Buffet PreR13 to R13 - 1939 to 1955 Buffet Crampon clarinets History

[@martinconsulting5483]

Really one of the most informative videos on identifying these Buffet Clarinets. I have a pre-R13 that is part of the "lost" serial numbers but based on the calculations should have been manufactured in 48 or 49, it could have been as late as 50 but not likely. I haven't played on it much since I left college music behind 20 something years ago, but I have had it since I was 12 and I am 46 now. The only other owner it had was an older family friend from church that had received while she was a student in school. I have recently started playing it again, since my son has joined the high school band... Thanks, Paul Martin

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

Keep playing as it's so fun to play some instrument. I play many instruments but clarinet always had that particular tone that was alluring. The older buffets had a really nice dark "round" tone if I recall.

[@retrieval1]

Just want to thank you for the video it was very informative I appreciated greatly

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

Glad it was helpful.

[@ridemusicstudio748]

Thank you for this informative video. I pulled out my old Buffet Crampon--according to your serial number guide, it is from about 1952. I had it worked on some years back. I love the tone. Have trouble with intonation, esp on A and Bb, which maybe has something to do with the shared posts you mention? Or maybe it's just my embourcher--getting into a practice routine.

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

Are the notes flat and stuffy Many times newer pad installs use pads that had steps on them that were created for more modern clarinets (which have their keywork action designed to be more open). But if these pads are used on older instruments then the pad sticks too far out of the pad cup, thus decreasing the venting and may make the note flat, and airy and stuffy. The shared posts is simply a design and should not affect how the instrument plays.

[@xavra1964]

I really enjoyed your informative and thorough video identifying Bb Buffet Clarinets. I acquired my Buffet Clarinet, used, in college from another student (1975) By looking at your video I know my clarinet does have the flared wings on the bridge key and 4 separate posts for the A/Ab keys plus the slotted barrel guide on the side trill keys. The serial number on my clarinet is 62261 and below the Buffet logo is Made In France. There are no other identifying marks. I wanted to find out what year my clarinet was manufactured. Would you be able to tell me? Thank you, Javier R. Vera (retired band director)

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

1960 according to my serial number list ==> www.woodwindforum.com/clarinetperfection/snbuffet-serial-numbers/ Up until the mid 1960s Buffet only had their "professional" model so no designation was needed (albeit various keywork setups). They kept it undesignated even after the model engraved of the Continatale, BC-20 and S-1 model clarinets. Don't forget my next Buffet video of 1955 to 2008 ==> kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvdY2Sba85qjKc

[@glennallen8392]

Hi! Thanks for the video! I have my mom's oldie and trying to identify it. It has the shared post on the Ab key, the trill key guide is flat metal and triangular, but has a winged bridge key. Your serial number list puts it at 1953. The C# looks to be a leaf spring and the Ab looks like a needle spring. What else should I use to help identify? Do those things add up to correctly identifying it as pre-R13 and 1953? Do you have a price sheet for something like mine? Thank you!!

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

Your serial number would be best to identify its age. Buffet was consistent in their serial numbers. I have a 51,xxx and a late 50,xxx R13 which are the earliest R13s I've come across (though I don't really peruse eBay in decades anymore). But yours would be the Pre-R13 and probably the "Master Bore" model which is a tapered upper joint bore before the polycylindrical R13 bore. I had a Master Bore at one time and it was a wonderful, dark tonal clarinet. I wish I still had it. eBay is the best "price sheet" for "as-is" instruments. You'll have to search and add "SOLD" auctions to see what they sell for in about the same condition. But there is a dropoff in price of pre-R13s, versus R13s. And last time I followed prices the different generations of R13s are dropoffs too with more modern ones obtaining better prices.

[@albertnemiroff1502]

Thank you for the videos on the history of Buffet-Crampon clarinets. I still play a 17/6 soprano #36XXX manufactured in 1949. Did that model have a name?

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

Before the 1960s Buffet-Crampon only had one model which was their Professional Model with various keywork options. So no names until after 1955 when the Pro model took on the "R-13" but no indicators on the instrument itself. In the 1960's you then had the instruments marked with the now multiple Pro models of S-1, BC-20 and Continentale.

[@albertnemiroff1502]

@@gottalovetheknowledge4749 Thank you very much for the clarification. I bought it new in 1950 and selected with the help of my teacher. We were presented with 13 Buffets, a Selmer and a Leblanc to evaluate at Lyon and Healy on Wabash Avenue in Chicago. It still has a beautiful timbre and may be due for another overhaul.

[@Brad4083]

Thanks for your video. I'm going to sell my dad's old clarinet. Its serial # is 47869. From my limited research, I think it's a pre-R13 from 1953. A couple pre-R13s have sold on eBay recently for about $700-$1000. Is that about right?

[@ianclarkson4002]

Hello, I'm thinking of buying an Buffet Crompton Evette Schaffer A clarinet and I'm trying to find out it's age and is it pitched at 440? It's number is F56428. Thank you

[@adrianoesouza]

I have one r16 with 18 keys