 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CEResq
Date: 2026-06-23 20:26
Hi all: I recently came into possession of a 1933 Buffet that is in need of an overhaul. I have an elementary-aged child who plays and I was wondering if someone could weigh in on whether this clarinet would be suitable for a child and if the cost of overhaul is worth it when considering the value of the instrument. We currently rent a clarinet through my kid's school and it seems that restoring this one would be more cost effective so long as it's suitable and I'm not spending more than the instrument is worth. Thanks!
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-06-23 22:23
Does it play?
- If not, getting a full repad would be the first step. It would probably need a COA (cleaning, oiling, and adjustment) in addition to a repad.
- If so, how well does it tune?
Will the elementary-aged child know how to care for the instrument? (How well do they take care of other things?)
Will they know and understand the steps needed to help avoid cracking?
Uploading pictures of the instrument and case may also be helpful. I'd also show the current instrument the child is also playing so we can compare both the models and the condition of both instruments.
Wood clarinets are often better, but only if they are properly cared for.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist MT36 mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2026-06-24 01:46
I’m going to say no. Buffets of this era are large bore and ideally need a large bore mouthpiece to have decent intonation. Even then they are not the most in tune horns. For jazz they can be great, but for the price of an overhaul these days you can likely find a good modern student clarinet that will be much more forgiving for a beginner. Look for a refurbished Yamaha, Vito, Buffet B12 or Backun Alpha instead.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-06-24 01:54
Its a pro level clarinet - that's its value is far more than its purchase price and the purchase price is insignificant when it comes to having it fully overhauled.
Just because it's old or you bought it for very little or acquired it, that doesn't mean you have to use that as a reason to not have it fully overhauled even if the cost of the overhaul is far greater than the purchase price. If you look at the price of an equivalent model brand new (which is most likely an R13), then that's the value of it and how much it should be insured for once fully overhauled.
For an elementary school aged player, it's too old and too delicate if they're a beginner when a plastic clarinet like a Yamaha YCL-250 would be far better suited and more durable. At this early stage, they may not appreciate what they have if it's an older pro level clarinet, unless they're ambitious and having such a clarinet will help encourage them to reach their goals.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2026-06-24 18:07
>> and I'm not spending more than the instrument is worth. <<
It's not necessarily important that you spend more or less than the instrument is worth, it's more about what the other options you have.
As jdbassplayer said, 1933 is old enough that it starts to be a little sketchy... so... what other options do you have?
As far as a young kid playing a professional/wood clarinet, it can be fine. I started playing a Buffet R13 around nine years old and never had any issues.
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