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RE: EVETTE by Buffet B Flat Clarinet

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-10-21 15:22

The Evette model was, for many years, Buffet's student model instrument (not to be confused with the Evette & Schaeffer which was Buffet's intermediate model during the same period). Evettes were initially made in wood dating back to at least 1941 and possibly a bit earlier. (This info is from a 1941 Buffet brochure which refers to the Evette as a "new" model.) Later they were also made in plastic. The wood model evolved into the current E11, the plastic model evolved into the current B12. Evettes were not made in Buffet's main factory but rather in a separate factory Buffet set up for them.

Around 1978, Buffet transferred the manufacture of these instruments to Germany, changing the designation of the instrument to the E11 around 1981 or 82. From what I have seen, there is little, if any difference between a "German" Evette and an early E11.

Earlier Evettes had an oval logo with EVETTE around the top (inside) and the words "Sponsored by Buffet" across the center and "Paris, France" around the bottom, inside. Later models changed the logo so that the EVETTE was in the center of the logo and the words "Sponsored by Buffet" were eliminated. There has been speculation, at least on the Klarinet list, that the "Sponsored by Buffet" instruments were not actually made by Buffet but rather were stencils produced by other companies under Buffet supervision (hence "sponsored by" rather than "manufactured by"). However, the 1941 brochure makes it clear that Buffet owned the factory in which these instruments were made and used experienced workers who had trained in the main factory as supervisors.

IMO, because of design and manufacturing improvements in recent years, the older "Sponsored by" models aren't particularly desirable. They might be OK as a beginner's instrument if they are put in good playing condition and not priced too high but I wouldn't spend alot of money for/on one and, on average, a recent (from the 1990's) used plastic student model from one of the "big 4" would probably be a better choice. The later "French" Evettes (from the 70's or perhaps even the 60's) with the "EVETTE" in the center of the logo and a Dxxxxx serial number are another story. If in good condition, some clarinetists consider them as good as, if not better than, the E11. IMO, one of these would make a reasonable backup instrument for a serious amateur, a decent instrument to play in a community band and possibly an acceptable instrument for a sax player who occasionally doubles on clarinet.

Best regards,
jnk

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