Buffet Crampon Clarinet Serial Number Chart
Examine the side of the upper body of the clarinet to find the long, thin key just above the only hole located on the back of the instrument. This is the register key. Beside the top of the register key should be a marking that Buffet uses to identify the model of the clarinet. All Buffet clarinets come stamped with the basic, round logo, so any other distinguishing marks can be used for identification.
If there is a letter followed by a number, such as B12' or 'E11,' stamped below the emblem, this is the model of your clarinet.Check below the emblem for a small, metal plaque or a marking that appears to have held such a plaque at one time. Buffet uses these plaques to identify modern, professional-grade clarinets.
Determining the model without the original stamp or plaque involves such technical differences that you will need to enlist the help of an expert.If the word 'EVETTE' is stamped in the center of your the Buffet emblem, it is one of the company's student- or intermediate-level clarinets from before 1983. A wooden-bodied clarinet with this emblem is a B12 model, and a plastic-bodied is the E11. Some Evettes also may have 'Master Model' stamped below the emblem. These upgraded models were mostly produced before the 1960s.If the emblem stamped on your clarinet has no extra markings, stamps or plaques, it could be one of the highly regarded R13 models. Check your clarinet's serial number, located on the case or on a small stamp on the back of the barrel. If the number is above 50,000, it is likely an R13.
You can also look at the 'A' and 'A' flat keys near the top of the clarinet. If the two keys are fused onto a single joint, your clarinet is not an R13.
I own an Evette & Schaffer serial no. K33487, about 1975 vintage. Found the following info: 'Evette and Schaeffer, Paris bought out the Buffet Company in 1885 and continued to sell clarinets under the Evette and Schaffer name labeled “Evette & Schaeffer, Modele Buffet Crampon, Paris” until the early 1980’s. These clarinets were designed for the advanced amateur/semi-professional player. The Evette & Schaffer name was dropped in the early 1980’ and the clarinets were then sold as the Buffet E-13, which was discontinued in 2003.'
Plays great, but not as good as my 1947 Buffet. I have a Buffet E&S clarinet with a B prefix.serial number B1074. I recently had it overhauled, and the technician told me that the Buffet company had the B prefix clarinets produced in Germany around the 1930's-40's (probably an experiment in cost cutting, so that's why they won't own up), which is a bit cheeky 'cause the bell of my instrument says, 'Made in France'.
Regardless, they are up to standard with any Evette & Shaeffer clarinet out there, because the Germans have always made better instruments than the French anyway.(my opinion). Mine's going up for sale on ebay today. Imagine that!
I have tried 4 times to contact someone in regards to my clarinet.because I bought a BSpecialX model from Sam Ash, and things are already wearing off. They were wearing off a month after I got it. Like the wood stain. Then the barrel wouldn't come off after I would play because the wood was left too tight at the base of that tenon. I have never heard back from them and will never buy a buffet clarinet again (It's been 7 months now). My next clarinet is Rossi.
Buffet Crampon Germany Serial Numbers
They are more expensive, but well worth it. I would recommend them to anyone!-Dennis.