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- Buffet, Continentale, B Flat Clarinet
Buffet, Continentale, 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.
This is a rare Continentale Bb clarinet serial no. F80864 dating to 1964. The Continentale design features higher placement of the speaker tube, and significantly less undercutting of the upper joint, this results in a darker, more focused, tone than the R13, with a typical Buffet "sweetness". Buffet Crampon advertised the Continentale as ideal for Chamber Music. This instrument was manufactured, right at the start of Buffet Crampon's so called "Golden Era", and the intonation and response are much superior to contemporary Buffet manufacture. The Silver plating is very good with no discernible wear. The Grenadilla wood is in excellent condition throughout: No cracks or repairs, only minor surface scuffs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has had a complete overhaul & re-pad in Pisoni Premium Deluxe fish skin pads and is sold with our 1 year warranty. The m'piece is a used Vandoren B45 Lyre in good condition. The Buffet case has a few stains to the interior but is otherwise in good condition.