Buffet, E Flat Clarinet, Bucknall Collection
This is an exceptional early Buffet Eb Clarinet in a single piece. This clarinet is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct and was owned by the well known British player Nicholas Bucknall; part of a fine collection of rare and excellent quality clarinets. This instrument has been used on many film sound track recordings, and demonstrates a beautiful sound and very fine intonation. The clarinet is stamped Buffet, Brevette SDGD suggesting a date of manufacture of around 1890-1900, there is no serial number.
The wood shows no cracks or damage, it has many surface marks, commensurate with use. The bell is in cocus wood, a common feature of Buffet clarinets of this period, designed to improve the resonance of the bell notes. The German Silver key work shows a patina appropriate to the age of the clarinet, and some of the key barrels are in solid silver, which supports this manufacturing date. The instrument has used fish skin pads. The m'pieces are a Selmer HS** and a copy of an original Buffet. The case is a custom Wiseman in excellent condition.