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Re: 1889 Buffet A Clarinet

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2015-10-05 20:29

1889 is very early, but not necessarily bad. I have a Bb/A pair from 1908 that play beautifully. The tuning problem is most likely in the barrel. Most older barrels have been replaced or re-reamed. The sign of re-reaming is that the bore will be dull rather than shiny.

Also, look down the top joint for signs of re-reaming from the top to the register vent. Unfortunately, this can't be fixed.

Buffets this old require a longer barrel than the standard 65 or 66 mm - usually 69 mm. The bore is also different. A barrel maker such as Allan Segal http://www.clarinetconcepts.com/ should be able to make one that works.

The "Carl Fischer" stamp is correct. The company had the exclusive import license for Buffet for many years. "L.P." is also correct and means "low pitch," i.e., A-440.

A good quality standard mouthpiece should be fine.

Even from collectors, you'll be unlikely to get more than $700.

Ken Shaw

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