Buffet Crampon Clarinet

[maedean5]

We own a 1916 Buffet Crampon HP Clarinet but can find little information on it. We're unsure if the HP is the Model. It's a beautiful clarinet. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[pete]

Most of the time, "HP" stands for "High Pitch." High Pitch is an intonation standard where concert A=457hz. Low Pitch, where A=440hz, is the standard that's in use today. Woodwinds cannot compensate for this pitch difference without having the instrument rebuilt.

This doesn't mean that the instrument is worthless. If you play unaccompanied solo, or accompanied by a sampler or synthesizer tuned to the right pitch, or with a string ensemble willing to tune to A=457, you're OK.

If you want us to be more helpful, post some pics.

 

[maedean5]

(Pete edited size)

 

[pete]

Yup. That's high pitch.

 

[maedean5]

Most of the time, "HP" stands for "High Pitch." High Pitch is an intonation standard where concert A=457hz. Low Pitch, where A=440hz, is the standard that's in use today. Woodwinds cannot compensate for this pitch difference without having the instrument rebuilt.

This doesn't mean that the instrument is worthless. If you play unaccompanied solo, or accompanied by a sampler or synthesizer tuned to the right pitch, or with a string ensemble willing to tune to A=457, you're OK.

If you want us to be more helpful, post some pics.

Are there collectors that would still want this even if it can't be played? Trying to decide if we should make it into a lamp.

 

[pete]

When someone brings up the question of how to get rid of an instrument, I generally say, "Send it to me!" In this case, though, I won't. I've already got some OK clarinets and I'm not sure I'd really like simple system. (Simple system is just how the key work/fingering is laid out. I know that there's some small differences between this and Albert system, but I don't want to dig up my research. Anyhow, the more modern system for most of the world is Boehm-Klosé. I'd call that in the upper 90%.)

 

[Steve]

You're lower emblem Buffet mouthpiece would probably sell for more than the clarinet itself.
I had one and sold it probably 7 years ago for a good amount.

The last high pitch, albert system that sold on ebay sold for $285.