Matched Pair of Buffet S1 Clarinets
A superb condition matched pair of "UK" stamp Buffet S1 clarinets. These instruments have had only one owner from new, and are in exemplary condition. When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet Crampon in the mid 1970's 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 became the RC, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets. In the case of the S1 this is partly achieved by much less undercutting, especially on the Bb of a pair. When Alan Lucas became managing director of Buffet UK Ltd he made strenuous efforts to offer outstanding value, well manufactured clarinets to the UK market. At the forefront of this were the famous "UK" stamp model Buffet clarinets which set a new bench mark of affordable quality in the UK, which ultimately resulted in Boosey & Hawkes acquisition of Buffet.
This Bb has serial no. 169799, which dates to 1976, an exceptionally fine period of manufacture at Buffet Crampon. There is no wear to the Nickel Silver plating which is pristine throughout. There is no damage to the wood, which again is in fine order throughout. This pair of clarinets have just been completely overhauled by Clarinets Direct in fish skin pads and are sold with our full 1 year warranty. The A is in a similar condition to the Bb, i.e. perfect throughout, it has matching serial numbers 170529, which dates to 1976. The S1 clarinet plays with a robust, focused sound and excellent evenness and intonation. In the past players such as John McCaw and Mitchell Lurie played S1's.The m'piece is a used Selmer C85 120, and the case is the original, which has a slight sellotape repair to the handle. The interior and exterior are both good.