Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2017-12-14 22:41
Buffet seems to be evolving a 3-tier marketing/product strategy for professional instruments. The R13 and RC are the "base" professional models, with the standard 17 key, 6 ring configuration. The respective R13 and RC "Prestige" models get various upgraded details and a LH lever key. At the same level they are joined by the similar spec but different bore Vintage, Festival and Tradition models. At the premium level, the Tosca belongs to the R13 family, the Devine to the RC and the new Legende is a premium version of the Tradition - which suggests they think they're onto something with the Tradition. The 3 premium models offer a variety of detail upgrades from the "Prestige" level, and get redesigned, sleeker 19 key, 6 ring keywork including the low F correction key.
I've tried various new Buffet instruments over the years, and although I happily play their Eb and bass clarinets I have been steadfastly non-Buffet for my standard clarinets. The Legende is the first I have come across that might change that. I expected it to be nice, but that playing it would simply re-confirm my satisfaction with my current instrument, as has always been the case before. I had a surprise. With the right mouthpiece it was impressively accurate in intonation across the range, tolerant of a wide dynamic range with little effect on pitch, very even in resistance in moving between registers, and astonishingly flexible in playing pianissimo in the altissimo register. I'm not overly keen on the rose gold "bling" bits or the high price, so I compared it with a couple of Traditions, but there was no doubt that the Legende (or that instrument at least) was better. If you have the budget and can find one, it's worth a try.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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