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musical instrument details
BUFFET ‘EVETTE & SCHAEFFER’ (E13) CLARINET-ALL NEW PADS/CORKS, PLAYS AMAZING!
Estimated price for orientation: 800 $
Category: Clarinets
Class:
Description Brand: Buffet Crampon Model: Evette & Schaeffer Key: Bb Type: Bb Soprano Skill Level: Semi-Professional Body Material: Wood Country/Region of Manufacture: France
For sale: a vintage French-made Buffet “Evette & Schaeffer” Bb wood clarinet. Both joints are stamped with the same serial number: B64XX, which places the manufacture period in mid 1950’s. This particular model was a semi-professional clarinet offered by Buffet (right under their professional R-13), which was changed to E-13 in the 1981-1982. These clarinets are often compared equally with the R-13s for their responsiveness, clarity and sound. All clarinets of this model were produced in France; the B-series were actually made by Malerne (a very old and well respected clarinet manufacturer) and then sold under the Buffet label.
When comparing these horns with their modern counterparts offered by Buffet (E12F, E13), it is important to remember that the main reason why the vintage wood Buffet clarinets are coveted and sought after is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of, which is virtually impossible to find today. 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, rich in natural oils and naturally dark. These days, due to the high volume production demands, the wood that is used for the current semi-pro models (and regular R13's) is less dense, kiln-dried, stained black to hide imperfections and covered in lacquer to simulate the shine that the properly treated high quality grenadilla naturally has.
I provide all this information to emphasize that these are not your average off-the-shelf intermediate Buffets that you can buy in your local music store; they are very special and far superior in craftsmanship, response and quality of the sound. In fact, what you are getting is a quality of the R-13s without the price tag of the professional instrument. If you want to learn more about these fine instruments, I would recommend checking web-pages such as . The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials available to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound production, including upgrading the pads to the premium American-made Prestini double bladder pads. 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 wood; - Tone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure the perfect seal; - All keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricated; - All new Prestini pads installed; - Tenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural cork; - Key cups centered and leveled; - The keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rods; - The springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touch; After the overhaul, the instrument was adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys. It plays fantastic, just as expected from a top notch clarinet with an accurate intonation, unmistakable focused Buffet sound and resonant response. It has a sweet, warm and mellow sound that is very much like you would find in an R13 as well as very open and easy blowing. After play testing this instrument, I would classify it as a high-end intermediate: it is just a small step below an R13. This horn would be perfectly suitable for a serious high school or an advanced amateur, who can’t afford the high price tag of a professional clarinet. It is a great bargain for the price, after comparing it to the prices of new comparable models (E12 $1850, E13 up to $2300). The cosmetic condition is very good, considering the instrument's age. The unstained Grenadilla wood is very dark, rich and has a very tight grain, something you won't see in the modern semi-pro modern clarinets. There are a few small scratches/nicks on the body and very minor scratches on the keys; you have to look hard to find them. There is one exception though – sometime in the past a repairman left scratches/tool marks on one of the keys on the top joint (see photo). The plating on the keys is almost completely intact. Please refer to the pictures for the additional details about cosmetic condition; I tried to document all flaws. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere on the body, barrel or bell. Here is what is included with the clarinet:
Description
| Brand: | Buffet Crampon | Model: | Evette & Schaeffer |
| Key: | Bb | Type: | Bb Soprano |
| Skill Level: | Semi-Professional | Body Material: | Wood |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: | France |
For sale: a vintage French-made Buffet “Evette & Schaeffer” Bb wood clarinet. Both joints are stamped with the same serial number: B64XX, which places the manufacture period in mid 1950’s. This particular model was a semi-professional clarinet offered by Buffet (right under their professional R-13), which was changed to E-13 in the 1981-1982. These clarinets are often compared equally with the R-13s for their responsiveness, clarity and sound. All clarinets of this model were produced in France; the B-series were actually made by Malerne (a very old and well respected clarinet manufacturer) and then sold under the Buffet label.
When comparing these horns with their modern counterparts offered by Buffet (E12F, E13), it is important to remember that the main reason why the vintage wood Buffet clarinets are coveted and sought after is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of, which is virtually impossible to find today. 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, rich in natural oils and naturally dark. These days, due to the high volume production demands, the wood that is used for the current semi-pro models (and regular R13's) is less dense, kiln-dried, stained black to hide imperfections and covered in lacquer to simulate the shine that the properly treated high quality grenadilla naturally has.
I provide all this information to emphasize that these are not your average off-the-shelf intermediate Buffets that you can buy in your local music store; they are very special and far superior in craftsmanship, response and quality of the sound. In fact, what you are getting is a quality of the R-13s without the price tag of the professional instrument. If you want to learn more about these fine instruments, I would recommend checking web-pages such as . The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials available to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound production, including upgrading the pads to the premium American-made Prestini double bladder pads. 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 wood; - Tone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure the perfect seal; - All keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricated; - All new Prestini pads installed; - Tenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural cork; - Key cups centered and leveled; - The keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rods; - The springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touch; After the overhaul, the instrument was adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys. It plays fantastic, just as expected from a top notch clarinet with an accurate intonation, unmistakable focused Buffet sound and resonant response. It has a sweet, warm and mellow sound that is very much like you would find in an R13 as well as very open and easy blowing. After play testing this instrument, I would classify it as a high-end intermediate: it is just a small step below an R13. This horn would be perfectly suitable for a serious high school or an advanced amateur, who can’t afford the high price tag of a professional clarinet. It is a great bargain for the price, after comparing it to the prices of new comparable models (E12 $1850, E13 up to $2300). The cosmetic condition is very good, considering the instrument's age. The unstained Grenadilla wood is very dark, rich and has a very tight grain, something you won't see in the modern semi-pro modern clarinets. There are a few small scratches/nicks on the body and very minor scratches on the keys; you have to look hard to find them. There is one exception though – sometime in the past a repairman left scratches/tool marks on one of the keys on the top joint (see photo). The plating on the keys is almost completely intact. Please refer to the pictures for the additional details about cosmetic condition; I tried to document all flaws. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere on the body, barrel or bell. Here is what is included with the clarinet:
When comparing these horns with their modern counterparts offered by Buffet (E12F, E13), it is important to remember that the main reason why the vintage wood Buffet clarinets are coveted and sought after is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of, which is virtually impossible to find today. 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, rich in natural oils and naturally dark. These days, due to the high volume production demands, the wood that is used for the current semi-pro models (and regular R13's) is less dense, kiln-dried, stained black to hide imperfections and covered in lacquer to simulate the shine that the properly treated high quality grenadilla naturally has.
I provide all this information to emphasize that these are not your average off-the-shelf intermediate Buffets that you can buy in your local music store; they are very special and far superior in craftsmanship, response and quality of the sound. In fact, what you are getting is a quality of the R-13s without the price tag of the professional instrument. If you want to learn more about these fine instruments, I would recommend checking web-pages such as . The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials available to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound production, including upgrading the pads to the premium American-made Prestini double bladder pads. 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 wood; - Tone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure the perfect seal; - All keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricated; - All new Prestini pads installed; - Tenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural cork; - Key cups centered and leveled; - The keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rods; - The springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touch; After the overhaul, the instrument was adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys. It plays fantastic, just as expected from a top notch clarinet with an accurate intonation, unmistakable focused Buffet sound and resonant response. It has a sweet, warm and mellow sound that is very much like you would find in an R13 as well as very open and easy blowing. After play testing this instrument, I would classify it as a high-end intermediate: it is just a small step below an R13. This horn would be perfectly suitable for a serious high school or an advanced amateur, who can’t afford the high price tag of a professional clarinet. It is a great bargain for the price, after comparing it to the prices of new comparable models (E12 $1850, E13 up to $2300). The cosmetic condition is very good, considering the instrument's age. The unstained Grenadilla wood is very dark, rich and has a very tight grain, something you won't see in the modern semi-pro modern clarinets. There are a few small scratches/nicks on the body and very minor scratches on the keys; you have to look hard to find them. There is one exception though – sometime in the past a repairman left scratches/tool marks on one of the keys on the top joint (see photo). The plating on the keys is almost completely intact. Please refer to the pictures for the additional details about cosmetic condition; I tried to document all flaws. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere on the body, barrel or bell. Here is what is included with the clarinet: