 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jim sclater
Date: 2026-07-27 18:12
I have an old Buffet A clarinet with a swan's neck register key. The serial number looks like 4L342 (it could be 1L342). Any information on its age would be appreciated. It looks like the same model A clarinet played by Jimmy Giuffre on some of his recordings.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
jsclater@comcast.net
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-07-28 05:47
s/n 1L11 to 1L521 were made in 1917.
I had a 911H1, manufactured in 1913, with swan neck register and doughnut key.
Post Edited (2026-07-28 05:55)
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Author: jim sclater
Date: 2026-07-28 16:34
Thanks, m1964. Mine is very similar, but without the doughnut key and the reinforcement at top of LH joint. It plays well for an instrument of that age. The wood and keys are in remarkable condition.
The fellow from whom I bought it said it used to belong to the principal clarinet in the Columbus (OH) symphony but I can't confirm that.
jsclater@comcast.net
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Author: m1964
Date: 2026-07-28 21:37
The "reinforcement" is a metal band to stop a crack. I believe at that time it was a common method of fixing cracks originating at the top of the upper joint.
Clarinets with doughnut key were produced for a limited time. Probably, Buffet did not get the result they aimed for, whatever it was. It made the keywork more complicated without much benefits.
Mine tuned OK - far from perfect but it was manageable.
Sounded better than any student level clarinet - similar to prewar Buffets. And keywork was in very decent condition.
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