Buffet, C Clarinet
An exceptionally rare and fine professional Buffet C clarinet which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The Grenadilla wood is in good condition, and it is obvious from inspection that this instrument has had little use. The wood has only light surface scuffs [ the largest of which is underneath the register keytouchpiece] and shows no cracks or damage, apart from a sealed crack to the bell, see photo 11. All main pieces are matching and original. The instrument has had a thorough "check down" in our workshop, and the key work has been regulated. All the used fish skin pads are in excellent condition, "as new". The register key pad is in cork. The S/N 0135H1 dates to 1913, Buffet made less than 1500 clarinets in that entire year. It is likely that the clarinet has been silver plated post manufacture, and the plating is in excellent condition throughout. The intonation and response of this C are superb: The instrument is stable in terms of tuning and remarkably even across the registers. It tunes with all standard Vandoren and French bore m'pieces at A=440. The case is a modern replacement.