Buffet, S1, B Flat Clarinet
A very fine condition Buffet S1 clarinet in silver plate, which is a commission sale. This clarinet has had only one careful owner from new, and the condition is testament to his careful ownership. When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet Crampon in the mid 1970's 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 became the RC, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets. In the case of the S1 this is partly achieved by much less undercutting.
This Bb has matching serial nos. F220641, which dates to late 1981. There is no wear to the plating, which is pristine throughout. The key regulation is tight, there is no joint wobble. There is no damage to the wood, which is in perfect order throughout. The instrument has used white leather pads throughout in excellent condition. The S1 clarinet plays with a robust, focused sound and good evenness and intonation. In the past players such as John McCaw and Mitchell Lurie played S1's. The m'piece is a used Noblet, in good condition. The case is the original in fair used condition.