Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2020-05-20 08:20
I have a copy of the promotional brochure linked above that I downloaded years ago. The filename I gave it at the time identifies it as a "30s brochure." (Actually, now that I look more closely, the above link is to a file labeled E&S-30s!) Note that the first sentence states that the Messrs. Evette and Schaeffer succeeded Buffet's original founders "nearly 50 years ago." Given that (according to a history of the Buffet company) the date of that succession was 1885, it would appear that the advertising copy was originally written prior to 1935 -- though it wouldn't surprise me to learn that the copy was repeated in later brochures. In any case, it is clearly not relevant to the poster's original question.
Based on the evidence I have seen, I agree that the E&S continued to be made with a cylindrical ("master") bore for at least several years after the R13 was introduced. Eventually, however, if memory serves, Buffet did adopt the polycylindrical bore for the E&S model. AFAIK, however, the student Evette always had a cylindrical bore.
I don't know exactly when Buffet first offered the E&S Master Model. Over the years, I have seen quite a few E&S clarinets with serial numbers in the 5000 - 10000 range and until now, without exception, they have all been designated as Master Models. jdbassplayer, if I read your posts correctly, however, you have an E&S in the K6000 range that is not a master model. This is an anomaly I can't explain. Starting sometime around 10500, or perhaps a bit earlier, non-master models begin to predominate. According to Buffet literature, which dates to around this time period, the E&S master model was not a special design. Rather, whenever a regular E&S clarinet performed exceptionally well in its final test, it was set aside and designated "Master Model." I've never seen a similar explanation of the Evette Master Model but, for me anyway, logic suggests that the same selection process held.
Re the myth that E&S (Master Model) clarinets were R13s rejected for minor flaws. As far as the K-series is concerned, it is just that -- a myth. However, there were a very very few R13s (or pre-R13s) made in the 1950s that were rejected and branded E&S Master Models. (I found reference to one with a 51xxx serial number.) The key to these instruments is that they are in the regular professional serial number series and therefore are 5-digits with no K-prefix.
So, as I see it, here's the difference:
1. The 1960s R13 had the new Buffet polycylindrical bore and were Buffet's flagship model.
2. The E&S was made in the same factory as the R13, presumably by the same technicians. At least the early 1960s E&S had the older Buffet cylindrical master bore and probably less hand-finishing than the R13. By the end of the decade, the E&S may have had a cylindrical bore. After around K10500, "Master Models" were regular production E13s that (subjectively) performed particularly well at final testing
3. (Starting in 1963 with serial number D1) The Evette had a cylindrical bore and was made in a different factory from the professional instruments, presumably by different technicians. From 1960-63, the Evettes are "Sponsored by..." models.
The 1960s are within just about everybody's definition of Buffet's "Golden Age," including Hans Moennig, the famous repair tech who coined the term.
I personally think the French Evettes from the 60s and 70s were better constructed instruments than the German E11s that succeeded them. The reason for preferring a newer E11 or E12 for students is the fact that clarinets do not improve with age. A 40 year-old Evette is risky. Generally you don't know where it's been or what damage or abuse it may have incurred over its life. There is also something to be said about new and shiny as a motivator for a young student. But if you can find one of these old clarinets in good condition, it can be a very good instrument at a fraction of the cost of a new E11 (or E12). MOO.
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2021-08-17 05:16)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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