Buffet, R13 Prestige, A Clarinet
This very good condition Buffet R13 Prestige A clarinet is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. It was last owned by the well known British clarinettist, Colin Parr, formerly of the ROH Orchestra, and for many years Principal Clarinet of the CBSO. After the 1981 take over by Boosey and Hawkes, the Prestige range represented an attempt by Buffet to recapture former high manufacturing and quality control standards. To that end the Prestige clarinet went back to the earlier specification: Unstained, hand selected Grenadilla wood was used, and more time was spent on hand finishing the instrument. In addition an additional Eb/Ab lever for the LH was fitted.
The A has matching serial nos. 311717, dating to 1989. The tan leather pads throughout are in excellent condition. The silver plate is very good, with only wear to the rear thumb bush. The wood is also without mark or blemish. There are 2 barrels of 66mm & 60mm. The double case is a blue leather gig bag in good condition.