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- Buffet, Vintage, B Flat Clarinet
Buffet, Vintage, B Flat Clarinet
A rare early Buffet single piece top joint Bb clarinet, with serial number H419 dating to 1894. These instruments have a larger bore of 14.9mm, and larger tone holes than the contemporary Buffet's. The result is a free and easy playing clarinet, with good intonation, and none of the third register problems inherent in the poly-cylindrical design. The drawbacks are flatter notes on low E and F, but to some extent this is corrected by the fact that, at this period, Buffet reamed the neck of the bell, continuing the flare of the lower joint: this does result in exceptionally even response across into the second register, a pity this is no longer standard practice.
This instrument is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct.
There are no cracks or damage to the wood, but the bell is firmly fixed to the lower joint, possibly because of long storage in the supplied case. Given the age of this instrument we have left well alone. The pads are all much worn leather examples but sealing, The LH silver Eb/Bb key has had a spring replacement but the fitted spring is slightly too long. However the key functions as it should. The instrument plays well in tune with a modern Vandoren B45, but not series 13 Vandorens, standard Vandoren m'pieces work well. The case is much worn with damage to the interior and exterior, it still latches.