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In 1955 Buffet developed the R-13 model clarinet. This is the instrument that worldwide is used by more top professional performers than any other. Then as now there were three choices for professionals all made in France and all quite good. Leblanc, Selmer (Paris) and Buffet. When I was a college student in the late 60's learning to be a professional musician I played a Leblanc and my teacher at the time was a devoted Selmer player. As time went on the R-13 Buffet grew to become the leading choice for many of us because it combined many of the qualities of the other two and eliminated some of their problems. The Selmer Series 10 is also an excellent instrument well known for having great intonation but not a particularly warm sound. The R-13 is also known for great intonation where earlier Buffet clarinets were not. The Leblanc sounded great and had great keywork but was difficult to play in tune. The R-13 has great keywork and excellent intonation. While tonal quality is always a great debate and I still prefer my Leblanc LL it comes as no surprise that the R-13 has become the instrument of choice for professionals becasue it is a superior combination of intonation, tonal quality and mechanical reliability. I am a bit of a collector so I own a number of Buffet, Leblanc and Selmer clarinets. I have to admit the R-13 is the most consistant. If you are a serious student the R-13 is probably the clarinet your teacher will expect you to show up with! However when you do find that special Leblanc or Selmer they can be really wonderful instruments and out perform the average R-13. Clarinets, like all musical instruments, are very personal and having the opportunity to play a number of them before buying is a great advantage.Read full review
When I first started playing again, I purchased a clarinet, a Selmer Paris Artyst. I had played Selmer Paris Centered Tone when younger. It was almost new and I thought it would be the one. I was disappointed in the tone but thought it was just my long hiatus from playing. I heard so much about the Buffet but had no previous experience. I finally decided to try it and am thrilled with the truth of the hype! This clarinet is WONDERFUL! So far, I have purchased 3 Buffet Crampon R13's from ebay listings. Each one has been a delight to play, far exceeding my expectations from reading advertisements. I did not believe any clarinet could be this good! Each one has it's own special characteristics and personality as they should from being hand made, but this clarinet has it all to perfection. I am older and have arthritis but the ease of fingering and their fluid movement conmpensates for that. From the rich lower tones to the highest, it completely satisfies, it is multi faceted, great no matter what music you are playing, it's versatility compliments them all, from classical and hymns to dixieland, from jazz to swing, it has personality and adaptibility. It's a dream come true for me. I can't recommend the Buffet Crampon R13 enough! In my search to find the perfect clarinet I have purchased a 1996 R13, a 2004 R13 and this 2005 R13. I have purchased several Selmer Paris professional models and the only one for me, that holds it's own with a R13 is a Series 10 I got this year also. It is a great horn, but I think the Buffet R13 has an edge on it. I was going to sell the other two R13's but I don't think I will now, I just can't let them go! After all there are 7 days in a week so it doesn't seem excessive to have 4 clarinets, does it?Read full review
I am a amateur clarinetist and have been played over 10 years. but in the mean time, i stopped playing clarinet and i restart it again in my church orchestra.. long time ago, i used Buffet E11 intermediate clarinet.. and now i bought Buffet R13 Bb and A clarinet for my orchestra... Definitely i can say, this is not perfect but this is the best at this price.. my first clarinet was armstrong clarinet at 1992. this was $400 and cheapest model i can buy by myself. as you know this clarinet is not good, but this made me happy a lot... now i just knew that biggest important thing to play clarinet is how to make great tone quality not how fast to play clarinet.. so i tried to change several things, Mouth piece, barrels, bells, reeds, etc.. These are helpful to make good tone quality as well. but not enough as their price.. the main thing is how to breathe and how to big in your mouth room... This is basic and everything.. after these finished (I'm sure it takes long time to satisfy) you can make everybody crying or moving after listening your playing..Read full review
This instrument has superb evenness of intonation across the scales when played in comparison to other clarinets that I have tried. Tonal characteristics are as good as I have heard on any instrument. The key action is flawless. All new clarinets are "projects for improvement" but this one needed nothing but a new home. I also play a Selmer Signature when I want dark warm "chocolaty" tone, but my R13 is the choice for clarity and bright sweetness.
This clarinet was everything that it was described. Tones are great and it is an easy play. It will have a good home hear and will have a second life. My daughter is thrilled to play it and has gained a new interest in the band.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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