 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CEResq
Date: 2026-06-23 20:26
Hi all: I recently came into possession of a 1933 Buffet that is in need of an overhaul. I have an elementary-aged child who plays and I was wondering if someone could weigh in on whether this clarinet would be suitable for a child and if the cost of overhaul is worth it when considering the value of the instrument. We currently rent a clarinet through my kid's school and it seems that restoring this one would be more cost effective so long as it's suitable and I'm not spending more than the instrument is worth. Thanks!
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-06-23 22:23
Does it play?
- If not, getting a full repad would be the first step. It would probably need a COA (cleaning, oiling, and adjustment) in addition to a repad.
- If so, how well does it tune?
Will the elementary-aged child know how to care for the instrument? (How well do they take care of other things?)
Will they know and understand the steps needed to help avoid cracking?
Uploading pictures of the instrument and case may also be helpful. I'd also show the current instrument the child is also playing so we can compare both the models and the condition of both instruments.
Wood clarinets are often better, but only if they are properly cared for.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist MT36 mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2026-06-24 01:46
I’m going to say no. Buffets of this era are large bore and ideally need a large bore mouthpiece to have decent intonation. Even then they are not the most in tune horns. For jazz they can be great, but for the price of an overhaul these days you can likely find a good modern student clarinet that will be much more forgiving for a beginner. Look for a refurbished Yamaha, Vito, Buffet B12 or Backun Alpha instead.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-06-24 01:54
Its a pro level clarinet - that's its value is far more than its purchase price and the purchase price is insignificant when it comes to having it fully overhauled.
Just because it's old or you bought it for very little or acquired it, that doesn't mean you have to use that as a reason to not have it fully overhauled even if the cost of the overhaul is far greater than the purchase price. If you look at the price of an equivalent model brand new (which is most likely an R13), then that's the value of it and how much it should be insured for once fully overhauled.
For an elementary school aged player, it's too old and too delicate if they're a beginner when a plastic clarinet like a Yamaha YCL-250 would be far better suited and more durable. At this early stage, they may not appreciate what they have if it's an older pro level clarinet, unless they're ambitious and having such a clarinet will help encourage them to reach their goals.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2026-06-24 18:07
>> and I'm not spending more than the instrument is worth. <<
It's not necessarily important that you spend more or less than the instrument is worth, it's more about what the other options you have.
As jdbassplayer said, 1933 is old enough that it starts to be a little sketchy... so... what other options do you have?
As far as a young kid playing a professional/wood clarinet, it can be fine. I started playing a Buffet R13 around nine years old and never had any issues.
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2026-06-25 04:27
"...so long as it's suitable and I'm not spending more than the instrument is worth..."
Hahaha! This concept hit me in a light-hearted mood today. Except for those who have earned a living through music, I think we've all spent more money "...than the instrument is worth..."
Luckily, value doesn't necessarily equate to money.
I've frequently spent far more than a specific thing is worth - just for the simple enjoyment of having it, using it, and growing to understand it. That's okay.
The fact that the original poster is concerned with how the instrument might affect the child brings me back to a more serious tone. Here's the thing...if the child (and you) are planning on a non-serious study, but a life-long love of the instrument - I'd say have the instrument evaluated and repaired/restored. If your idea (or your child's) is to seriously pursue a music career, or take serious training/lessons throughout high school/college - you'll probably be better suited going with whatever is recommended by the college/high school, etc. - even if down the road.
The pressure to conform gets greater and greater as the education continues.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: David Eichler
Date: 2026-06-25 05:00
If they are already playing, have they done enough of that for you to gauge their level of interest and motivation? If they seem relatively interested, I would suggest avoiding a vintage instrument and buying them something like a Backun Alpha or possibly a Royal Global Max (which is similarly priced and I understand is of similar quality to the Alpha. These are relatively expensive relative to student instruments, and are really more comparable to intermediate instruments, but they are very well made, sound good, have good intonation, and will not crack, being made of synthetic materials. If you can find one of these used from a dealer who will guarantee that they are well set up, so much the better.
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