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musical instrument details
1973 GOLDEN ERA BUFFET R13 Bb CLARINET–ALL NEW PADS/CORKS, BACKUN BELL & BARREL
Estimated price for orientation: 2 400 $
Category: Clarinets
Class:
Description Brand: Buffet Crampon Body Material: Wood Design: Boehm System Skill Level: Professional Key: Bb Country/Region of Manufacture: France Type: Bb Soprano
For sale: a beautifully restored vintage French-made Buffet professional R13 Bb wood clarinet. Both joints are stamped with the same serial number 1347XX, which indicates the year of manufacture to be 1973, during the Buffet ‘Golden Era’. This model, developed by Robert Carrée in 1955, was the top of the line professional clarinets offered by Buffet Crampon. The serial number of this clarinet falls under the most desirable range of the Golden Era: from 83,000 to 200,000 (1965 to 1979) – the cream of the crop. The main reason why the ‘Golden era’ Buffet clarinets are coveted and sought after by the players is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of: the wood was allowed to air dry for 20 years or more to ensure that the clarinet won’t crack and was of the finest grade, very hard, dense and naturally dark. These days, the methods of drying the wood have changed to accommodate the higher volumes of production (kiln-dried) and the wood is used for the current R-13 is less dense and stained black to hide imperfections. Only the top of the line models, such as Prestige, Tosca and Divine currently offer similar quality of wood. Other than the exquisite quality of wood and outstanding craftsmanship, these clarinets are highly coveted by players because of their fantastic intonation and the tone quality. The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials (“Artist grade” overhaul) available to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound reflection. The pads on the bottom joint were upgraded to high quality American-made white Prestini kid leather pads. The pads on the top joint were upgraded to the premium Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads that are specifically designed for the pro-level instruments and are a considerable improvement over even the best double bladder pads. With these upgrades, you won’t have to worry about the pads deteriorating for at least 10 years, maybe more, since both these types of pads are extremely durable and forgiving. The overhaul included: Clarinet taken apart, body cleaned, sanitized and treated with all natural Grenadilla oil, then waxed and polished to bring out the beauty of the woodTone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure the perfect sealAll keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricatedAll new Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads and kid leather pads installedTenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural corkKey cups centered and leveledThe keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rodsThe springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touchThe gilding on the logos restoredAfter the overhaul, the instrument was fine tuned and adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys: it plays with easy fluidity, just as expected from a top notch R13 and has an accurate intonation and resonant response. I can describe the sound as complex, focused, mellow, dark and yet sweet and full – certainly the best Buffet can offer in this price range. I can say that I can see why this serial numbers range considered being most desirable: after having handled earlier and later R13’s, the quality of sound and ease of playing is noticeably better for the clarinets made in the late 60’s and 70’s. The clarinet comes with a new beautiful set of matching (traditional style) Cocobolo barrel and bell by Backun. This bell in my opinion as a player is definitely is a step up, it made the clarinet sound darker and more focused. The same can be said about the barrel – certainly an improvement over the original. The cosmetic condition is excellent, considering that it is a vintage instrument. There are only one or two very minor scratches on the body and only one significant scratch on the trill key (see pic. 9). The plating on the keys is about 85% intact, and it shows signs of plating loss on several spatula and ring keys as well as on one or two other keys and several posts. I tried to document all cosmetic flaws however minor, so please refer to the pictures. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere on the body, barrel or bell. I want to emphasize that this instrument sounds amazing – so much better than your average run-of-the-mill modern R13. This is a fantastic bargain for the quality of the clarinet and setup upgrades you are getting, considering that the typical new nickel-plated R13 can cost up to $3500-3800 plus the retail cost of the Backun bell/barrel set. Here is what included with the clarinet: New Buffet-style pouchette caseNew set of matching Backun Cocobolo barrel and bell (traditional style, $640+$150 retail value)New Vandoren Masters CL5 mouthpiece set, including M/O silver plated ligature and cap ($150 retail value)New 100% silk pull-trough cleaning swabNew cork greaseOne sealed Vandoren reed The instrument will be packaged with great care – I pack all my instruments with extreme caution to ensure that you will receive it in ‘play out of the box’ condition. I offer economy shipping within continental US, please contact me for the shipping quote before paying – I will send you an accurate invoice. You will only be charged for the actual cost of shipping, I don't try to make money on shipping charges. Please note that I always insure the instruments for the full value, which increases the overall cost of shipping. International buyers: please be aware that you are responsible for all customs duties and taxes that may be applicable. Also, please do not ask me to declare a smaller value or claim it as a “gift” on the customs forms – it is considered fraudulent by US laws. Please take note that the full payment is required within 24 hours of your purchase, otherwise the transaction will be cancelled and the item re-listed. I usually ship within one business day of receiving a cleared payment. I accept returns within 14 days if you are not fully satisfied with this beautiful instrument for whatever reason, so buy with confidence: I want you to be perfectly happy with your purchase. If you wish to return it, please contact me as soon as possible and let me know. Important! Please do not use the provided accessories until you are sure that you want to keep the instrument. If the instrument is returned and the accessories were used, I will subtract their market price from the refund, since I will have to replace them. The buyer pays for return shipment and the horn must be in the same condition, as you will receive it – meaning no damage/flaws to the instrument, other than that documented in the pictures and description above. Your satisfaction is extremely important to me, so please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase and I'm sure we will be able to resolve them to your complete satisfaction. About me: I'm a professional woodwinds player/music educator and have been playing clarinet, flute and saxophones for years. I work with a certified master repairman with 30+ years of experience and I only sell the instruments of the top brands adjusted to play their absolute best and that’s why I can say that my clarinets play better than new. I stand by my instruments - I only sell what I would have purchased for myself or would recommend to my students. I’m fairly new to selling on eBay, but I strive to provide a stellar customer service to every buyer, as my 100% customer satisfaction rate demonstrates. Buy from me and be assured that you are getting a great deal on the top quality instrument – or your money back!
Description
| Brand: | Buffet Crampon | Body Material: | Wood |
| Design: | Boehm System | Skill Level: | Professional |
| Key: | Bb | Country/Region of Manufacture: | France |
| Type: | Bb Soprano |
For sale: a beautifully restored vintage French-made Buffet professional R13 Bb wood clarinet. Both joints are stamped with the same serial number 1347XX, which indicates the year of manufacture to be 1973, during the Buffet ‘Golden Era’. This model, developed by Robert Carrée in 1955, was the top of the line professional clarinets offered by Buffet Crampon. The serial number of this clarinet falls under the most desirable range of the Golden Era: from 83,000 to 200,000 (1965 to 1979) – the cream of the crop. The main reason why the ‘Golden era’ Buffet clarinets are coveted and sought after by the players is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of: the wood was allowed to air dry for 20 years or more to ensure that the clarinet won’t crack and was of the finest grade, very hard, dense and naturally dark. These days, the methods of drying the wood have changed to accommodate the higher volumes of production (kiln-dried) and the wood is used for the current R-13 is less dense and stained black to hide imperfections. Only the top of the line models, such as Prestige, Tosca and Divine currently offer similar quality of wood. Other than the exquisite quality of wood and outstanding craftsmanship, these clarinets are highly coveted by players because of their fantastic intonation and the tone quality. The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials (“Artist grade” overhaul) available to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound reflection. The pads on the bottom joint were upgraded to high quality American-made white Prestini kid leather pads. The pads on the top joint were upgraded to the premium Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads that are specifically designed for the pro-level instruments and are a considerable improvement over even the best double bladder pads. With these upgrades, you won’t have to worry about the pads deteriorating for at least 10 years, maybe more, since both these types of pads are extremely durable and forgiving. The overhaul included: Clarinet taken apart, body cleaned, sanitized and treated with all natural Grenadilla oil, then waxed and polished to bring out the beauty of the woodTone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure the perfect sealAll keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricatedAll new Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads and kid leather pads installedTenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural corkKey cups centered and leveledThe keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rodsThe springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touchThe gilding on the logos restoredAfter the overhaul, the instrument was fine tuned and adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys: it plays with easy fluidity, just as expected from a top notch R13 and has an accurate intonation and resonant response. I can describe the sound as complex, focused, mellow, dark and yet sweet and full – certainly the best Buffet can offer in this price range. I can say that I can see why this serial numbers range considered being most desirable: after having handled earlier and later R13’s, the quality of sound and ease of playing is noticeably better for the clarinets made in the late 60’s and 70’s. The clarinet comes with a new beautiful set of matching (traditional style) Cocobolo barrel and bell by Backun. This bell in my opinion as a player is definitely is a step up, it made the clarinet sound darker and more focused. The same can be said about the barrel – certainly an improvement over the original. The cosmetic condition is excellent, considering that it is a vintage instrument. There are only one or two very minor scratches on the body and only one significant scratch on the trill key (see pic. 9). The plating on the keys is about 85% intact, and it shows signs of plating loss on several spatula and ring keys as well as on one or two other keys and several posts. I tried to document all cosmetic flaws however minor, so please refer to the pictures. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere on the body, barrel or bell. I want to emphasize that this instrument sounds amazing – so much better than your average run-of-the-mill modern R13. This is a fantastic bargain for the quality of the clarinet and setup upgrades you are getting, considering that the typical new nickel-plated R13 can cost up to $3500-3800 plus the retail cost of the Backun bell/barrel set. Here is what included with the clarinet: New Buffet-style pouchette caseNew set of matching Backun Cocobolo barrel and bell (traditional style, $640+$150 retail value)New Vandoren Masters CL5 mouthpiece set, including M/O silver plated ligature and cap ($150 retail value)New 100% silk pull-trough cleaning swabNew cork greaseOne sealed Vandoren reed The instrument will be packaged with great care – I pack all my instruments with extreme caution to ensure that you will receive it in ‘play out of the box’ condition. I offer economy shipping within continental US, please contact me for the shipping quote before paying – I will send you an accurate invoice. You will only be charged for the actual cost of shipping, I don't try to make money on shipping charges. Please note that I always insure the instruments for the full value, which increases the overall cost of shipping. International buyers: please be aware that you are responsible for all customs duties and taxes that may be applicable. Also, please do not ask me to declare a smaller value or claim it as a “gift” on the customs forms – it is considered fraudulent by US laws. Please take note that the full payment is required within 24 hours of your purchase, otherwise the transaction will be cancelled and the item re-listed. I usually ship within one business day of receiving a cleared payment. I accept returns within 14 days if you are not fully satisfied with this beautiful instrument for whatever reason, so buy with confidence: I want you to be perfectly happy with your purchase. If you wish to return it, please contact me as soon as possible and let me know. Important! Please do not use the provided accessories until you are sure that you want to keep the instrument. If the instrument is returned and the accessories were used, I will subtract their market price from the refund, since I will have to replace them. The buyer pays for return shipment and the horn must be in the same condition, as you will receive it – meaning no damage/flaws to the instrument, other than that documented in the pictures and description above. Your satisfaction is extremely important to me, so please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase and I'm sure we will be able to resolve them to your complete satisfaction. About me: I'm a professional woodwinds player/music educator and have been playing clarinet, flute and saxophones for years. I work with a certified master repairman with 30+ years of experience and I only sell the instruments of the top brands adjusted to play their absolute best and that’s why I can say that my clarinets play better than new. I stand by my instruments - I only sell what I would have purchased for myself or would recommend to my students. I’m fairly new to selling on eBay, but I strive to provide a stellar customer service to every buyer, as my 100% customer satisfaction rate demonstrates. Buy from me and be assured that you are getting a great deal on the top quality instrument – or your money back!