CLARINETS DIRECT

020 8893 3172 or 07787 770071

BUFFET CRAMPON RC Bb CLARINET, £1195

When the American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet Crampon in the 1970's 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 became the RC, were all attempts to make darker, more focused sounding clarinets. The RC, named for the designer Robert Carree, & first introduced in 1975, did find much favour in the UK : It had a more relaxed warm tone, which attracted many players.
This Bb has matching serial nos. F155416 dating to 1975, & is one of the first RC's made. Generally RC's from this period are considered the best of their production, at this time, Buffet charged more for the RC than the R13, in addition the Prestige range had not yet been introduced, which considerably downgraded the quality of the standard R13 and RC. Boosey & Hawkes had also not yet taken over Buffet, and forced a large increase in production. The wood has no cracks or crack repairs, however at the bottom of the lower joint there are some small surface nicks to the wood, see photo 8. There is a only very slight wear to the plating of the LH 2nd ring. Overall the Silver plating is in good order for its age, it is 95%. 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 a full years' Clarinets Direct warranty. The case is well used but still functional, the handle has been replaced. The m'piece is a brand new student model.