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Vintage (not old) buffet. Comments

Author: CPW
Date: 2006-05-22 16:30

No limmericks, edited or otherwise.

I just wondered why the Vintage model Buffet seems to get less attention than the Prestige or other models.

I tried one in key of A after searching for a good A-clar and trying other models (incl non buffet).

The wood is unstained (as is the Prestige). Is it hearwood or like the R13 wood? I would apprciate help on this question.
The bell is longer than an R13.
The barrel is specific to the instrument, 65mm. A second conical one is supplied and to me it seemed unecessary.

The register key is definitely different and looks more like a Galper register key. (Probably the design is not copyrighted in France, but I wonder if they used that the design.). The tube does not protrude into the bore as deeply. The G#/C# side key pad sits on an elevated wood tonehole.

The keywork is smooth and the pads sealed nicely (pro set up, see below.) The shape of the bore seems to be an tapered moreso than the R13 and narrow.
I do not know how the Bb instrument behaves. Remember that I am discussing an A-clar here, I did not trial a Bb.
The throat tones were perfect, and no special fingering was needed. The registers were smooth and no notes stuck out. The response was easy and was not stuffy (I recall stuffiness being an issue with another poster on this list) but it was not without some resistance. The sound is sweet but more understated than the Bb R13.

My overall impression was that this is a very refined instrument with a lot to offer. It is more costly than a standard R13 but not stratospheric like a Tosca. (I have not trialed a Tosca so I can not compare them). Certainly anyone considering an upgrade to a new R13 or other pro instrument should consider trying a Vintage model.

Walt Grabner did the set-up and provided the instrument much on the order of what has been discussed before. Service and price and knowledge on target. Kudos to him.

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