 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Beth
Date: 2001-01-26 14:35
Can any one give me the low down on the Evette Modele clarinets? Approx. manufacturing run for the model, how is this instrument condsidered in grade (step-up, intermediate, adv. intermediate)? Is there a modern equivelent in the Buffet line? (I'm familiar with newer buffets.)
Thanks for answering all my questions - I've learned, over the years, there's never a stupid question except an unasked one!
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-01-26 17:04
I've owned severlal different versions of this, and am not an expert.
Apparently, the Evette line was incorporated as the step up horn for Buffet in the late 60's (the more erudite will pin down the actual date) and might be considereed the forerunner of the E-11 or E-13.
As I understand it, the E-13 is now made by Schreiber and Sohne, a noted German maker of Bassoons and other woodwinds.
The Evette Modele you are discussing was probably made in France.
I believe there were production units in several areas, stencilling the horns as they were sold, so afixing the actual maker could prove difficult. (I currently have a Thibouville that has keys remarkably similar to my first Evette.)
The Master Model is a different animal altogether, although inconsistently great, it is consistently a very good horn.
I found the Evette Modele to be a reliable, easy to blow horn that was more than a little stodgy below G (no undercutting, I suppose).
If you're refurbing this, it could be a good player but will not be terribly valuable.
If you're selling it, the eBay listing is close to what they sell for out of my local repairman's shop.
If you're shopping, you might want to keep looking around for something with a "Lighter" tonal color (unless it's less than $100 and the pads are fresh).
anji
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2001-01-26 18:14
I have worked on some very old Evette and Schaeffer clarinets that pre-date the 60's, but can not give you an exact age. I currrently have one that the key work does not resemble any I've seen before on an Evette and Schaeffer or Evette. I believe it probably was made in early 50's and perhaps even earlier. It has a very broad and "boxie" looking bridge key. The keys are not plated as were most of the clarinets built before the 60's. The case (original) does not resemble the earlier oval cases that the Evettes were housed in. I haven't had an interest in dating these instruments, but perhaps there is someone that can shed some insight to these clarinets.
John
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Author: Pat Parkin
Date: 2001-01-26 23:30
The oldest Evette I have experience with is the one I play regularly, a Paris Evette, s/n D7924. It is a good, solid instrument, with even tone and feel. Nothing real special, but suited to my current playing level. I have been told it dates to the mid 1950s. This horn and the three other non-Master Model pre-30XXX serial number Evettes I've played all had undercut tone holes on the lower joint, and one of them appeared to have the famous polycylindrical upper joint. I have played three Evette Master Model clarinets with serial numbers between D20XXX and D30XXX. These were wonderful instruments, with undercut tone holes and the polycylindrical upper joint. All the above instruments had essentially the same keywork.
Some time after s/n D30,000 and up to at least D47,000, the Evette line changed, with lower quality wood and keys. For instance, the left hand B and C# keys are not pinned into the transfer bars, but instead underlapped them. The Master Model version of these clarinets can sound pretty good, but not as nice as the earlier ones. These are very similar to early "International" model Buffets. I understand that later versions of the International are of higher quality.
Some time later, production of Evettes was moved to West Germany, with about the same characteristics as the later Evettes mentioned above. These seemed to have mostly purely numeric serial numbers. Later still the Evettes became plastic instruments.
There are also Evettes that say "Sponsored by Buffet" that were apparently made by other companies to Buffet specifications. Some serial numbers that I have seen are CXXXX and HXXXX. I don't know much about these, having only looked at one, not played any. The quality seemed to be slightly lower than the pre-D30,000 Evettes.
Some of the very good clarinet players I know think that both the Master Models and non Master Model Evettes are significantly better than the current Buffet E11 or E12.
Hope this information helps.
For John Butler:
The keywork changed sometime between s/n K6737 and K8561. Differences I see on the older keywork includes: Thicker, more robust keywork, especially the rings; lower three trill key pad cups at right angles to the levers, rather than slightly off right angle; reversed "ears" on bridge; right-angle bridge on lower joint rather than "s"-curved; curved B-natural "sliver" key rather than right angle. All three of the Evette & Schaeffer Master Model clarinets I've messed with had unplated nickel silver keywork. I've seen a questionably source that said s/n K8222 sold new in 1958.
Pat Parkin
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-02-03 22:08
First of all, "Evette & Schaeffer" model clarinets are not the same as "Evettes." When this designation was used, the Evette was Buffet's student/low-end intermediate wood instrument. The Evette & Schaeffer model was Buffet's high-end intermediate model. (Evette and Schaeffer were two partners who purchased the Buffet company in the early part of the 20th century but retained the Buffet name.)
Both models appear to have been around for a long time. I have an early Evette & Schaeffer whose keywork is quite similar in style to the keywork on a professional Buffet instrument from 1936 that a friend of mine owns. Buffet made the model until 1981 or 82 (with significant design changes over the years) when they changed the designation to the E13. All the evidence I have seen indicates that these instruments were always made in the main Buffet factory. The last series was the K-series. It began around 1953 according to the Boosey & Hawkes web site.
As far as I have been able to determine, the (wooden) Evette model dates back about as far as the E&S and these instruments were also made until 1982 -- in France (possibly not all at the main Buffet factory and possibly not all by Buffet) until the late 70's, then in Germany until 1982 when they were renamed the E11. The last (wooden) Evette series was the D-series which began in 1963, according to the B&H site.
In short, the evidence I have seen suggests the following "equivalences":
Plastic Evette became the B12.
Wooden Evette became the E11.
Evette Master Model became the E12.
Evette & Schaeffer became the E13.
There was also an Evette & Schaeffer Master Model. There is alot of folk lore surrounding these clarinets as Buffet does not disclose much information about them these days. One popular tale is that the E&S Master Models (another version involves the Evette Master Models) were actually R13's that had failed their final inspection because of some minor imperfection such as a blemish in plating or unattractive wood. However, there are some subtle but definite differences between the E&S Master Model and R13's from the same time period. (I have a couple of each.) On the E&S, the bell is a little longer and the stock barrel a little shorter. Furthermore, there are some differences in the keywork. The most notable is the sliver key on the lower joint. On the E&S, the distance between the two posts for this key is several millimeters longer than the R13. Also there are differences in the design of the lower joint where the right-hand cluster of keys is located. To my eyes, the master model is much more nearly identical to the "standard" E&S (I don't see any difference) than it is to the R13.
Hope this is useful.
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Author: coelurajry
Date: 2007-05-26 04:11
Dear Mr. Kissinger,
Thanks so much for the additional information regarding my E&S clarinet, serial # K4808. I absolutely LOVE this clarinet! I have a few concerns though; one being that there is a significant space between the two tenons (or whatever you call the upper and lower keyed sections) when it is fully assembled, and secondly that I have trouble with sticky keys for the upper register b natural, c sharp/natural, d sharp keys, either fingering. I don't know if it's a design flaw or if when I had it refurbished that something got bent, or I need a spring replaced, etc. Also, what is a polycylindrical bore (or was it barrel?). When was that change in design made?
On another note (ha), I used to have a Buffet "Conservatoire Model" clarinet in high school (mid 70's), and over the years it was lost. Which clarinet is the better one? IMHO, this vintage E&S has a much warmer and responsive tone, but hopefully I play better now than I did back then. ;-)
Any information you can give me would be much appreciated!
Regards, Julie Y
Julie
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Author: eefer ★2017
Date: 2007-05-26 14:28
My first wooden clarinet was an Evette and Schaeffer #K12475 and I still have it. It was padded with cork in 1968 and hasn't been touched by a repaiman since (don't wince or say anything smart, Uncle M). It still plays well, has no cracks and the wood is beautiful. It ha s a tiny knot in the lower joint and that is why it was an E&S (according to the person who sold it to my parents in 1966 for the princely sum of $150). It is still in it's orange oval case, which is pretty beaten up, but still functional. I lend it regularly and people love it. I'll keep it till I die!
Nancy
Nancy Buckman
AACC Symphony Orchestra
Opera AACC
Early Music Society of Northern MD
(and a lot of other ensembles, too)
nebuckman@gmail.com
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2007-05-26 17:03
See Lee Gibson's article on student clarinets in The Clarinet of about 15 years ago. As I remember it he saw little difference between E&V and the R13. I played them for about 10 years, 1970-80. Very good!
richard smith
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-02-28 04:38
I have been doing an inventory of my clarinet holdings (I have 4) and one that I purchased in 2000 for my son is an "Evette Schaffer" from a school that was closing. It seems to have the stamp "A921" stamped on it. Can anyone tell me what this means? Is there a place on the web that gives a list of serial numbers?
The other clarinets are inexpensive Bundy student violins and one is an ancient Barklee (?) that my father got from the fireman's marching band in 1959.Thank you. I am new to this forum-if I can be of any help to anyone else please let me know.
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: Earl
Date: 2009-03-01 00:00
KV wrote:
> I have been doing an inventory of my clarinet holdings (I have
> 4) and one that I purchased in 2000 for my son is an "Evette
> Schaffer" from a school that was closing. It seems to have the
> stamp "A921" stamped on it. Can anyone tell me what this means?
> Is there a place on the web that gives a list of serial
> numbers?
You could try clicking on the equipment tap on the top of this page!
It's a good sorce of numbers
Earl
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-03-02 13:38
Thank you for helping the newbee, Earl. I will try that. (equipment tab)
I did get an 4x magnifying glass yesterday because for years I never really knew what I had purchased (6 years ago) for my son to play when his borrowed student Bundy clarinet needed to be returned. Quick purchase from a catalog that turned out to be something other than what I thought i was getting.
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-03-02 14:14
"Artley" The catalog claimed that I was getting an "Artley" French clarinet from an old music school that closed in NYC. I agreed to pay about $200 for this "fine wood clarinet, etc. etc." I wanted to surprise my kid with his fine clarinet for a concert. When I got it i tried to play it and it was pretty hard to play, a few pads were loose and so i lent him my old Barklee or some other such clairnet that I had with mixed parts until I could get this old dog looked over--
Well, i never looked at it again, child graduated, went into the Navy and at age 23--he never asked for it again. Fast forward. Mom is doing an inventory of the 4 clairnets that live in this space with me and i never got an "Artley!" (I just purchased an 4x glass) and I found out that I have an "Evette Schaffer Paris France: Buffett-Crapon A921 " All 4 of the pieces match except the mouthpiece which is a "penzel-mueller New York" If I read the chart correctly the serial number indicates it was built in 1886. I guess the French were happy to be making clairnets for the Americans who might have been still celebrating the end of the Civil War! Ha!
Should I be angry? Did I pay too much? At the time, for a single mom with 3 boys the $200 seemed like a lot. My son is in Iraq and I was feeling sentimental.
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-03-02 14:24
I believe my first clarinet my parents bought me in the early 50s was an Evette Schaffer. If my memory is correct it was the top of the line wood student model. I don't believe they made too many other models in those days. When they came out with the Master Model it was said, I don't know how true it was, that they were R13 rejects, sort of like a second that had a flaw in the wood or grain. I used to choose some for my students in the 70s or 80s, I forget when, and thought many of them were just as good as some of the R13s I tried at a much lower price. I was sorry they discontinued selling that model. ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: susieray
Date: 2009-03-02 20:21
I actually have an A clarinet, an Evette Schaeffer from the early 1970's (not a Master Model) which IS an R13 second, as far as I can tell. The body of the clarinet is cut away beneath the right hand pinky keys and the keywork is identical to the R13. The serial number is 127823, just plain numbers, like an R13 serial number, there is no letter prefix.
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-03-03 03:37
Where did you find the "A" on your clarinet? Am I reading the numbers wrong? Is there someplace else to look? Are there any other places to hide numbers other than on the bottom of each of the main sections?
Thanks for all the information on these clarinets. This discussion is very interesting.
Kim
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: susieray
Date: 2009-03-03 04:15
My clarinet doesn't have a letter "A", it is in the key of A...which is unrelated to the serial number. 
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-03-04 19:58
The number on the bottom of the 2 pieces with all the action reads "A921"
I never bothered checking this out before. I really thought that the Clarinet was a Bb instrument--Do you have a "A" clarinet? ( insert scratching my head perplexed smiley face)
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2009-03-04 20:29
"A921" is the serial number. It has nothing to do with the pitch of your clarinet. Judging by the serial number your clarinet has been manufactured in 1930s by Malerne for Buffet.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: KV
Date: 2009-03-05 03:04
Vytas,
Thank you for the information about dating this clarinet.
Since everything seems to be in order and the wood is not split or cracked i think that I may invest in having the pads replaced and the action adjusted. It is very hard to play. There must be a leak somewhere. I am inspired to reconnect with this instrument again!
Kim
kimvawter72@cox.net
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Author: mfc
Date: 2010-11-06 02:38
We were looking at a clarinet with the serial number K127832. This sounds similar to yours. What type of clarinet is it? E-13? thanks
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Author: rlages
Date: 2023-01-18 19:03
Hi, I just bought an Evette and Schaeffer Model Buffet Crampon stamped Clarinet. It hasn't already arrived. The serial number has no letter and it is number is 1348 looking like hand engraved.
Any guess on wat should I expect?
Thanks!
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Author: rlages
Date: 2023-01-18 19:20
there it goes a picture of it
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7i9zd07mvog3fqr/D_NQ_NP_932418-MLB52500587233_112022-O.jpg?dl=0
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Author: rlages
Date: 2023-01-19 04:55
sure...
I've posted the one that displays the serial number
but here the front of the clarinet, with the logo albeit wasted
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d3hokm9i0xyllz0/D_NQ_NP_911522-MLB52500618091_112022-O.jpg?dl=0
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