Matched Pair of Buffet S1 Clarinets
An excellent condition matched pair of Buffet S1 clarinets, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. 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, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets. In the case of the S1 this is partly achieved by much less undercutting.
The S1 Bb has serial nos. 138000, on the bottom joint and 138001 on the top joint. It is most likely that this is simply down to human error. These date the clarinet to 1973, and this period is commonly regarded as the "Golden Era" of Buffet manufacture. The instrument has silver plate in superb condition, with no discernible wear. We have just fully overhauled the pair in fish skin pads in our workshop, and they are sold with our full 1 year warranty. The wood on both is in perfect condition, there are no cracks or repairs. The barrels for the Bb are of 66.5 mm, and a partly shortened barrel of 64mm, which actually measures 65.5mm when assembled as the receiver tenon of the barrel is 1.5mm too short. The previous owner, a professional. had this work done and the same applies to the shortened barrel for the A, which measures 61mm, and 62.5mm when assembled, see photos 6 & 7. The A has matching serial numbers F131093. The S1 clarinet plays with a robust, focused sound and excellent evenness and intonation. This pair fully demonstrate this. The case is a B&H in used condition, and the m'piece is a stock Buffet.