Buffet, Full Boehm, B Flat Clarinet
A vintage Buffet clarinet. The instrument has serial number 1T136 which dates to 1904, and is a Full Boehm. It has all the "bells and whistles": Fork Eb/Bb, articulated C sharp/ G sharp, LH Ab/Eb lever and bottom Eb key. The clarinet is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The Maillechort keywork throughout is in good order with a natural patina due to age. The instrument has several cracks: There are 2 cracks to the upper joint which have been sealed and pinned in the past, both go through to the bore and are approximately 7-9 cms in length.
There is a tight surface crack to the bell. The barrel, which is not original, also has a tight surface crack and the upper tenon has been bushed in metal. This clarinet is perfectly playable as modern instrument at A=440 Hz, or it could make a fine acquisition for a collector. The case is of modern type and has been adapted to fit this instrument.