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- Matched Pair of Buffet R13 Clarinets
Matched Pair of Buffet R13 Clarinets
A superb condition matched pair of Buffet R13s, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. When Alan Lucas became managing director of Buffet UK Ltd he made strenuous efforts to offer outstanding value, well manufactured clarinets to the UK market. At the forefront of this were the famous "UK" stamp model Buffet R13 and E13 clarinets which set a new bench mark of affordable quality in the UK, which ultimately resulted in Boosey & Hawkes acquisition of Buffet.
This Bb matching serial numbers, 189848, dating to 1978, has nickel plate throughout in pristine condition. The pads, which are fish skin are like new. There are no cracks or damage to the Grenadilla wood, the regulation is excellent and there is no joint wobble. All pieces are matching and original.
This A has matching serial numbers, 187247, dating to 1978, and again has nickel plate throughout in excellent condition. The pads, which are fish skin leather are like new. There are no cracks or damage to the Grenadilla wood, the regulation is excellent and there is no joint wobble. All pieces are matching and original. It cannot be overly stressed how much better than current Buffet R13 production these earlier models are. At this period Buffet had not suffered a Boosey & Hawkes takeover, production was not yet forced to unreasonable levels, with the consequent decline in quality, and the Prestige models had not been introduced, with the attendant decline of the standard R13 and RC. In every regard; intonation, evenness, quality of workmanship and plating they are vastly superior to contemporary R13s. One would have to choose a pair of Toscas today to get like for like. There are 3 supplied barrels of 66.5, 66, and 65.5mm. The supplied Buffet case is also in excellent condition, and comes with the keys. This pair would suit a professional looking for outstanding R13s of this period.