Buffet, E13S, B Flat Clarinet
A near mint condition Buffet, E13 S [for small] clarinet. This is an extremely rare model, made by Buffet as a custom order for players with small hands, sadly this model is now deleted from the Buffet model line up. The revisions include re-positioning all of the tone holes closer together in the right hand. And, in addition, an adjustable thumb rest is fitted, which was not standard manufacturing practice at that time. This instrument will make learning much easier for some lucky young clarinettist!
This instrument is in very good condition throughout: The Grenadilla wood is in excellent condition, with no cracks or repairs, only a few minor surface marks. There is no joint wobble. The instrument has just been completely overhauled in our workshop with fish skin pads , and is sold with our 1 year warranty. The Silver plating throughout is "as new", with no wear. Indeed the quality of this plating is much superior to that found on current Buffet E13s.
The matching serial nos. are K96427, which dates to the early 1990's. Contemporary E13s are treated with a chemical compound designed to prevent cracking. Unfortunately this appears to leach out of the wood after a few weeks of playing, causing many problems with joints sticking or refusing to go together. Thankfully when this instrument was manufactured, Buffet Crampon were still ageing the wood naturally. The supplied m'piece is a used Vandoren B45. The clarinet comes in a brown leather Buffet case with space for music and accessories.