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. The great French player, Jacques Lancelot was particularly associated with the development of the BC20 model, which was launched in the 1960's.
This is a BC20 Bb clarinet serial no. F99090 dating to 1967, which is commonly referred to as the "Golden era" of manufacture. Buffet Crampon described this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The key work is in Nickel Silver plate, which is in very good condition, with only a slight patch of wear to RH, F/C; indeed the quality of this plating puts contemporary Buffet standards of plating to shame. The wood is excellent throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has just had a complete re-pad in Pisoni deluxe fish skin pads and it is sold with our full 1 year warranty. The m'piece is a new Yamaha 4C. The case is a modern AS of back pack type in excellent condition.