 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wayne
Date: 1999-05-04 20:40
Does anyone have any informed opinions on Buffet bass clarinets from the 1950's (maybe 60's)?
I found one--it's old but in great shape and I think I can get a good deal on it. Is this a good-quality instrument or will I regret it? Any peculiarities I should be wary of?
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Author: Doug
Date: 1999-05-04 22:03
I don't know of any particulars on the model from that time frame. But, if the instrument is wooden, you will want to know if it has been played regularly. If it has not, there may be some shrinkage of the wood. The best thing to be sure is to play the horn with a good tuner, making sure it still plays in tune. If the buyer will let you, take it to a GOOD repair person and let them see what kind of shape it is in. Good luck....
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Author: snowjacks
Date: 1999-05-05 22:32
I have 2 50's vintage Buffet wooden bass clarinets, one a professional and the other an intermediate. I like them both, and in fact find them equivalent to a new intermediate Buffet BC. I haven't ever tried a new pro Buffet BC, so I can't comment on that comparison.
I wouldn't worry too much about wood shrinkage from age. Provided that you don't have any cracks, the wood should swell back to original once you oil the bore and begin playing the instrument on a regular basis.
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Author: jlb93022
Date: 2013-03-17 04:50
I have a Buffet bass clarinet of that vintage, and I would like to know more about it. The serial number is 196xx, which is stamped on both upper and lower joints. I first played it in high school in the mid 1960's, when it saw me through many Southern California festivals and an all-state first chair award. But after that it sat unused until the school sold it to a local music store, from which I bought it in the 1980s. It is a low E-flat model with the crossover octave key mechanism. I modified the gooseneck by adding a tuning slide, which made it much easier to tune. It doesn't have any serious problems like cracks or leaky pads, but it does have a few dents in the bell and gooseneck. The case (original) is a disaster. I have played it in many bands, pit orchestras, and chamber music gigs. The well-known intonation and response issues have to be carefully managed, but with my Bay mouthpiece, the sound is rich and resonant from chalumeau to high C. I am thinking of selling it and trading up to a new Prestige. Here are my questions:
What is a classic horn like this worth today, assuming that it is in good basic condition (only cosmetic issues)? Is it worth spending $400+ for an overhaul and $250 for a new case? Did Buffet make more than one model (i.e., professional/intermediate) and if so, how can one identify the model? And where can I find a technician who understands this model and its potential? Thanks to all in advance.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-03-18 01:52
At the time your bass was made, Buffet had only one (professional) model.
Buffet basses from the 1950s and 60s had the best sound of all. As far as I know, they did not make a low-C version. Mine is from 1967 (s/n 21448), and I prefer the sound to that of the current model.
Mechanically, however, they had many problems, particularly with the automatic register key mechanism, which constantly goes out of adjustment.
These are not hot on the current market, because they go down only to Eb and they need such frequent attention. If by "crossover" you mean that it has two register keys for the left thumb and no automatic mechanism, that also lowers the sale price. I doubt that you would get over $1000 for it.
It's possible (but not cheap) to retrofit an automatic register mechanism, but if you're comfortable playing without it, I'd stay with the double keys.
Before you buy a new Prestige, do an A/B comparison. You should also try the new Selmer, which is huge but feels great, and also the Yamaha.
Mark Jacobi in Philadelphia is often said to be the best bass repairman, but he has a very long waiting list and charges top dollar. For others, see http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=292457&t=292345.
Ken Shaw
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Author: jlb93022
Date: 2013-03-19 05:22
Ken,
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. To clarify, what I meant by "crossover" mechanism is that there is a single thumb key with a complicated mechanism that opens one of two holes in either the gooseneck or the upper joint depending on whether I am playing a throat B-flat, a low chalumeau, or an upper-chalumeau/altissimo note.
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