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Pre-1900 Eb Buffet Clarinet query

Author: ej6
Date: 2016-04-27 09:22

Hi all, I've been looking in to purchasing an Eb clarinet for a while but as I don't have the need to play it very often (compared to my Bb & A) I can't really justify going out & buying a brand new one so I've been hunting online for something second hand.

I came across a Buffet Eb clarinet - serial number is C657 so it is from 1889. From the pictures I cannot see "HP" or "LP" marked on it anywhere (I have asked the seller to confirm if that is on it anywhere) as obviously it wouldn't be a great deal of use to me if it is HP. There is also no separate barrel joint - it is all one piece with the rest of the body of the clarinet (bell is separate). It also says "Brevetes SGDG" below the Buffet stamped on the barrel area. The clarinet is Boehm system (i.e. not Albert).

Does anyone know how else I might be able to tell if it HP or LP (if there are no HP/LP markings - I'm not able to try it myself either as the listing is overseas). Also, can anyone tell what their experience is of playing Buffet's of around this vintage? My R-13s (Bb & A) are from the 1990s-2000s, and with Eb's I've only tried an YCL-681 II Eb clarinet which was only a few years old.

In short, would you buy or steer clear? I know everyone has different tastes/preferences in terms of models & brands etc but any Eb clarinet buying advice or 2nd hand instrument shops you'd recommend contacting would be greatly appreciated. I'd been hoping to find an R-13 or similar (e.g. YCL-681) second hand in good condition but no such luck thus far.

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