A remarkable vintage Buffet clarinet with a sound that truly needs to be heard to be appreciated!

Having played a Buffet R13 for most of my life, and having had the opportunity to play countless examples over the years, I thought I knew what to expect from a great Buffet clarinet. Then I played this late-1940s Pre-R13, and I was absolutely blown away!

Serial #40234 places this instrument in the fascinating period just before the introduction of the legendary R13, which came out around 1950, when serial numbers were approximately in the 42000 range.

What makes this clarinet so special? The tone! Incredibly warm, broad, rich, and beautifully fluid, with a singing quality that is simply captivating. It has a wonderfully open, free-blowing response that allows the player to shape phrases effortlessly. There's a depth and character to its sound that you don't often encounter in modern instruments.

For the jazz clarinetist, this instrument is an absolute joy! Its warmth, flexibility, and effortless response make it especially well-suited to expressive playing, while its beautiful tonal qualities would be equally appreciated in other musical settings.

The clarinet is in beautiful condition, has just been serviced, and has no cracks. It comes complete with a Buffet mouthpiece, metal ligature, and cap.

If you've been searching for a vintage Buffet with exceptional character, warmth, and a truly distinctive voice, this Pre-R13 deserves your attention.

Some instruments simply have that special something. This is one of them!