Buffet Crampon R13 - Serial no. 614542

[Ralphy G]

Good afternoon from a new member
Simple question. I am considering purchase of Buffet Crampon R13 serial no. 614542
I do not know seller.
Price - $2500-3000
How can I determine if it is an R13 and is this reasonable value?
Thanks

[DaveLeBlanc]

That seems very high, honestly. You can usually find an R13 in the United States in the $1300-1500 range, unless it's brand new. Last time I sold an R13 it was back in 2017, but at that time one would be hard pressed to get much more than that for a used R13.

It's a little tough to tell from a surface glance if it's a real R13, but R13s will never have a model marking, and will always be made in France. Beyond that, it would take a closer look via pictures or in person to be able to tell for sure.

[Ralphy G]

Thanks Dave
Really appreciate the response. I priced out a new R13 at a local music shop for $5000 Canadian. About $4000 US. I have been looking for used R13s and found one on Kijiji for $2700 Canadian so I was hoping for some comments to help me make a decision. Any additional comments would be appreciated.

[DaveLeBlanc]

Could be your location is driving prices up.

A quick look on eBay US shows this guy selling for $1,150.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/275098023138?hash=item400d1eb4e2:g:7FIAAOSwO3dh2cJV

Sure, it's from 1960, so that may be too old.

Here's one from just 2010 for $2k US.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165192069231?hash=item267636f06f:g:dWEAAOSw-PJhmEJw

If you're looking for a new one, they tend to top out around $3,800 US.
https://www.wwbw.com/Buffet-Crampon-R13-Professional-Bb-Clarinet-with-Nickel-Plated-Keys-462799.wwbw