Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2021-03-04 08:39
m1964 wrote:
"Unless yours is a Master Model, which were supposedly R13 Buffets with cosmetic defects..."
(Jack counts to 10 before beginning to type.) This is incorrect, fake news, urban legend and I really wish people would stop propagating it. It was debunked years ago and has been discussed thoroughly on this Board in the past. There are a VERY few (possibly less than 10) E&S Master Model clarinets that actually are R13s that were rejected on final inspection. These have serial numbers in the Buffet professional list (no letter prefix and, as I recall without looking it up, numbers in the late 40000s or early 50000s) and have the characteristic cutout under the right-hand cluster keys. From around K3000 or K3500 to around K10500 virtually all, if not all E&S clarinets are marked "Master Model." That would be a lot of rejections. Buffet considered the E&S to be an intermediate model and claim to have made them in the Paris factory where they make their professional instruments.
Model designations are confusing, to say the least. Buffet used to have a serial number lookup for clarinets made in the main Paris factory (onlyprofessional and intermediate models -- no student models which were made in a different factory) going back to the 1950s. In that lookup, they actually referred to the E&S as an E12, though E12 was not marked on the instruments, themselves. By the time their serial number list begins, all E&S clarinets had a K-prefix to their serial number. When Buffet later adopted the E13 designation (when Boosey and Hawkes bought the company?), the Evette and Schaeffer designation became E13. That's why people sometimes refer to E&S clarinets as E13s. From sometime around K10500, Buffet stopped labeling all their E&S clarinets "Master Model" and reserved that designation for standard production run E&S instruments that performed particularly well on final testing. I've always believed, though I have no proof, that the change in designation accompanied a design change -- perhaps adoption of a polycylindrical bore. As I recall, for a short time, the E&S "Master Model" became the E45, BTW. Karl, I've owned a few E&S clarinets and I agree with you, at least for those above K10500, they are quite decent horns.
Unfortunately, Morgen, I think yours may be a horse of a different color. The B-prefix series predated (or, if you believe Vytas Krass, ran concurrently with) early K-series E&S. Your father's instrument thus dates back at least to the 1940s or early 1950s. With a serial number as low as yours (3 digits), it might even date back to the 1930s. Pictures would help determine. In either case, it is an older design than the 1960s K-series and, in general, clarinets don't improve with age. Vytas Krass, a very reputable repair tech, has actually provided some compelling evidence that non K-series E&S clarinets were actually manufactured by the Robert Malerne company for Buffet. Buffet has not acknowledged that claim, however.
In excellent shape with new pads and corks (and probably an oiling) and little or no key wear (actually, as old as your instrument is, it might not be plated), I'd be surprised if a knowledgeable buyer on eBay would give you more than $150 for it. In lesser condition, it might only bring $50 - $75.
If you could sell it locally to a buyer who tested it, or had a teacher test it, and found it to play well, you might be able to get a little more. If I were you, I would wait until the Covid crisis is over to sell and then, if you have a reputable music store in town, I would take it to them. They might be willing to take it on consignment or, at least, give you an idea of what the local market will bear.
Best regards,
jnk
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