This is an vintage professional Buffet clarinet. The prior owner has left this mortal coil and it is now up for sale.
If I read the charts correctly, serial number F72750 puts the year of manufacture at 1962. While the “F” in the serial number may mean it was made for the European market, it plays well in tune (A=440)
Buffet Serial Number Chart. Year Manufactured. 'C' indicates it's a C clarinet (I think), '95887' means it was manufactured sometime around 1922, and 'L' means it was built to a'=440. On the other hand, my Buffet R-13, purchased new in 1972, has a serial number 118122, which indicates that it was manufactured sometime around 1971.
While this clarinet has play wear in the form of wear to the key plating and various nicks in the Grenadilla wood body, it is in very good playing condition. It has been gone over and pads and corks have been replaced as needed. The wood is good, no cracks or splits.
Upper and lower joint are both marked with the serial number. I measure the barrel length at just over 65mm. Assumedly, both the barrel and bell are original to the horn.
The case is solid, but not otherwise noteworthy.
That apart, the instruments are the same, as are the serial numbers. Serial numbers as at the start of the calendar year. Benson Bell Currently, Ben and four employees produce an anticipated 15 to 20 bassoons per year. Buffet E11 This is serial 231304, but it probably was not made on 14Oct82 as the Buffet site says, since that site is only accurate for the French-made instruments. One can see French Buffet serial numbers at their own information look-up site.
Shipping not included in price.
Don’t try buying this online directly from the website. Please drop me an e-mail.
Buffet Crampon Saxophone Serial Number Lookup
Check out this clarinet’s big brother, an clarinet in the key of “A”.
And I have another Bb R13 for sale HERE.