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« on: July 16, 2020, 06:54:30 PM »
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)