Buffet, Prestige, Bass Clarinet, to low C
An exceptionally rare and fine Buffet Prestige Bass clarinet to low C. When the great Swiss designer, Rene Hagmann was asked to act as a consultant and designer to Buffet in the 1990s two exceptional designs were the result: The Buffet Prestige Bass and Basset Horn. Both designs demonstrated a fresh and innovative approach to acoustical problems, which solved many of the flaws heretofore associated with these types of harmony clarinets. In the case of this Bass the many features include a new special vent for the D/A 12th which is actuated by a steel rod passing through the body of the instrument bore, see photos 9 and 16. The design also includes a complete revision of all the lower pads, and mean that the low C is on the wooden body of the instrument, not the bell. The overblowing speaker key mechanism was also re-designed for improved reliability and acoustics. The result was a superb Bass clarinet which unfortunately Buffet decided to stop manufacturing for cost saving reasons in the early 2000s [just like the Basset Horn] Buffet started offering a simplified version, less acoustically brilliant, yet keeping the asking price the same. A great pity for clarinettists worldwide. This instrument was bought second hand by its' last owner from Howarth in 2010. Having decided to purchase a new Buffet Bass, she played through their entire stock, and after trying everything they had, was completely won over by the superior tone, response and intonation of this Bass.
It is in pristine condition, with perfect silver plating and Grenadilla wood throughout. It was last overhauled by Howarths of London earlier this year and all pads are in excellent condition. The rear thumb keys actuate low D, C#, and C, with an alternative Ds on the LH & RH pinky clusters. The current owner has spared no expense maintaining this instrument and she also purchased a customised Blashaus Gold crook, which currently retails for £2000, this is supplied in addition to the original. The matching serial numbers are 30464, which dates to the late 1990s. There are a choice of 3 m'pieces, a Clark Fobes, Backun Moba, or Don Johnson. The purchaser can specify which one of these 3 they would prefer. The BAM hardshell case shows some exterior scuffs but is in good used condition.