Buffet, Continentale B Flat Clarinet
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.
This is a rare Continentale dating to the "Golden Era", and the intonation and response are much superior to contemporary Buffet manufacture. The Continentale design features higher placement of the speaker tube, and significantly less undercutting of the upper joint, this results in a darker, more focused, tone than the R13, with a typical Buffet "sweetness". Buffet Crampon advertised the Continentale as ideal for Chamber Music.
The Bb, S/N F84457 has Silver plating which is very good with no discernible wear. The Grenadilla wood is in excellent condition throughout: No cracks or repairs, only one tiny chip to the upper joint tenon, see photo 4. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has had a complete overhaul & re-pad in Pisoni Premium Deluxe fish skin pads and is sold with our 1 year warranty. It is supplied in a brand new case with a good condition used Vandoren B45 m'piece.