Buffet, E11, B Flat Clarinet
A very fine condition Buffet E11 clarinet, in Grenadilla wood, which has just been taken in part exchange by Clarinets Direct. This instrument is Buffet's semi-professional model, and this example has matching serial nos. 395563. In recent years the Buffet badged "France" Bb clarinet E11 model, which was made in the old Leblanc factory, gained an extremely poor reputation for build quality. So much so, that Buffet have deleted this model from their line up and, confusingly, renamed it the E12. Fortunately this E11 was made in Germany, before the move in manufacture to the French Leblanc factory and is, therefore, a significantly better made instrument. The Nickel Silver plated key work is in good condition, with only very slight wear to a few of the ring fingers. The pads are double bladder fish skin throughout, and, whilst not new, are sealing well, and are in very good condition. The last owner was an adult, and she has kept the clarinet very well maintained. She also fitted a Ton Kooiman thumb rest. This we have removed and replaced with the original thumb rest, and we have filled the additional screw holes in our workshop, as well as thoroughly "checking down" the clarinet. The wood throughout is in excellent condition, with no cracks or repairs. This instrument comes in the original case in good condition, and with the Buffet stock mouthpiece in excellent condition.