Pair of Buffet BC20 Clarinets
When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet Crampon company he felt that though the R13 sold well in the USA different models would be more successful in Europe. The S1, Continentale and BC20, which evolved into the RC, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets. These days Buffet Crampon is attempting to recapture the former manufacturing excellence of the BC 20 in their current "Tradition" model.
These are a fine condition pair of BC20 Bb clarinets. The Bb has matching serial nos. F193482 dating to 1979, the A matching serial nos. F171659, dating to 1976, at this period Buffet Crampon were making only a limited number of extremely fine professional clarinets and quality control at Buffet had not suffered the decline it was to undergo later. For this reason this period is commonly referred to as Buffet's "Golden Era". Buffet Crampon described this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The silver plated key work is in excellent order throughout, with only slight wear to the ring finger keys to the Bb. The wood is excellent throughout with no cracks, damage or repairs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instruments have used fish skin pads throughout, apart from the register key pads which are cork. All are sealing well. There are 3 barrels, of 63, 64.5, and 65mm. The m'piece is a used Vandoren in good condition. The sturdy case is also in good condition, with some interior stains, but no damage.