By virtue of the fact that we’ve been an authorized dealer for Buffet-Crampon clarinets since 1953, we confirm that we have accumulated quite a number of original Buffet clarinet catalogs and price-lists.   Buffet’s current owners insist, in print and via their web-site, that the famous and well-accepted “Model R-13” clarinet was the result of the 1955 design work of Robert Carree, an employee of their workshop in Mantes. The implication is that any pre-1955 Buffet is not an R-13.   Regretfully, this is incorrect information.  In our library, we have original Buffet catalogs going back to the 1920’s.  We note that clarinets marketed before 1947 were designated “Model 13” or “No. (number) 13”.    But Buffet’s 1947 catalog clearly shows the current production as R-13 models.   Hugo Schreiber, past president of Buffet-Crampon and (like me….) and a burned shareholder in the Tolchin Musical Instrument / Buffet-Crampon S.A. ownership, has been quoted as noting “the R-13 was a stock number going back to before 1936”.   Which means that OUR firm prefers to note Buffet-Crampon’s “top of the line” clarinets made before 1947 as “model 13” and after 1947 as “model R-13”.   Why it matters…  I’ve used the same late 1920’s Buffet clarinet since 1963.  In the past half century, I’ve play-tested thousands of clarinets and I’ve never found one I like better. It’s the reason I strongly recommend older “true vintage” Buffet clarinets. Better wood, better workmanship, more resonance.  In our opinion, I mean.   Think of it this way…. Italian violins, French Bordeaux red wines, British sports cars, beautiful ladies and BUFFET CLARINETS are all better if they have a few years of maturity!..............  In our opinion…..

  Wichita Band’s service warranty is the same as it’s been for more than four decades:    “ALL new and all used instruments sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company come with our 24 month service warranty. It’s in addition to any factory guarantees. For two full years, we will repair or replace (whichever in our estimation is the more advisable), pads, corks, springs or other parts required, at no charge to the customer.  In the event of cracked or damaged wood sections, we will repair at no cost to the customer or replace the section and charge the customer only for our net costs for the replacement section.   Often, wood replacement parts are supplied from the manufacturer at no charge.   The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance charges. Cases and plating finishes are not covered by our service warranty but are sometimes covered by factory guarantees.”   Wichita Band Instrument Company maintains a repair department capable of restoration work of the highest quality. Even though repairs are essentially “free” for the first two years, after that period has expired, we remain at your service to maintain and repair your musical equipment forever. It’s our “service after the sale” promise and has been since 1953!   In the event that a customer requires service under factory guarantees or Wichita Band’s service warranty, the item must be returned to us and not directly to the manufacturer.  

  In January of 2016, our small workshop in Wichita celebrated sixty-three years in business.  We are not in the 1952 Wichita telephone directory, but we ARE in the 1953.  Over the decades, we’ve repaired and restored hundreds of woodwind instruments, specializing in 19th. century French flutes, clarinets and saxophones from the mid twentieth century and before.  We employ sixteen highly skilled full-time workers and enjoy, we’re happy to report, a sterling reputation for top-quality restoration and ethical transactions. We are not amateurs, nor are we a “back bedroom” operation.   We would be pleased to furnish you with references attesting to the above.     **** WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY / WICHITA, KANSAS /  USA