 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Martin
Date: 2002-03-03 15:49
A question to the 1960s R13 fans. If cost is not a consideration should one try to search out a mid 1960s R13 rather than a new Festival or R13?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-03-03 18:01
Martin...Tough question, and you may never get a definitive answer.
First, as with any used instrument, a trip to your local tech is certainly in order to spot any areas of concern and any clues to problems the instrument may (or still) have.
I would carefully check all aspects of tuning in both instruments. Time, may or may not change the quality and accuracy of pitch. (I won't even start on the topic of "instrument blow-out" for fear of reigniting another new thread - but read opinions on that topic as well)
The instruments from the 60's (in my opinion) have a certain "mystique" to them. Whether it is flexibility, tone color, or some of the differences that Clark Fobes and others have cited, I can't explain why. One theory certainly could be the quality of wood used in that era and it's aged properties.
Quality control and technological improvements have certainly improved at Buffet during recent years, thus the many rave reviews for some of the newer models -rightly so.
However, with an older vintage instrument, I feel that the sound and adjustments an instrument undergoes over time have settled in for the long haul. Thus, the price of a "vintage year" instrument may command a bit of a premium over other used instruments.
I'm not sure if any of this even helped - just one humble vote for those "golden years"...GBK
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2002-03-03 18:12
I'm with GBK on this one....I have a 1967 R-13...and have yet to play a horn that is as nice...but you've got to play test any clarinet first....good luck
John
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Author: Don
Date: 2002-03-03 19:19
Knowing that 1960's Buffets have stood the test of time means we have a larger range of options. So... the good and bad news is we have a choice. But since most of us won't have a chance to test-drive instruments from different eras side-by-side with new ones, I wouldn't delay the purchase of a new instrument waiting for a chance to play a for-sale older one.
Yet if a 1960's Buffet is available, my advice is go for it. Here's why. It's fully depreciated. Chances are it'll cost less than a new one. If I like it, I've won. If I don't, I'll sell it; and if that occurs, I probably won't take much of a financial hit. In the unlikely event I don't like my new clarinet, however, I will suffer a financial loss upon sale.
The decision has nothing to do with mystique. It's math.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-03-04 08:46
It's pot luck. My experience, 20 years repairing wind instruments, is that Buffet clarinets are no made to last. If you want an antique buy and restore a Selmer. N series are great.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-04 22:32
Mark - in your experience, how do you think the older LeBlancs stand up to the test of time?
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