Pair of Buffet Professional Clarinets
A good condition pair of professional model Buffet clarinets, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The Bb has matching serial numbers 31296, which dates to around 1947. The wood is in fine condition, with no cracks or damage, as is the German Silver keywork, which shows a light patina appropriate to its age. The pads are used tan leather all of which are sealing well. The A has S/N 25447, which dates to 1938. Like the Bb the A is in very good condition for a clarinet of this age. The wood is very good, with no cracks or repairs, as is the keywork. Like the Bb the pads are lightly used tan leather. Both instruments are in fine regulation, and play nicely with modern French bore m'pieces, i.e. Vandoren. NB At this time Buffet design favoured a slightly wider bore at 14.85mm, this results in a tuning compromise which many players preferrred to the R13 bore. The bottom 12ths are excellent, and there is no flatness in the Altissimo, both weaknesses of the R13 bore. Both clarinets have capped tenons and both have had thumb rest screws replaced in the past, see photo 11. The supplied case is an Orly in good used condition.