 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ip384
Date: 2020-07-30 00:48
I just bought a vintage buffet that's in need of a good clean and a bit of care with no model markings. The serial number (182XXX) seemingly dates it to 1977, and there's a "UK" stamp under the logo on the upper joint. Forgive my lack of clarinet and terminology knowledge - I bought this for my girlfriend who plays clarinet.
I've read through a lot of useful info on this forum, which would suggest that it's an R13 or an RC? We have an RC prestige, but I doubt this would be a useful comparison as it's a modern model. The reading I've done also suggests that the UK stamp might mean it's an RC as these were made (and marketed with the UK stamp) for UK market with a more "European" sound? I'd imagine that it would be marked RC though, as I understand that they were 2-3 years into model production by that stage?
I've taken some bore measurements and can't get a definitive conclusion as to which model it is. The wood is brown and appears unstained and the intonation is (I am told) very very good, the keywork is silver plated I think, and the clarinet came in its original case with a mouth piece, ligature, etc.
There is no dramatic "step" from the bell into the lower joint which I understand to be characteristic of an R13. There is a bit of a step, but it's maybe 1mm - not sure how dramatic the step usually is.
Bore at middle tenon is: 14.65 mm
Bore at exit of lower joint: 21.9 mm
Any help in identifying the model would be appreciated!
https://i.imgur.com/rS1pFh8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/22Y70VG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XRUV2F3.jpg
EDIT: Apologies, I seem to have created multiple threads on the topic while trying to insert photos!! Can't seem to be able to delete them
Post Edited (2020-07-30 00:51)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-07-30 01:12
Looks like an R13 to me. On the R13 the step really isn’t significant, less than 1mm as you said. Even though RCs are popular in Europe, there are still plenty of R13 that were in use. The “UK” is not the correct font for Buffet and was probably stamped after it was purchased. One possibility is that it was a military instrument. Lots of military surplus horns were marked “US” so this would make sense. The stamp is also right over where the “RC” would be so it’s unlikely it would’ve been stamped there if it was an RC which further supports it being an R13.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2020-07-30 13:40
Yes, it probably is a R13 and not a RC. Never seen the UK stamp. There is no "F" prefix before the serial number so it would be designed for A=440 (American and UK pitch).
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Author: ip384
Date: 2020-08-01 04:41
Thanks for the responses, didn't even notice the font or position of the UK stamp vs the other photos I've seen. Likewise wasnt sure about the size of the step from the bell to the lower joint of the r13!
Post Edited (2020-08-01 12:16)
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