CLARINETS DIRECT

020 85811113 or 07787 770071

BUFFET CRAMPON R13 PRESTIGE Bb CLARINET, £1895

This is a good condition Buffet R13 Prestige Bb clarinet, which was probably a custom order from Buffet. This early Prestige features several improvements over a standard model. There is an articulated C#/G# mechanism, the bell not only has a voicing groove to improve the bell note response and tuning, but also a vent hole, finally, the speaker key & tube have been re-designed to minimise bore intrusion. This has several advantages, not only are the acoustics and response of the second register improved, but also the risk of snagging the pull through is minimised. After the 1981 take over by Boosey and Hawkes, the Prestige range represented an attempt by Buffet to recapture former high manufacturing and quality control standards. To that end the Prestige clarinet went back to the earlier specification: Unstained, hand selected Grenadilla wood was used, and more time was spent on hand finishing the instrument. In addition an additional Eb/Ab lever for the LH was fitted.
This Bb has matching serial nos. F253728, which dates to 1985. There are no cracks or damage to the wood, which is excellent throughout. The Silver plate throughout is in good condition, with only slight wear to the ring keys, and slight spot wear to the LH "pinky" keys. The instrument has just had a complete overhaul in our Clarinets Direct workshop and is sold with full 1 year warranty. The key regulation is very good. All pieces are matching and original. The case is a brand new Buffet Prestige with combination locks. The mouthpiece is a used Vandoren 5RV lyre in good condition, NB not pictured.