I also bought a Buffet, serial number 48830, and this clarinet measured like the present Vintage model Buffet clarinet, is poly-cylindrical, and dates from 1955. So, from this small sampling it appears that 1955 is the magical year for the poly-cylindrical R-13 and that some were available before the 50,000 serial number mentioned by Vytas.

The Buffet R13 clarinet has a 40-year history of quality and craftsmanship. From the wind ensembles to the great symphony orchestras, it is the benchmark in clarinet manufacturing. Crafted in high-quality grenadilla wood to ensure evenness of tone and response. The R13's 3-step polycyndrical bore is noted for its dark, full sound. The two left pinkie keys are pin in hole style, exactly the same as Buffet R-13s. Buffet Crampon Serial Number Lookup; Buffet Crampon has a rich tradition in saxophone production, going back to the very early days of the instrument in the late 19th century. The early Buffet horns were in fact very similar to Adolphe Sax's original design.

Young clarinetists often begin their instrumental music study with a plastic student clarinet, such as the Buffet Crampon Prodige. As a student grows in ability and musical maturity, however, the need for a wood clarinet arises. Advancing to a wood clarinet presents many, many options for the consumer and it can be confusing as to which model is the best choice.

Buffet Cramponhas long been recognized as the world leader in clarinet production. Of the many models offered by Buffet Crampon, the two most prominent choices for an upgrade are the E11 student/intermediate clarinetand the R13 professional clarinet. Of these two models, which is the best choice for the advancing young clarinetist?

The Legendary Choice of Professionals is how many professional players, teachers and students refer to the Buffet Crampon R13clarinet. First introduced to the professional clarinet world in 1955, the R13 features the revolutionary poly-cylindrical bore, designed by acoustician Robert Carrée and most closely associated with the “ring” to the sound many attribute to all modern professional clarinets. The R13 remains the most popular professional clarinet in the world, and for good reason: most orchestral players and university/conservatory professors play on the R13. Buffet Crampon claims approximately 85% of the professional clarinet global market share, largely in part to the R13’s continuing legacy in the clarinet world.

The R13’s body is made of stained African blackwood, also known as Grenadilla or M’Pingo wood, and is available with either nickel- or silver-plated keys. It is outfitted with double fish skin pads, which provide an excellent seal while providing terrific acoustics for any player. The R13 also features an adjustable thumbrest, blue steel springs for excellent feel and key action, an exclusive HB France ligature and mouthpiece cap set, and a deluxe naugahyde-covered hard wood shell case. Every R13 is play-tested and adjusted by technicians at both the Mantes la Ville, France, world headquarters of Buffet Crampon, and at Buffet Crampon USAthe North American distributor for the brand’s professional, intermediate and student clarinets, to insure each instrument is worthy of the R13 designation.

R13 professional clarinets are also available as Green Line instruments. Green Line is a material revolutionized by Buffet Crampon in 1994 as a way of conserving the African blackwood raw materials during production. By collecting the powder from the professional clarinet production line, technicians are then able to combine the powder with an epoxy resin, resulting in a material that captures the acoustic properties of the wood (as it is mostly African blackwood), while remaining incredibly resistant to cracks and climate/temperature variances. R13 Green Line clarinets are especially popular in low-humidity climates, often a problem for wood instruments that are susceptible to cracking.

Buffet Crampon’s E11 model has been the preferred “step-up” choice from a student clarinet for many years and is an affordable option when upgrading from a plastic instrument. Like the R13, its body is composed of stained African blackwood and has a bore inspired by the R13’s poly-cylindrical design. The E11’s bore is slightly larger and more free-blowing, allowing the young clarinetist to produce a quality sound with less resistance as their air support develops. The E11 also comes outfitted with a 65mm barrel, which compensates the clarinet’s intonation for the air column produced by younger players. E11 clarinets also have nickel-plated keys, which are easier to maintain and more resistant to tarnish. It comes with a mouthpiece specifically designed for young players, as well as a nickel-plated ligature and mouthpiece cap. A hard wood shell case completes the outfit.

So, what is the solution to selecting the right clarinet for you? The best way to select your next clarinet is by play-testing each model. Your local Music & Arts store (www.MusicArts.com/Store) should have both models to try, so bring your mouthpiece to see which one is your best choice!

Matt Vance is a Woodwind Product Specialist at Buffet Crampon USA.

Between 1968 and 1974 Buffet also made the Super Dynaction Bb clarinet.
Few of these are known in existance though they seem to have a low demand
due to their jazz heritage.

Evette Master models with the cutout under the RH crow feet are the
identified R-13 rejects.

Buffet Crampon Clarinet Value

Approximately 1990 Buffet changed their lineup.

Pre-1990

Pro to Beginner: R13 (Pro) – C12 (Intermediate) – E45
(Intermediate) – E11 (Beginner) – B12 (Beginner)

Post 1990

Buffet Crampon R13 Clarinet Serial Numbers Diagram

Pro to Begginer: R13 (Pro) – E13 (Intermediate) & C12 (conservatory
intermediate) – E12 (Intermediate) –
E11 (Beg) – B12 (Beg)

Buffet Crampon R13 Clarinet Serial Numbers 1

C-13 (aka International)
is the equivalent to an E-11 but it was manufactured as a “private brand”
for another US company

Buffet E-13 Clarinets

Buffet Harmony Clarinets