 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kurth83
Date: 2026-02-11 08:44
I have a very nice R13, we have some concert band music that is transcribed from orchestra A parts and I don't want to suffer through playing them on a Bb and it's a good excuse to finally buy an A and have some fun anyway. Not that I don't love playing in the key of F# and B. :-)
I'm thinking of the E13 A, I wish they made an E12F A, as my E12F Bb is a very nice horn and feels very much like the R13. It would be especially good in the spirit of a matched set. Hoping the E13 is close enough I won't hate it.
My teacher has graciously loaned me her R13 A for a few weeks until mine comes in. I'm afraid I will be spoiled terribly by it. :-)
I could in theory afford an R13 A, but $7kish USD (after taxes) seems a lot for something I won't use very much. If I had a regular symphony gig I would probably spring for it though.
It seems like the best prices on buffets are from europe, even after all the taxes, tributes, and tariffs. I'm looking at clarinets and flutes of london. So return isn't a very good option. I could pay an extra $500 or so and buy here in the US and get a better return policy.
Just want to double check here that I'm not doing something dumb.
Aging classical trumpet player learning clarinet as a second.
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-02-11 10:06
There's quite a few used Buffet A clarinets at Lisa's Clarinet Shop ranging from $3,000 - $7,300.
https://lisasclarinetshop.com/product-category/instruments/used-instruments/used-a-clarinets/
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #5 reeds
ATG System and Cordier Reed Trimmer
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Author: kurth83
Date: 2026-02-11 14:55
Yeah I like that, an older R13 A is better than a new E13 A, thanks.
Aging classical trumpet player learning clarinet as a second.
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Author: MarkS
Date: 2026-02-11 15:00
I had an R13 A-clarinet for several years, along with a Festival B-flat. While fine in most respects, the A-clarinet required significantly higher air pressure to articulate cleanly in the upper clarion--even after getting the tone holes adjusted. This has been a common issue with Buffet A-clarinets. I eventually replaced it with a Yamaha CSVR and I like it far better. I imported it to the US from UK (Dawkes). Including duty and US sales tax, it cost about $3000. I was comfortable purchasing remotely since Yamahas are very consistent and it was returnable if I did not like it. Initially, I thought the sound was less resonant than the Buffet, but that is no longer the case after replacing the pads and playing it with a different barrel. There were a number of posts about Yamaha A-clarinets on the BBoard a few years ago.
I noticed that Dawkes is currently listing an export price (without VAT) of 2485 British pounds, so the weaker dollar would result in a somewhat higher price. I am not sure what the tariff would add. The clarinet is listed at US retailers for $4903. Worth trying.
If you want to stick to Buffet, there are often used R13 A-clarinets on the auction site.
Mark
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Author: Erez Katz
Date: 2026-02-11 20:35
Hi Kurt.
I have a very good A instrument that should fit your needs.
Erez
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Post Edited (2026-02-11 20:38)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-02-12 06:58
Older R13s play well- I tried a few of them.
Those from 60s suffer from sharp B and C above the staff (just like the R13s in Bb). they get better by 70s, and from mid-90s they are as good as any modern R13 in A.
If it does not have to be an R13 A, then older Selmer Recital and Signature play well and have key work very similar to Buffet’s. These two play at least as good if not better than R13 A, with “Selmer” sound
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