Buffet BC20 B Flat Clarinet
When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet Crampon company 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 evolved into the RC, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets.
This is a good condition BC20 Bb clarinet, with matching serial nos. F133277, dating to 1972, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. At this period Buffet Crampon were making only a limited number of extremely fine professional clarinets, and quality control at Buffet had not suffered the decline it was to undergo later. For this reason this period is commonly referred to as Buffet's "Golden Era". Buffet Crampon described this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The Silver plated key work is in good order throughout, with no wear, apart from a patch of tarnish on RH F#/C#. . The wood is in excellent condition throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs, though there are some minor chips to the bottom of the lower joint tenon, see photo 11. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has used fish skin pads throughout in excellent condition. The m'piece is a used stock Buffet , in good condition. The BuffetPrestige brown leather case is also in good used condition.