 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-06-14 16:29
Having established the age of the instrument I was enquiring about (thanks Mark) as made in 1976, could I extend the query.
It belongs to my partner/girfriend, whatever you say and, not being very fond of Buffets I'd never tried it 'til recently. When I did I was struck by the fact that I prefer it to any modern Buffet I've tried.
What was the best period for Buffet manufacture? I've read lots of people saying they prefer their older ones. Is there a good vintage year to look out for? Why the difference? Are their wood supplies less well seasoned, or have their methods changed? Do other makers have good and bad years?
Thoughts and experiences welcome
jez
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-06-14 16:56
Many professionals are saying that today's Buffets are the best ever produced. Your taste may be for others, though ...
Check Clark Fobes' article here on Woodwind.Org in the Equipment section and check Clark's site itself for some clues on which batches were similar.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-06-15 05:17
jez...Many regulars on this board happen to own Buffets from the mid to late 1960's. Of all my Buffets, there is something a little different about the instruments from that era. Whether it was the quality/aging of the wood, or just the overall workmanship at that time, I find myself always going back to that series of instruments as my reference point.
Here is a good thread to read why this was discussed in depth by many 60's Buffet owners:
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=60006&t=59983
Unfortunately, instruments from that era are harder and harder to find. If you do see one, grab it. If you pass, call me...GBK
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Author: natalie
Date: 2002-06-15 10:35
well, i have recently purchased a new buffet R13, and i would't choose anything else. You have to take into account that older instruments, especially if they have not been well maintained can have alot of problems. But it is up to you wether you prefer a new or old istrument. i have heard people years ago say that they personally preferred older instruments.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-06-15 11:21
Well I've read that Buffet made design changes over the years without changing the model number. Perhaps it is the differences caused by these changes that people notice and some have a preference for the resulting characteristic. If that is the case, then there is no "better" just different. Like some people prefer one model or brand over another.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-06-15 11:29
I find the comments about good "old" Buffets interesting when comparing them to the comments about "blown out" horns.
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Author: DLE
Date: 2002-06-15 23:08
The problem I have with so many clarinettists playing the same type of instrument (Buffet R13), is the lack of variation in this instrument in general, making it sound rather boring in recitals. That is one of the reasons why I play an Leblanc Opus 'B-flat' and 'A' set. People have complimented me in the past for my 'sweeter tone' (Though my technique for fingering is another matter entirely...) One of the things I listen out for in other instruments is the difference in tone quality and technique. Having everyone play on the same type of clarinet is more than boring, it's heartbrakingly sad in my opinion.
Sorry if this was off the topic, but I thought it was best to raise my opinion here, as it does go against the current trend.
DLE.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-06-16 14:57
I would have to agree with Mark that the new ones lately have been far superior to the 80's and early 90's models. They have been turning out some great R-13s and Festivals.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-06-17 15:13
jez -
According to Kalmen Opperman (who I think knows more than anybody about the R-13), the instruments with serial numbers between 90,000 and 200,000 were very good. There was a not-so-good period from the low-200,000s through mid-300,000s. The current series, over 400,000 is once again very good.
My Bb is 134,518, and my A is 126,161. I like them both better than any of the newer R-13s I've tried, but I recently played a very fine new RC Greenline.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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