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 pristine condition enhanced Boehm BC20 Bb clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct, with matching serial nos. F88933 dating to 1966. This instrument has all the "bells and whistles": 7 rings, articulated C#/G# and LH Ab/Eb lever. It only lacks a low Eb, or it would be a Full Boehm, it was most likely a special order from Buffet. 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 Silver plated key work is in perfect order, it is extremely hard to believe that this clarinet is 60 years old. 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 E Selmer, an open lay , in good condition. The original case is in good used condition, with some interior stains, and exterior scuffs.