The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Buffet Limite'

Author: GER
Date: 2021-08-22 13:31

Posting only to add a data point on the Buffet Limite' Bb Clarinet. Confirming some of what is stated above and adding a bit to it. Possibly benefiting others that may come across this model for sale. There is not much info to be found, and this thread was useful to me in my purchase decisions.

I just acquired a used copy of this clarinet. The keywork is solid and it is playing excellently so far. Looks great cosmetically as well - no sign that it was ever damaged or cracked.

The model number is engraved into the bell - 1103B
The barrel is also engraved 1103B 650
The engraved serial number is K161XXX
The upper joint has the Limite' marking in script.
Both upper and lower joints are stamped with the typical Buffet - Crampon, Made in France logo.

I live in an area where this would have been sold new by Brook Mays. That company, as it existed for many, many years, went out of business in 2005-2006. I really have no way to tell how old my copy is. I only know that it was played regularly and well cared for over the last 7 or so years. Given it's condition, it could be an old inventory "new" copy that a local repair shop picked up when BM closed out, possibly with no more than 15 years of use on it. The BM name is still in use, but it is not the place I remember as my favorite "toy" store for everything music.

As to pricing, I know of a recent sale of one of these that was set up in top playing condition by a shop I trust highly for the same price of a typical used R13 in very good condition. I have seen others priced similarly and down to as low as a what was mentioned in the post above. What I paid was on the lower end, but the specifics don't matter. What does matter is that you have someone you trust that is highly qualified assess the condition and cost to recondition if necessary of any clarinet before you buy. I was not shopping for a Limite' or an E13. This clarinet was brought to my daughter's private instructor, a "retired" top notch pro player, by another of his students. So he knew this clarinet very well. This was too good an option to pass up in waiting even longer for the right R13 to come up which was the original target.

I made this purchase so that I can practice with and motivate my early teen daughter in her clarinet studies. If I succeed in my task, this Limite' is a perfect clarinet for her to grow into from her E11. The last owner placed 1st chair state playing it in high school last year, so it must be quite a respectable copy - even if it is not an R13.

GER

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

Buffet Limite' new

Conn Alto

2007-12-04 14:18