Buffet, Vintage, R13 B Flat Clarinet
A good condition vintage Buffet R13 enhanced Boehm Bb clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The last owner was a well known London professional with a large collection of clarinets and saxophones. This Bb has matching serial nos. F56830, which dates to 1956, and has a forked LH mechanism for Eb/Bb. Back then this was the finest professional instrument Buffet made, with unstained, matched wood. This was before the introduction of the ""Prestige" range, which effectively downgraded the standard R13 considerably. These days R13's are made from inferior quality wood which is stained to hide imperfections. Buffet are currently attempting to recreate this Gold standard of manufacture in their current "Vintage R13" range please go to www.buffetcrampon.com for more details. All pieces are matching and original, and stamped "Buffet". The German Silver keywork is in good condition throughout, with a natural surface patina. The wood is also in good used condition, though there may be a tight surface crack to the upper joint, just above the highest trill key hole, it may also be pronounced wood grain. The size of the low A/E tone hole has also be slightly reduced in order to correct the sharpness of the low A. The bell has the stamp of the sole UK importer for Buffet at that time, "Dallas". The m'piece is a Selmer HS* ebonite in nice condition [ NB, not pictured]. The cases hows some stains to the interior, and exterior scuffs, but still latches well, and protects the clarinet.