Buffet, R13 B Flat Clarinet
A good condition "Golden Era" Buffet R13 Bb clarinet. This Bb has matching serial nos. F148201, which dates to 1974. Back then this was the finest professional instrument Buffet made, with unstained, matched wood. This was before the introduction of the ""Prestige" range, which effectively downgraded the standard R13 considerably. These days R13's are made from inferior quality wood which is stained to hide imperfections. Buffet are currently attempting to recreate this Gold standard of manufacture in their current "Vintage R13" range please go to www.buffetcrampon.com for more details. All pieces are matching and original, and stamped "Buffet". The Silver plated keywork is in excellent condition throughout, with only slight wear to the ring fingers. The wood is also in good used condition, with no cracks or repairs, apart from what may be a tight surface hairline crack, or pronounced wood grain, running upward from the RH speaker key pillar, see photo 11. There are no pins, nor other repair or any intrusion into the bore. The m'piece is the original Buffet C in ebonite which is used, but plays well. The clarinet comes in an excellent condition Buffet pouchette case.