The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tenormadness
Date: 2023-11-27 22:38
Hello! Just wondering, I found a lot of Rc and R13 models with F serial numbers (F345233 e.x) and w/o F (just numbers).
What does F mean?
I heard somewhere it’s about tuning (F-442-443 Hz) non F (440Hz). But I doubt it.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-11-27 22:44
I first saw an RC with an F serial number not that long ago as that's not a normal thing here in the UK, as well as it not having any cut-outs in the lower joint under the RH F#/C# and E/B touchpieces. The only Buffets I have seen with the F prefix up to that point were E13s.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2023-11-28 02:12
The F serial number goes back to the 1960s as the BC-20 I once owned had a F prefix
F98027. I've seen other BC-20 and S-1 with the F prefix too.
I thought the F prefix was 442 hz. But mine played fine at 440hz. Barrel maybe?
But I've read somewhat more recently that they were specific to the European market, even though Chris should have seen more of them being in that area ??
I didn't realize they were also more recent F prefix horns too such as E13s the Chris mentions.
just a perplexing F thing
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Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
Post Edited (2023-11-28 02:12)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-12-06 11:28
I saw only one R13 with the F in front of the s/n, it was bought in Paris and brought to the US. In late 60ies (if I remember correctly)
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Author: donald
Date: 2023-12-06 12:19
I've seen lots of Buffet S1, R13 and RC that came via the South African market that had F serial numbers (we had an influx of SA musicians in the first decade of 21stC).
Also, in conversation with Francois Kloc at a clarinetfest (2003 or 2006) this came up... the official version was that originally F clarinets had been tuned at the factory to play slightly higher pitch (combined with a shorter barrel) but that eventually (no date given) it was changed to "F serial number clarinets are the same as non F, but come with a shorter barrel".
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