buffet I bought in a second-hand shop. The serial number is 146 680 and there is no model on it.-a fine instrument. Would anybody know what this is and from what period. I bought it officially second-hand, but it had obviously never been played. Thank you.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sax panther
Date: 2014-07-09 20:16
The serial number suggests a 1974 R13...not sure if it's against the rules to post the link I used, but you can google buffet serial numbers. I have one with a serial number very close to yours.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ruben
Date: 2014-07-09 20:35
Thank you Sax! That was fast. I was wondering why they didn't actually put R13 on it. Maybe this was taken granted for in those days. The early 70s; are those supposed to be good years for R13s?
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sax panther
Date: 2014-07-09 20:45
I think for many years one of the ways of identifying an R13 was that it was the only one that didn't have a model number stamped on it. Yes, depending on who you ask, that would just about fall into "the golden age"...plenty of discussion about that period (and whether it existed!) on this board.
For what it's worth, I keep swapping between my R13 and my Leblanc Opus...keep changing my mind over which one I prefer. The Opus has nicer keywork (to me) and seems easier to play...a bit less resistant, and less hard work generally..but the R13 seems to have a slightly richer sound. I've had it serviced by an enthusiastic amateur in return for a bottle of chateauneuf de pape, but should probably get my proper tech to take a look as well. Really, I need to sell one of them but I can't decide which! Is your buffet your main instrument, or do you mainly use something else?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2014-07-09 20:55
They never put 'R13' on one.
Pictures would help confirm the id. - search - tons of threads on the subject.
A cutout under the crows foot confirms a pro model.
I also own a 1974 model (148xxx). Excellent instrument.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ruben
Date: 2014-07-09 21:13
Once again, thank you Sax and also Paul. Buffet has never been my main instrument. I play Selmer Recital and JL Diva, which I helped maybe not to design, but to perfect. I put one of our barrels and bells on what I now know thanks to you is an R13 and it sounds absolutely great and is really in tune. I also own a Leblanc Opus or Concerto-one of the prototypes that was made in France and probably designed by Tom Ridenour. I find it's very well in tune and has a lovely round sound, but is lacking in richness and harmonics. As you're into wine, I would compare it to a wine that is smooth and round but doesn't have the complexity that fascinates; that cutting edge. My policy is never to sell a clarinet. I would rather give one away than sell it. Clarinets, like dogs, should not be sold!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BobD
Date: 2014-07-10 21:58
Well, I did very recently sell one, S/N 111,494 which was made in 1970. According to my memory of posts here this was just on the verge of being in that sacrosanct era. Interesting view about dogs! Maybe they shouldn't be bred?
Bob Draznik
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2014-07-11 04:13
Based on the serial number, the estimates listed here seem pretty accurate. I had my first Buffet R13, SN 1222XX, made sometime in 1971. My daughter just stopped playing it a few weeks ago,a s she wore it out, mechanically and blew out the bore. She traded it in for a new version of the same, the only difference was the new one has silver plated keys, instead of the old standard nickel. She had to audition 20+ R13s.Prestiges and Toscas to find this one.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2014-07-11 04:14)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jhunter33
Date: 2014-07-11 06:01
Hi Sax, What could you say about my R13 with s/n 79447? How does it compare 60's with 70's R13? Thanks....
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sax panther
Date: 2014-07-11 13:12
That's a 1964 one jhunter...I've never played on one from that period, but I know there are board members that own up to a dozen R13s from different periods, perhaps one of those lucky people can offer some help? One of my pupils has a "pre R13" from the mid 50s. She plays it with a B40 mouthpiece and gets a very full, rich tone.
Ruben, great to hear that you'd like to give me a clarinet rather than sell me one. I'll take your Selmer Recital and one of your JLs. I'll even pay for the postage.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ruben
Date: 2014-07-12 15:42
Dear Sax: I'm not able to give you a clarinet straight away, but I will consider remembering you in my will. I will also leave you my dog: a basset horn and a basset hound!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
