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Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: river432
Date: 2013-09-23 12:00

Hello Everyone,

I recently purchased a nice vintage Buffet 'A' clarinet that, by the serial number 1Kxxx, was made in 1915. Although it apparently hadn't been played in a long time, it seemed to be in pretty good condition, so I had some work done to it to make it playable. It is a very nice-sounding clarinet, so I recently tried it out by playing it in a local orchestra. Although it does play sharp (some notes more than others), I didn't find that it was horribly sharp overall and I was able to get through the rehearsal. I then measured the barrel and found that it was a little short at just under 64mm. With a longer barrel (67mm), it does play pretty well in tune, but I find that the high B and C are still a little sharp.

There are no markings on the clarinet to indicate whether it is an H.P. (high-pitch) or L.P. (low-pitch) clarinet. (Other than the Buffet logos and serial number, the only other marking is the name "MELOTTE" engraved on the lower joint.) With the longer 67mm barrel, the clarinet measures 25" from the barrel to the bell. Although very vintage, I find that this clarinet looks very much like an R13 clarinet. (It does not have any of the features that are often found in some of the older Buffet clarinets, such as the wrap-around octave key, the "donut" key, or any extra keys.)

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone on this site could provide any information at all regarding this Buffet A clarinet from the information I have provided. Particularly, I would like to be able to determine whether it is an H.P. or L.P. clarinet, however, all information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

River432

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Re: Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-09-23 14:10

I have a Bb/A Buffet pair (with wraparound register keys) from 1908, Kalmen Opperman told me that during that period, which is close to your 1915 date, barrels were longer and had a different taper from those used today. He made me a 68.5 mm. barrel that works on both instruments.

You should go to a barrel maker who makes individual adjustments to a barrel to match your particular clarinet, mouthpiece and way of playing. There was nobody like Kal, but you'll get the best results by sitting in the tweaker's studio and testing each progressive change.

Ken Shaw

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Re: Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: river432
Date: 2013-09-23 15:07

Thank you for your input, Ken!

I really do not believe it is an H.P. clarinet, but most likely an L.P. clarinet that may just need a longer barrel as you suggest. (I have tried to dismiss some others that want to believe it is an H.P. clarinet just because it plays a little sharp. But the possibility did need exploring.)

It may take some effort to try to find a clarinet barrel maker. I don't expect there are too many that do that type of work but if you, or anyone else, can suggest such a person that would be greatly appreciated. Anyone in the New England area would be convenient, but any referrals are appreciated. I have considered trying a Buffet Moennig A clarinet barrel (67mm) which has the "reverse taper" but not sure if that would work at all.

Also, if anyone else has any information or input regarding my vintage Buffet A clarinet, that would be greatly appreciated, too!

Thanks Again,
River432

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Re: Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: Wes
Date: 2013-09-23 17:55

There is a 1921 full Boehm A Buffet one piece clarinet in my closet that I bought in 1951 from the widow of a Mr. Tarrentola who played in the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. It has great wood and plays very well.

Another A Buffet with donut key was purchased by me recently for a family member also plays great but does not have the Buffet name on it.

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Re: Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-09-23 19:17

I think that a high pitch instrument would be immediately obvious as badly out of pitch and putting a longer barrel on would only correct the very top most toneholes i.e. the throat tones, the lower part of tube would still be very obviously sharp and of course then the clarinet would also be terribly out of tune with itself.

My Leblanc LL A clarinet measures 24 15/16ths inches overall excluding mouthpiece.

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Re: Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-09-24 01:42

river432 -

I don't know whether any of the following make barrels especially for older Buffets, but you might try ClarinetConcepts (Alan Segal), Guy Chadash or Morrie Backun. Their contact information is at http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/MBL/Barrels.html.

Ken Shaw

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Re: Buffet 'A' Clarinet - H.P. or L.P.

Author: river432
Date: 2013-09-24 03:05

Thank you very much for the great referrals Ken! I appreciate it!

After receiving some excellent feedback on this site, it seems to me that my vintage Buffet A clarinet is most likely an L.P. clarinet, and not an H.P. clarinet. I really like the sound of this old clarinet, so I am hopeful that I can find an appropriate barrel for it, or have one made, if possible. I will definitely follow up with your referrals.

Thanks again!
River432

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