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.
This is a BC20 Bb clarinet with matching serial nos. F136534 dating to 1973, 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. For this reason this period is commonly referred to as Buffet's "Golden Era". Buffet Crampon described this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The Nickel Silver plated key work is in excellent order throughout, with no discernible wear. The wood is in good condition throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs, only a few minor surface marks. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The clarinet features a LH Ab/Eb lever, which is usually found on todays' Prestige models. Like a current top of the range Buffet this instrument was made with hand selected unstained Grenadilla wood. The instrument has had a complete overhaul & re-pad with Pisoni Premium Deluxe fish skin pads , and it is sold with a full years' Clarinets Direct warranty. A brand new Buffet adjustable thumb rest with sling hook attachment has also been fitted, not pictured. The m'piece is a used Windcraft , in good condition. The Buffet brown leather case is also in good used condition, and is the one pictured in the first photograph.