 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-01 00:39
Saw a cool old buffet for $500 at my local music store yesterday and I wondered if anyone knew what it was. I went to go back and try to play it but they where closed :(
Here is some pics:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7_g6PFHyl0laDJvSzJSZ295QUU&usp=sharing
The serial number appears to be 34780. I tried to find out what year it was but I don't know if it's an R13 an E13 or something else. The case looked older, kind of long and skinny with the buffet logo stamped on it. I also found it odd that the serial number was only visible on the bottom joint and not on the top one. Is this common on older models?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-09-01 00:45
It's probably an R13 from the 1940s.
Note - that's quite a while before the "modern" i.e. polycylindrical bore version was produced in early 1950s - but in the USA it was already called an R13.
E13s all have a K prefix to their numbers.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-09-01 00:54
Separate G# & A key posts. I'd check that serial number again, its probably newer than 1940's.
Whats that white stuff all over the wood?
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-01 01:04
pewd wrote:
> Separate G# & A key posts. I'd check that serial number again,
> its probably newer than 1940's.
>
> Whats that white stuff all over the wood?
>
Idk it felt kind of powdery, and wiped off pretty easy. Could be dust. The lady said she thought it was from the 60's. You guys think its worth $500?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
Post Edited (2014-09-01 02:14)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-09-01 02:46
The serial number list I have places it around late 47 to early 48. Does it have the cutout in the wood under the l/h pinky cluster? If not then it's not an R13, if it has then it might well be.
Tony F.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2014-09-01 03:06
If the case is original, it's from the 60s or 70s. By the way if it sounds good and has good intonation, then it's well worth the 500$.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-09-01 05:17
Older Buffet's have a common G#/A post. This one does not.
That looks like something more serious than just dust.
Value depends on its actual age, condition of the wood, etc., plus how well it plays. The pictures are not clear enough for my old eyes, there appears to be some corrosion on the keys.
Get your teacher's opinion before you buy.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: GLHopkins
Date: 2014-09-01 06:13
I believe it is 84,xxx making it late 60s. The keys are nickel plated, and the post A/Ab post configuration and trill key guide makes it a R13 model. If there are no cracks it is worth the $500.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-09-01 15:32
Scrub the serial number area with a damp toothbrush to get out any crud and give it to us again. It's definitely an R13, which was introduced in 1955, so it can't have been made before then.
The case is the one Buffet used during the 60s.
Scrub the other serial number location, on the back of of the upper joint at the bottom, just above the tenon.
Pull a swab through several times and look down the bore to check for cracks. Also, look down the upper joint bore from the top. If it looks dull above the register vent and shiny below it, the instrument has been re-bored in an attempt to improve the intonation. This is always bad news.
Assuming it can be played and has a matching serial number on the upper joint, I agree that $500 is a good price.
Ken Shaw
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-07 22:44
So I'm thinking about going back to the shop and playing around on it a little bit (assuming it's still there). What should I listen for or check on the instrument? Do you think i should trade my E11 for it? If so why?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-09-08 05:22
There are 11 things to check an old horn for:
1. Intonation
2. Intonation
3. Intonation
4. Intonation
5. Intonation
6. Intonation
7. Intonation
8. Intonation
9. Intonation
10. Intonation
11. Everything else.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2014-09-09 04:03
The serial number is definitely 84xxx. This is a top professional clarinet from Buffet. The Buffet started plating clarinet keys in the early 60s. The "Made in France" is stamped very close to the "BC" marking and is clear indication that this instrument was made after 1955. Before 1955 the "Made in France" was stamped a lot lower and was separated from the logo.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2014-09-09 04:12
Forgot to mention… The barrel has been shortened and looks like 61 mm - 62 mm long.
The residue on the wood is an indication that this clarinet was stored in a very wet environment. It is possible it was under water for a while.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-09 06:01
Vytas wrote:
> Forgot to mention… The barrel has been shortened and looks
> like 61 mm - 62 mm long.
>
> The residue on the wood is an indication that this clarinet was
> stored in a very wet environment. It is possible it was under
> water for a while.
>
> Vytas Krass
> Clarinet Repair
> Professional clarinet technician
> Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
> Former professional clarinet player
>
Does this mean it's not worth trying? How am i supposed to tune with a 61mm barrel? Will it still tune to 440ish? Can I put my E11 barrel on it?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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