The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joe Ramirez
Date: 1999-08-05 01:47
While browsing through archived messages here recently, I noticed some unanswered questions about the Buffet C12. As an owner of one of these mysterious instruments, I'd like to share the information I obtained by e-mailing Boosey & Hawkes a while ago:
"All French made Buffets (not Evette Schaeffer) are professional models including the C-12 or 1136 model. It is a poly-cylindrical model clarinet placed between the E-13 and R-13 in the product line. The differences would be slight, mostly in the wood selection and handwork time spent in finishing. It was sold in the 1980's here in the US (the 1137 French pitch model sold in Europe). We discontinued it in the early 1990's because we were not selling so many here in the US. In 1989, list price for an R-13 was $1855 and the price of an 1136 was $1565."
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Author: Mike
Date: 1999-08-05 05:24
The only other difference I am aware of is that the right hand pinky keys are set down lower on the R-13 than they were on the C-12. This involves and extra cut into the body of the R-13 and does make the instrument a little more comfortable to play as the key height is a little more uniform than it is on the C-12. The C-12 was an excellent choice for those needing to save a couple hundred dollars as the sound was often indistinguishable and I really was never able to notice any difference in the wood that was used though Boosey claims there was and they should know. Even the wood on the R-13 is dyed so it is very hard to tell. I believe the bore configuration is the same but I have been told there is only one person that cuts the bore on the R-13 and the C-12 were cut by those training beneath him (this is not official so I don't know too much about the validity of that). I have worked in a music store for the past 12 years and we sold quite a few of both models though the price difference got to the point where it was obvious that the C-12 just didn't make too much sense.
HOPE THAT HELPS!
Mike
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-08-05 14:27
Many thanks, Joe, your info is great and fills out what little I could find and hear. It played like a real pro and I can sure see why! If its still available in OKC, I may own it shortly. Again TKS, Don
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-08-05 14:34
It certainly does also, Mike. Thanx re: the marketing thoughts as well. I previously was disappointed by no responses on this good info exchange site, and much appreciate your and Joe's efforts. Don
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