 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2025-10-01 21:30
Hello everyone,
I recently came across a 1994 Buffet E13 in excellent condition (serial number K100xxx).
I just have one doubt about the serial number, which is not exactly the same on both joints, but has a difference of 27 units (the last 2 numbers of the entire serial number).
So I wonder if Buffet produced the 13 series with different but very close serial numbers on the upper and lower joints during that period.
The clarinet seems completely original, with the same wood grain color on all its parts...
I hope that many of you who are familiar with Buffet can answer, because it is very important for me to know...
Thank you all!
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2025-10-02 08:50
This is unusual, it has the same serial number on both parts. It could be a replacement part, which would be somewhat weird to have a close but different serial number, but it's possible. It's also possible that it's just a mistake, either on an original or a replacement part. For example just an engraving mistake, or some clarinets had the wrong parts together after engraving (so another would have the opposite numbers, or a few clarinets were off). Alternatively it is a replacement part which they engraved to match (some companies do this but I'm not sure if Buffet ever does), but accidentally wrote it wrong. The only thing that is sure is that it's not purposely manufactured this way.
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2025-10-02 10:43
Thank you, clarnibass.
I haven't played the clarinet yet, but do you think the response and intonation could be affected by a different serial number, even if it's very close?
Is it possible that the joint with the number + 27 (which is the upper joint) was replaced due to a crack during the warranty period
(we're talking about 1994...) meaning the clarinet was sent back and the joint replaced by Buffet and eventually matched?
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-10-03 11:06
Clarsax wrote:
> Thank you, clarnibass.
> I haven't played the clarinet yet, but do you think the
> response and intonation could be affected by a different serial
> number, even if it's very close?
> Is it possible that the joint with the number + 27 (which is
> the upper joint) was replaced due to a crack during the
> warranty period
> (we're talking about 1994...) meaning the clarinet was sent
> back and the joint replaced by Buffet and eventually matched?
I believe that Buffet would have put the matching s/n, if they provided a replacement joint or maybe they would not put any number at all.
Since the numbers are so close, most likely the clarinet will play fine - as good as if both s/n matched.
The resale value on such a clarinet would be low.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2025-10-03 12:53
>> do you think the response and intonation could be affected by a different serial number, even if it's very close? <<
Not likely but it's possible. Considering how Buffet clarinets are made (though I'm not sure about the E13 specifically), even successive numbers can be more different than further away numbers.
>> Is it possible that the joint with the number + 27 (which is the upper joint) was replaced due to a crack during the warranty period <<
Sure it's possible, but who knows...
Another option I haven't thought of before, since the numbers are close, maybe a store coincidentally had two clarinets half damaged, one clarinet arrived too damaged, or something along those lines, and replaced the part of one clarinet for whatever reason (crack, damage, etc.) with another from that same shipment which likely had a bunch of clarinets with close serial numbers.
>> I believe that Buffet would have put the matching s/n, if they provided a replacement joint or maybe they would not put any number at all. <<
Right, this is what I meant that it could be... well... just a typo... whether it was original or a replacement.
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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2025-10-03 22:43
I would suggest that this was from a school or organization set of instruments, possibly the school ordered several E13s at the same time so the serial numbers are all close...then someone swapped the joints for some reason later on. Maybe a pad went bad or a crack or something like that and they traded one of the joints with another instrument in the back of the band room without thinking about them matching up.
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Author: Clarsax
Date: 2025-10-04 01:06
Thank you all for your replies!
After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to pass on it...
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