Buffet, R13, B Flat Clarinet
A very fine condition Buffet R13 Bb clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This instrument has had only one careful owner from new, and has been well looked after. 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, 200419, dating to 1979, has nickel plate throughout in very good condition, with only slight wear to the RH ring fingers. The pads, which are fish skin are all in fine shape. 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. The m'piece is an "as new" Etude supplied by Windcraft.
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 R13. One would have to choose a Tosca Bb today to get like for like. The supplied Buffet case is in fair condition, it has seen much use, but still functions well. This clarinet would suit a professional looking for an outstanding R13 of this period.