Buffet R13 A Clarinet - Pro Overhaul - 1965 Golden Era!

Great Buffet R13 professional model A-clarinet from the 'Golden Age' - 1965. Well-maintained and in excellent playing condition, this fabulous instrument has undergone all new pads and has been serviced recently by The Woodwind Workshop in Cleveland Ohio (they work on the Cleveland Orchestra woodwinds).

Serial # is 79,245 and I am only the second owner of this instrument since new. It was originally owned by a Cleveland-area composer and musician and who had put the instrument in the case for a few years. I did over $500 worth of work recently at Woodwind Workshop in Cleveland but am finding myself playing this clarinet too few and far in between, due to playing less in orchestra and chamber groups and more in community bands.

This clarinet has had 2 alterations - namely thinning of the sliver keys and adjusting the thumb rest up/higher to accommodate for larger hands. It comes with a custom composite 670mm Lee Springer barrel (which I prefer) another third barrel and the original Buffet 660mm barrel. Mouthpiece provided is a hand-refaced SML generic mouthpiece with asymmetrical design, not sure of value. Comes in a double Leblanc-style case with extra reinforced latches and plenty of storage space for music, extra barrels, and other items.

For a 60-year-old instrument, it plays and sounds amazing, with a warm, woody core and delightful overtones. Tenons and corks fit well - and there are no cracks, pins, or defects with the wood. There are some marks (pictured) on the plating on some of the pinky keys and on the wood of the bell - that is why, despite it playing and sounding excellent, I marked the condition as just "Good", noting the cosmetic imperfections in the plating and some marks on the bell. I strive to represent all my listings fairly and accurately. Any imperfections in plating or marks on the bell have no impact on the overall sound and tone.

The YouTube video linked in the last frame of the photos is this same R13 A clarinet being played, before any recent repadding or repair, by the first owner (playing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto). This gives you a sense of sound, warmth and amazing clarity and tone from this horn.