Any help on information on this Clarinet? Was my fathers and I believed he played in Big Bands in the 50s Many Thanks

[lorenrea]

Hi looking for advice on what model year this Clarinet is ?Thank you kindly

 

[saxhound]

It's a Buffet Crampon. A very desirable model. Will need the serial number to date it. Should be a 5 digit number on the back side of the upper and lower joints (the parts with keys on them).

 

[lorenrea]

It's a Buffet Crampon. A very desirable model. Will need the serial number to date it. Should be a 5 digit number on the back side of the upper and lower joints (the parts with keys on them).

Thank you for showing me where to get serial number ! 73941

 

[lorenrea]

Serial 73941

 

[saxhound]

Per Clarinet Perfection (hosted here), it's from 1962.

 

[lorenrea]

Thank you Is this considered a valuable Clarinet. I am trying to raise monies for my son’s memorial . I don’t want to be taken advantage of . Appreciate any advice
My dad’s favourite player was Benny Goodman He played with the RAF and radio back in the day !

 

[saxhound]

It's a desirable clarinet, but value will depend on condition. If it hasn't been played in years in may need an overhaul, which could cost $400 - $500 (or more if there are cracks in the wood). I'm not familiar with any Irish woodwind stores, but I would try to find one and take it there to get it assessed. Be aware that if you try to sell it to the store, they will probably lowball you. I would ask for a repair estimate. Also, if you know anyone who is a good clarinet player (perhaps a friend of your father), have them play it and give you an opinion.

 

[lorenrea]

Great Advice ! Thank you

 

[Bari Sax Guy!]

It may be advisable to sell it as is, and let the purchaser install the pads he/ she prefers.
For instance, some prefer corks in lieu of pads.

 

[lorenrea]

Hi I had the Clarinet looked at and played in great condition. i have a case for it but not original . it is a Crampon R13 1962 in A and sounds amazing . Too bad I dont play Really happy to hear a professional play it . I am going to look for best home for this treasure . Any ideas where to list ? All the parts are original and working . I am located in Ireland .Thank you

 

[pete]

ebay wants to be your friend.

 

[ghostler]

Another good forum to find answers is the Café: International Sax Forum . They are based in the UK, and could lead you to venues to market your son's clarinet, may even have a member or shop near you that could help you, or lead you to those who can.

 

[lorenrea]

Hi well I had the Clarinet looked at and played . Was told in good condition and in key A . R13 1962
I put on eBay and sold quite quickly . The buyer has just received the Buffet R13 clarinet and told me its not an A and wants to return it ! Money in eBay has been on hold as I have never used. Of course they took their fees and I payed for shipping and insurance . He sent me picture of his A he currently has and mine and says its much shorter ? I am not a Clarinet Player and I do know that two music stores played and looked at my instrument . Any help here ? I am in Ireland he is in Wales ! The picture of two the buyer is on left longer key that is in A mine is on right shorter. Is his also a Buffet? Thank you for any advice .

 

[ghostler]

Hi well I had the Clarinet looked at and played . Was told in good condition and in key A . R13 1962 . [...] buyer [...] told me its not an A and wants to return it ! [...] I am not a Clarinet Player and I do know that two music stores played and looked at my instrument . Any help here ? I am in Ireland he is in Wales ! The picture of two the buyer is on left longer key that is in A mine is on right shorter. Is his also a Buffet? Thank you for any advice .

I did a careful examination of your first photos with the buyer's photo. One thing I noticed is that the gold trademarks on your son's seems brighter indicating little use compared with the so-called smaller instrument on the right. The "A" clarinet is slightly longer than the standard Bb clarinet, which appears to have been verified by the music stores you visited.

There is safety in counseling. I am reminded of a several thousand year old saying, Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Proverbs 15:22 (KJV)

I would take the buyer's photos and seek the observations and advice of the music stores you visited. They would be the best judges to advise you. Then you would know what to rebutt with or receive back the instrument less fees and shipping costs.

Also, a clue to the buyer's honesty is often revealed by their feedback score. Does the person have sufficient buys, or are they "new"? Not always, but a very small buying history could indicate someone less than above board. I don't want to judgemental, but wonder if this could be a bait and switch scheme. I hope not. I did notice that the buyer's photos did not include the serial number of your instrument.

I wish you good luck.

 

[Bari Sax Guy!]

FYI, here are some photos of a pair of Selmer Series 10 clarinets that I owned, but have since sold (they are the Mazzio models , therefore no metal rings on the bell).

The A is slightly longer than the B-flat.

A clarinets are usually owned as a part of a pair, along with a B-flat clarinet. The B-flat clarinet is by far the most common clarinet.