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Which Buffet Clarinet Do I Have?

Hi guys, I recently picked up a Buffet Crampon clarinet and was having trouble determining the model. On all of the pieces there is a gold stamp with the Buffet name along with Crampon and a capital "C" with a superscript "ie" immediately following. Below this is the word "Aparis". I thought this might mean Paris as the clarinet is made in France but I was not sure. On the midsection piece there is a stamped "C12". I did not know if this was the model number or not. There is also what I believe to be the serial number. This is number 299670. I tried researching Buffet's serial numbers and if I'm correct it should have been manufactured in 1987. Again, I have tried researching this clarinet and have had no luck on pinpointing the exact model and I was hoping you guys could help me. Thanks!
 
It's marked with C12, so it's a C12, made in 1987 as you said.
From what I gather it's rather similar in quality to the R13, and was for conservatory students to get a good instrument at a lower price.
 
The Buffet Crampon Conservatoire Clarinet (also called the C 12) was developed for advanced students who are preparing for a career as a professional musician. These instruments are made entirely of grenadilla wood.

Specifications:
  • Key of Bb
  • 17 keys and 6 rings
  • Made of Stained African Grenadilla Wood
  • Power forged Silver Plated keys
  • Adjustable thumb rest with ring for neck strap
and it comes with:
  • Buffet Crampon mouthpiece
  • DeLuxe Buffet Crampon case with shoulder strap
  • Cork grease, Cleaning cloths, etc.
A retired Buffet Regional Sales Rep reportedly said (Clarinet BBoard) that "the Buffet C-12 clarinet was produced only a few years, and was priced at $895 in 1984, and $1,820 by 1992. It is a very good instrument, positioned between the professional R-13 and the near-professional E-13. It is a French clarinet (E-ll's and below are mass-produced in Germany) with similar wood to the R-13. The E-13 is a VERY close relative to the R-13, so the C-12, being between them, should be an excellent instrument. The original case is an R-13 case. The Rep further mentioned that it was also significantly better than the old Master Model."

I see there is one on eBay right now with a buy it now price of $2500, it is advertised as brand new: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BUFFET-Bb-C...EE-WORLDWDE-/162349631772?hash=item25cccac91c
 
Sounds a nice horn!
 
"Hi guys, I recently picked up a Buffet Crampon clarinet and was having trouble determining the model. On all of the pieces there is a gold stamp with the Buffet name along with Crampon and a capital "C" with a superscript "ie" immediately following. Below this is the word "Aparis""

This is simply the normal trademarked Buffet Logo whether it was made in France, Germany or elsewhere.
 
Correcto Mundo!

logo.jpg
 
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