BUFFET-CRAMPON Model R-13 Bb Clarinet, made in France in 1971; serial #115,473
It's a superb example from Buffet's "Golden Era". Original nickel-plated keys, no cracks to the wood, tenons very sharp, no wear to the keys. All new pads & corks and a rich tone color. This one's an excellent player with perfect intonation, made in France from a very good year. Absolute perfection, has new case, highly recommended! One that we term "Golden Age Select".
Also includes our 2-year service warranty, of course.
*** Clients should know that this superb clarinet was made in the "middle Tolchin Years" at Buffet. New York investor Martin Tolchin (MBA from Harvard) acquired controlling interest in Buffet in the late sixties, was the president of the company until 1980. In that year, the firm very close to bankruptcy, sold everything to the English "Boosey-Hawkes" concern.
*** Our small shop in Wichita has sold Buffet clarinets since 1954 and knew Tolchin and his staff very well. It's our opinion that Tolchin, before he ran out of funds, produced some excellent instruments in the factory west of Paris. We believe the best examples, arguably better than new, were made in the late sixties and early seventies.
*** Information above comes from our own personal conversations and correspondences with Buffet's 1970's management. And yes, we still own 550 shares of "Buffet-Crampon, S.A." Feel free to write us for additional information.
All the problems aside, Buffet's R-13 clarinets from the sixties and seventies are, in our opinion, superior to all others.
*** WBIC has been in business since 1953, with the same owner since 1963. We do know a bit about French clarinets, and yes, we still hold 565 shares of “Buffet-Crampon U.S.A.”.
*** Many of the comments and opinions noted above are the direct result of our having had personal conversations with Buffet-Crampon management and from financial information I (the Owner) have, as a shareholder, received from the Tolchin firm.
***GR/Wichita
HG