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 BC20 Bb clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct, with matching serial nos. F77237 dating to 1963. The bell has the stamp of the sole UK importer at this time, "Dallas", and this clarinet is an early example of a BC20. 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. Buffet Crampon described this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The Nickel Silver plated key work is in good order throughout, with only slight wear to the ring finger touch pieces. The wood is in excellent condition throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. Like a current top of the range Buffet this instrument was made with hand selected unstained Grenadilla wood. The instrument has had a full re-pad with Pisoni Premium Deluxe fish skin pads in our workshop, and is sold with our 1 year warranty. The m'piece is a used ebonite C Buffet , in good condition. The original case is in fair used condition, with some interior stains, and exterior scuffs.