Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2014-08-11 17:27
There is a serial number list that includes (D-series) Evette clarinets made between 1963 and 1975 at
http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnBuffetES.htm
I've owned a couple of French Evettes for a number of years. The older one was made in 1963. The newer one was made in 1976 (determined by information obtained from the previous owner which is consistent with extrapolation from the list).
This is pretty good evidence, IMO, that Buffet was manufacturing Evettes in Paris as early as 1963 (though, according to their promotional materials from around this time, in a separate factory from the one that manufactured their professional models and Evette & Schaeffer clarinets).
The logo on my earlier Evette, like the one shown on the serial number list at ClarinetPerfection, has EVETTE in the center of the oval with PARIS and FRANCE also in the oval in a smaller font and "MADE BY BUFFET CRAMPON" in very small letters wrapped around the outside bottom of the oval. The serial number (D3xxx) on the lower joint is located at the bottom of the back with "Made in France" stamped immediately above.
By 1976, the logo had changed to the one the OP describes -- only EVETTE in the oval (Paris and France have disappeared) and "BUFFET CRAMPON" in smaller font wrapped around the outside bottom of the oval ("MADE BY" has disappeared). The serial number (D36xxx) on the lower joint is still located at the bottom of the back with "Made in France" stamped immediately above.
The best date that I have been able to determine for the shift of production from Paris to West Germany is 1978. At this time, Buffet adopted a 6-digit serial number which was continued when the model designation changed from "Evette" to "E11" in the 1980s (probably around 1985). I have an early (1980s) E11. The only serial number on the instrument is on the back of the lower joint at the top, pretty much the same location (and the same font) as yours, Rachel. However my E11 serial number has no prefix and has "Made in W. Germany" stamped above the serial number immediately beneath the metal ring.
So far, I think everything I've stated is fact and accurate. Now comes a belief, based on memory. As I recall, at least some of the German Evettes had an E prefix to their 6-digit serial number -- in other words a serial number like yours, Rachel. So it looks to me like you may have a German Evette. But you say that "Made in France" is stamped on one of your pieces. And I would have expected to see "Made in W. Germany" stamped above your serial number.
Does your clarinet have a serial number on the upper joint? Also, could you tell us exactly where "Made in France" is stamped on your clarinet? And perhaps include a picture? Finally, the German Evettes have a different design than the late French Evettes. Could you post a picture of the side of the entire lower joint that shows the left-hand pinky keys and thumb rest clearly? From that, I may be able to tell if you actually have a German made Evette or if you have some kind of French-made transition between the French and German models.
Best regards,
jnk
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