Buffet BC20 B Flat Clarinet
When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought the 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. The great French player, Jacques Lancelot was particularly associated with the development of the BC20 model, which was launched in the 1960's.
This is a BC 20 Bb clarinet with matching serial nos. F230158 dating to 1983. At this time Buffet had only just been bought by Boosey & Hawkes, and were not yet forced to manufacture a much larger volume of clarinets in order to replace the shortfall left by the cessation of B&H's own production at Edgware. Thus the quality of Buffet clarinets at this period was still very high. The key work is in Silver plate, which is in pristine condition, indeed the quality of this plating puts contemporary Buffet standards to shame. The wood is excellent throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The clarinet has used white leather pads throughout which are all in very fine condition, with only slight wear. The m'piece is a stock Buffet. The case is an original Buffet, with some interior stains and exterior scuffs.