Matched Pair of Vintage Buffet Clarinets
An exceptionally rare, and unique pair of superb condition early Buffet clarinets. This pair have been professionally owned and played most recently in Siily. These instruments have a larger bore of 15.0 mm, and larger tone holes than the contemporary Buffet's. The result is a free and easy playing pair, with excellent intonation, and none of the third register problems inherent in the polycylindrical design. The drawbacks are flatter notes on low E and F, but to some extent this is corrected by the fact that, at this period, Buffet reamed the neck of the bell, continuing the flare of the lower joint: this does result in exceptionally even response across into the second register, a pity this is no longer standard practise. This pair also feature a unique custom designed articulated C#/G# mechanism which ingeniously works off a separate pillar mounting for C#/G# at the bottom of the upper joint. This weaker spring is then overridden by a linkage connected to the RH rings.
The Bb has serial number 85M dating to 1899. It is in very good condition, and amazingly has no cracks. The wood shows some surface scratches and marks, but for a clarinet of this age, it is in remarkable condition. Both instruments have excellent condition double bladder fish skin pads, with the exception of the register key, which is in cork. The pads have seen hardly any use. The excellent quality key work is mainly of German Silver, though some of the key barrels are actually solid silver. The stamps read "Buffet Brevette SGDG". All pieces are matching and original. The key regulation is excellent and there is no joint wobble. The pictured m'piece has been replaced with a Yamaha Custom 82 II barrel of 65mm which allows the pair to be played comfortably at A= 440 Hz with standard Vandoren m'pieces.
A, S/N 84M, dates to 1899. Is is in excellent condition throughout, with no cracks or repairs to the wood, the surface condition is superb. The instrument has obviously had very little use. The keywork is also pristine. These instruments would make an excellent addition to a period players inventory, or possibly, might delight a collector of rare, historic clarinets. The case is the original Buffet, in good condition, which still latches well.