I have two Buffet R-13s (a Bb from 1960 and an A from 1981) that are terrific instruments.  I've never played a better clarinet than these vintage R-13s (but I've played many that are every bit as good).

However, I think Buffet's marketing became far more important than its craftsmanship at some point after the 1980s (maybe someone knows what happened with Buffet back then).  Today, you pay thousands for a new Buffet with the expectation that you'll have to send it to your tech before you can really play it. 

Meanwhile, Selmer Paris has been making incredible instruments for at least as long.  I have several Selmer Paris clarinets (bass, alto, basset horn, contra alto) and have owned an Eb and a Bb Series 9* from them that were spectacular. And yet the brand has lagged (a long way) behind Buffet in the clarinet world for a long time (since the R-13, I understand). Leblanc and Yamaha also make great instruments (though admittedly, I haven't ever played any!)

Also, there are many (now vintage) brands that have produced great instruments over the years that are even more unsung: Couesnon, Noblet, Thibouville, Dolnet, Marigaux, Penzel-Mueller, and so many others.

So, why is Buffet so darn popular?  And overpriced?  I can't think of a reason.  So, I submit: BUFFET IS OVERRATED. 

Thoughts?  (Feel free to disagree....I'm probably overlooking something)





 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-SELMER-BUNDY-Resonite-Bass-Clarinet-w-Case-No-Reserve-good-condition/312495027458?hash=item48c227b502:g:fnkAAOSwXm9cZeA2

I'm not sure why the seller took the picture in their underwear.  So many questions....

Absolutely gorgeous instrument in amazing vintage condition, this professional quality instrument plays beautifully top to bottom.  Amazing workmanship from a small Swedish maker. 

As seen in the photos, it's marked "Eric Petterson - Stockholm" on all parts, and has a silver band at the top of the lower joint with Mr. Petterson's signature on it.  The serial number is #8**.  The instrument has many interesting features including rollers, silver-plated keys, an unusually articulted LH C#/G# key, beautiful wood, and a warm rich tone.  No cracks or other damage.  Comes in a newer pochette case. 

In terms of history, Eric Petterson was a clarinetist in the mid-20th century.  His clarinets were copues of the Klose/Buffet instruments of the time, with a few differences (e.g., the rollers, and the raised tone hole for C#/G#).  All of his instruments were hand made in a small workshop in Stockholm with much love and care. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/163128847882?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

Selmer Bundy bass clarinet all set up and ready to play. This is a used vintage horn in good condition and recently repadded. There is some normal wear and tear (small dents and scrapes), but nothing significant -- see photos. We believe that this is a 1960s-1970s era instrument in very good condition.

We had this all set up for my son, who has now become a drummer. (Ah, kids!)

Includes Fobes debut mouthpiece, Rovner ligature and cap, cork grease, and peg.  Includes original case which is solid and functional, but shows some wear. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/163129556675?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

I've been playing quite a bit of chamber music lately, and have become enamored of the idea of a basset horn and the expanded repertoire it would allow me to play. 

That said, I'm also aware that there really isn't THAT much music for them (i.e., not much call for them as part of a standard ensemble), they are wildly expensive even used (at least compared to other clarinets), and can be cantankerous (i.e., something like an alto clarinet) and a challenge to play well. 

Does anyone own one who is willing to share experiences? 

Before I started selling off \"my clarinet stash\" last year, I took a picture (sadly, not a very good one!) of the full range of horns I had at the time.  Pictured here are:

Ab sopranissimo
Eb sopranino
C soprano
Bb soprano
A soprano
Eb alto
Bb bass
Eb contra alto

I continue to play the Eb sopranino, Bb soprano, and A soprano quite regularly.  The alto, bass, and contra alto on occasion....and the C soprano when I\'m feeling too lazy to transpose at church.

This is an affliction that strikes many of us.  It happens when you see a cool, old, unusual, or unfamiliar clarinet on that infernal auction site and somehow feel compelled to bid on it.  \"This may be the one,\" you say to yourself, \"the one that has been prophesied....a true diamond in the rough.\"  You buy it.  You tinker with it.  A lot.  You make it playable.....even spend extra time to really do a great job.

But, in the end, it\'s still mediocre.  Not all that good.  Maybe not too bad though.  So you put it in a pile somewhere with the dozens of other mediocre clarinets you bought previously and hope that you can sell them for a small profit on eBay.  It\'s like a clarinet \"catch and release\" program.