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Re: Alto clarinet

Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2022-04-08 22:18

Yeah that's the problem trying to compare Buffets to any other brand. Selmer and Leblanc have not changed their alto clarinet design since the 40s. Meanwhile Buffet made dozens of different designs of alto clarinets over the 20th century. The "PROFESSIONAL" I mentioned is from the mid 50s to the mid 70s but Buffet also made the "Radio Model", RC Prestige and various intermediate models. Some had one register vent and some had 2. Some had low Eb on the body and some had low Eb on the bell. Some had a left hand Ab/Eb and some didn't. The ring key model hasn't been made since the 40s so "vintage" is certainly an understatement... The result of this is that some models are good and some models are terrible. I personally recommend the models marked "Professional" as they have played consistently well in my experience and I assume that is the model Ann is referring to. They also have plateau keys without exception.

Regarding the stretch, I will say that my 1972 Buffet "Professional" alto feels very comfortable. Any alto clarinet with ring keys is going to be a big stretch, so I would recommend avoiding them.

-Jdbassplayer

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Alto clarinet new

AnnM

2022-04-01 18:21