Buffet, BC20, B Flat Clarinet
This is a very fine Buffet BC20 Bb clarinet recently taken in part exchange by ourselves from a UK based professional player. 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 BC20 Bb clarinet has matching serial nos. F108166 dating to 1969, i.e. "The Golden Era" of Buffet manufacture. 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 Nickel Silver plated key work is in good order throughout, with only slight wear to the ring finger touch pieces. 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 lightly used tan leather pads throughout, all are sealing well. The m'piece is a used stockBuffet , in good condition. The supplied case is brand new.