Buffet, E11 B Flat Clarinet
A very good condition Buffet E11 clarinet, in Grenadilla wood, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This instrument is Buffet's semi-professional model, and this example has matching serial nos. 823364. 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 Silver plated key work is in pristine condition, with no wear. The pads are double bladder fish skin throughout, and, whilst not new, are sealing well, and will be good for some time to come. The wood throughout is in excellent condition, with no cracks or damage, apart from 2 small chips to the outer edge of the middle tenon, see photo 4. These have no effect on the response, and are completely hidden when the instrument is assembled. The clarinet has been to our workshop with tenon and touch corks replaced as necessary, and for regulation. This instrument comes in the original case in good condition, with a fine quality student mouthpiece.