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- Buffet BC20, B Flat Clarinet
Buffet BC20, B Flat Clarinet
When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet Crampon company he felt that though the R13 sold well in the USA different models would be more successful in Europe. The S1, Continentale and BC20, which evolved into the RC, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets.
This is a BC20 Bb clarinet, which was recently taken in part exchange, with matching serial nos. F77280 dating to 1963, making this an early example. The bell carries the "Dallas" stamp, at this stage Dallas were the British sole importers for Buffet Crampon, so this clarinet was originally sold new in the UK. During this period Buffet Crampon were making only a limited number of extremely fine professional clarinets, and quality control at Buffet had not suffered the decline it was to undergo later. For this reason this period is commonly referred to as Buffet's "Golden Era". Buffet Crampon described this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The Nickel Silver plated key work shows some slight spot wear and pitting throughout, mainly to the ring finger touch pieces, and throat G# key. The wood is in excellent condition throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. Like a current top of the range Buffet this instrument was made with hand selected unstained Grenadilla wood. The instrument has good condition tan leather pads throughout. It has been down to our workshop for a thorough check down, and regulation prior to sale. The m'piece is a used Vandoren 5RV Lyre , in good condition. The case is also in good used condition.
This instrument represents outstanding value for money: Buffet's latest clarinet, which is a development of the BC20, the BCXX1, currently retails for in excess of £6200!