Buffet Crampon Bass Clarinet Serial Numbers
Buffet Crampon clarinets Professional clarinets since 1825, factory established 1850. This list does not include the Evette model clarinets made by Buffet. Note: An F preceeding the serial number indicates a clarinet made at the European pitch standard (A=442 - A=444). Buffet Crampon 1193 Prestige Low C Bass Clarinet 5.0.
WebsiteBuffet Crampon is a French manufacturer of, including, and; however, the company is perhaps most famous for their, as Buffet is the brand of choice for many professionals.Buffet Crampon began manufacturing musical instruments in 1825 exclusively in France, but has since expanded their business to include production facilities in and China as well. Since the company's conception, Buffet Crampon has expanded to a worldwide market., Buffet Group's Chief Executive Officer, runs the Buffet Crampon, B&S, Hans Hoyer, J., Meinl Weston, Scherzer, and W. Schreiber brands.
Here's the skinny on these clarinets. They were made by Buffet, and are essentially analogous to whatever Buffets mainline pro model was. Some, however, consider the Evettes a step below corresponding Buffet models. Though I have no evidence to substantiate this, a popular opinion is that Buffets that didn't pass quality control were marked Evette. If you check out stores that specialize in these clarinets, such as Wichita Band Instrument company, you'll find that R13s and the like from the same era fetch $1500 to $2000 completely overhauled. Yours might be worth $1300 overhauled and maybe 400-500 less as is. It's a good value for the buyer, and it will be a fine player, no matter what people say about it.
Buffet Crampon Serial Number Search
Bad quality control in the 50's probably outshines good quality control today, IMO, and with a proper repad from a clarinet specialist, this horn could have a lot of character. Good luck!.
If you put the number in the search bar it gives a manufacture date of 30 April 1953.The modern Vintage series by Buffet was the company's attempt to replicate the bore of the pre-R13. 1953 almost immediately precedes the R13 era.
Buffet Crampon Bass Clarinet Serial Numbers
I use a Vintage, and I quite like it. It has some intonation problems that the R13 doesn't have, but the sound is quite different, and attractive to some players.Yes this instrument would be very desirable to some people, but if it's blown out, then it's pretty much useless.
Unlike other instruments, clarinets that have been heavily played lose a lot of their resonant capabilities. I would describe the sound as 'dead' or 'flat' (not in pitch, but in depth and richness of sound). I don't know why clarinets lose their resonance, but I imagine it has something to do with the intense back pressure of the instrument. Record yourself playing the old clarinet and a new R13 and compare the quality of sound. If it's blown out, the old clarinet will have a sort of lifeless quality compared to the new clarinet.Using my powers of bullshitting, I can give some thoughts as to the value. Clarinets don't really increase in value as they age.
If it's in good shape and still plays well, you could probably sell it for a pair of thousands or so. It's advantage is that it's a pre R13. For comparison, I bought a 70's era R13 for only $700, and a 70's era A clarinet for $1500.