Buffet Crampon Model BC20 - French Cousin of the R13....

Buffet Crampon Model BC20

This is a somewhat rare Buffet model clarinet. It came out in the early 1970"s as far as I can tell. Essentially a slightly different bore than the R13, the Model BC20 only lasted for a short time. Here are some of the words of players who used this model:

Yes I have an RC Prestige and a BC20. The BC20 was a European model only made in small numbers. Further information can be got from Buffet themselves. I purchased mine from Lyon in France 2nd or 3rd hand. It is an incredible clarinet to play, it plays as well as the RC Prestige for a fraction of the cost.

The serial range is in the desired range of the Buffet clarinets, 220K where the last of the good wood is rumoured to be used up. All I can says is that this BC20 is an incredible instrument to play and the sound, balance is as good as the RC I had stolen earlier this year.

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I have one, too It's a gorgeous horn. An old friend bought mine for me in France thirty years ago. I have a morgan mouthpiece on it, and it plays wonderfully. Since I only play the clarinet once or twice a year, it's the only reason I'm able to sound half way decent at all. A great instrument.

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It is supposedly tuned to 442 and to use it all you need to do is pull the barrel out a little. I don't have any problem playing this horn in a military setting or marching or as a solo Jazz instrument. An LC#3 modified works exceptionally on this instrument adn the volume is nothing short of startling. Intonation between notes is far better than any R13 I have played. Overall, the horn is very similar to my RC Prestige.

This clarinet has been completely restored to excellent playing condition in our shop. First we remove all the keys from the upper and lower joints. We oil the bore and let it stand for several days to soak up the oil. Then we remove corks, pads and felts from all the keys and tenons. All keys and posts are buffed up to a nice shiny nickel silver. Brand new tenon corks and key corks are glued in place. Valentino Master Series synthetic pads are fitted to all keys. Keys are then installed one at a time, leveled to completely cover the tone-holes. All keys are then regulated to provide perfect key heights. This instrument was then play-tested to confirm that the pads are seated and keys regulated.

The original case was completely destroyed so we put it into a brand new Protec Micro-Zip case. Shipping is free to anywhere in the USA. We allow 10 days to try it out upon its arrival. If for some reason it is not the clarinet for you, just put it back into the the box we sent it in, protected by the same bubble wrap we put it in, and send it back to us within 2 days after the trial period. You'll have to pay for the return shipping. Please feel free to ask any question you may have.