CLARINETS DIRECT

020 8581 1113 or 07787 770071

BUFFET BC20 Bb CLARINET, £1195

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 BC 20 Bb clarinet serial no. F92403 dating to late 1966, this period of manufacture is commonly referred to as Buffet Crampon's "Golden Era". This instrument was made therefore prior to the Boosey and Hawkes take over of Buffet, during a period when quality control and standards of manufacture were excellent. Buffet Crampon descibed this model as being designed for Recital and Orchestral playing. The Silver plated key work is in pristine condition, with no discernable wear the quality of this plating is excellent, in sharp contrast to modern Buffet manufacture. The wood is throughout is in excellent condition, with no cracks or damage. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has had a complete overhaul & re-pad with Pisoni Premium Deluxe fish skin pads, and it is sold with a full years' Clarinets Direct warranty. The m'piece is a professional Buffet model 846 in ebonite in excellent used condition. Again modern Buffet policy is to outsource their mouthpiece manufacture: The result is a cheap plastic product which is really only compatible with the basic student clarinets in their range. The original case is also in good condition.