 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: socalife
Date: 2015-04-20 19:10
I have a Buffet E11 with serial number B 205197 stamped "Made in France" just above the serial number. Any idea how old this clarinet could be? Wondering if its worth reconditioning, or just going ahead and getting a new one for my daughter.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-04-20 21:19
If the keys on your E11 are corroding and/or have metal plating flaking off of them, it's not worth salvaging.
If your E11 needs crack repair on a keyed joint plus a complete overhaul, you MAY be better off with another clarinet.
If none of these apply, bring it in to reputable technician for a consultation--you'll probably come out ahead repairing your E11 versus getting a new clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: socalife
Date: 2015-04-20 22:03
Thank you for the response- I was wondering if there any advantage to the E11 being manufactured in France pre-1981, versus the ones that were manufactured in Germany between 1982-2009? I guess that is my question. Also What does the "B" in front of the serial number mean?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: socalife
Date: 2015-04-20 22:05
The body is in good shape, keys are nickel and need a polishing. Definetly needs new pads, corks, etc.... I have taken it to a shop who told me it needed a complete overhaul..... but I know shops sometimes will say that cause they make a lot of money on clarinet overhauls.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-04-20 23:08
An alternative would be to request a "play condition" service, where pads, corks, and cork bumpers are replaced only as needed--less expensive than a full overhaul. Your daughter could then play the clarinet and if it turns out to be a good instrument for her, you would then get the clarinet fully overhauled when it next requires service.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2015-04-21 01:46
I overhauled a 30+ year old E11 a few weeks ago - it turned out great.
So the answer depends a lot on the wood and key condition.
If the wood has no cracks, and the key plating is decent, no frozen screws, broken springs, etc., it might make sense to have it overhauled.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2015-04-21 02:49
I am a professional repair tech (my only source of income). In my shop a good overhaul is more efficient and will usually yield better results than a "play condition" (that is, when the clarinet is needing considerable work).
This means the customer gets more value for their money. Of course, different shops vary in their approach.
Steve Ocone
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2015-04-21 06:23
Is your clarinet clearly stamped "E11" (without the quotes) on the front of the upper joint? If it is, then Guillaume is incorrect in his date analysis because he has referred to a table of serial numbers for Buffet's professional models. This list is not relevant for dating an E11. On the other hand, if the instrument is not stamped E11, I think you have a completely different animal.
With regard, to Guillaume's post. In 1980, Buffet's student models were designated (and stamped) as "Evettes" (not E11s) and were being made in West Germany. The E11 designation was not adopted until around 1985, if memory serves, and all of these instruments were being made in West Germany. Thus your clarinet cannot be an E11 manufactured in 1980 because such an instrument did not exist.
From what I can find in the archives for this bulletin board, Buffet brought production of the E11 to France in 2009.
But I would be interested in knowing whether your clarinet is clearly marked "E11."
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: socalife
Date: 2015-04-21 17:43
Hi Jack it is clearly stamped E11 and has the serial number beginning with a B
B 205197 and stamped "Made in France" just above the serial number.
I am wondering if this is one of the E11N that was made in France for about a year before Buffet went back to manufacturing in Germany in 2010.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2015-04-21 18:02
That's what it sounds like to me. Considering its age and the comments you have made about its condition, it also sounds like it's had a hard life. If you search the archives of this bulletin board, you can probably find some comments on the early French-made E11s. As I recall, those comments tend to support Dave Kessler's contention that the new design was not particularly well-received. That perhaps explains Buffet's decision to resurrect the German E11.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: socalife
Date: 2015-04-21 18:11
Shockingly I just got a reply from Buffet! Here is the response regarding the serial number-
"Thank you for contacting Buffet Group USA. That clarinet is an E11 wood student clarinet with nickel-plated keys, manufactured in 2010. You are correct, it is one of the student E11s briefly manufactured in France before the production was moved back to the German factory."
Mystery solved, and yes, I'm going to get rid of this one for sure and go for the German made.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
