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BUFFET CONTINENTALE Bb CLARINET, £1245

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 an ultra rare Continentale Bb clarinet serial no. F89988 dating to 1966. The Continentale design features higher placement of the speaker tube, and significantly less undercutting of the upper joint, this results in a darker, more focussed, tone than the R13, with a typical Buffet "sweetness". Buffet Crampon advertised the Continentale as ideal for Chamber Music. This instrument was manufactured, right in the middle of Buffet Crampon's so called "Golden Era", and the intonation and response are much superior to contemporary Buffet manufacture. The Silver plating is pristine. The Grenadilla wood is in excellent condition throughout: No cracks or repairs. The key regulation is tight and there is no joint wobble. The instrument has had a complete overhaul & re-pad in Pisoni Premium Deluxe white leather pads. The m'piece is a brand new stock Buffet. The original case is in very good condition. .