Buffet, Continentale, A 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 rare Continentale 7 ring Boehm A clarinet dating to the "Golden Era", and the intonation and response are much superior to contemporary Buffet manufacture. The 7 ring design allows for a fork Eb/Bb in the LH. The Continentale design features higher placement of the speaker tube, and significantly less undercutting of the upper joint, this results in a darker, more focused, tone than the R13, with a typical Buffet "sweetness". Buffet Crampon advertised the Continentale as ideal for Chamber Music.
This A, S/N F94281, dating to 1967, has Nickel Silver plating which is in good condition for its age. There is some spot wear and minor tarnish. Please select the photos and hover with your mouse for a close up view. The Grenadilla wood is in excellent condition throughout: No cracks or repairs, only minor surface scuffs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has used fish skin pads in good condition, it is airtight and sealing well. The m'piece is a used Vandoren 5RV in good condition. The Buffet case has a couple of tears to the interior lining, it still latches well and protects the clarinet.
In summation, this is an excellent A clarinet that would suit a player looking to make a "darker" more Germanic sound than the typical R13/RC response.