Buffet, RC, A Clarinet
A superb condition Buffet RC A clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This instrument has been professionally owned 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 clarinets which set a new bench mark of affordable quality in the UK, which ultimately resulted in Boosey & Hawkes acquisition of Buffet. When this clarinet was manufactured it was the most expensive clarinet in the Buffet inventory, and the responsiveness and quality of this clarinet are superb, much superior to contemporary Buffet RC clarinets
This A matching serial numbers, F184027, dating to 1978, has silver plate throughout in very good condition. 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 clarinet comes in a Buffet 150th Anniversary double case, 1825-1975, in good used condition, with still wrapped keys.
It cannot be overly stressed how much better than current Buffet production these earlier "Golden Era" 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 manufacture. One would have to choose a Buffet Divine A 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 RC of this period.