If you KNOW it's a Buffet and simply cannot see the logo and/or model designation, then there's probably a 80% chance it's an E11, since E12 seems to be significantly less common than the E11.įinally, if you purchased your buffet NEW for less than $200 then it is a Chinese counterfeit.Examine the side of the upper body of the clarinet to find the long, thin key just above the only hole located on the back of the instrument.

There will be a small 'E11' directly underneath the logo. If the rings are black, then you almost certainly have a B12.ġ. Look for SILVER rings on each body section and bell. If the rings are black, then you almost certainly have a B10ġ. Look for BLACK rings on each body section and the bell. German-made clarinet can be either plastic (B-series) or wood (E-series).ġ. Flip a coin on this one, although E13 seems to be slightly more common than C13, since many C13s were marked 'International.' If your Buffet is made in France and is NOT an R13, and is NOT modern (ie, within the last 20 years), and it DOES have plastic tone hole inserts, then it is either a C13 or E13. If the date appears to be earlier than 1955, it is NOT an R13. If the tone hole inserts are NOT wood, it is NOT an R13. Look for PLASTIC/composite tone hole inserts. R13 always had a stamped logo the E11 for example often used a transfer-stamp that did not physically alter the wood.ģ. Look for any indication of a PHYSICALLY STAMPED Buffet logo. The premium line clarinets often have a metal tag (such as the RC or Tosca).Ģ.

look for is any indication of a metal or other kind of tag attached to the upper section. Most modern and vintage premium line instruments (RC, Divine, Legende, etc)ġ. These are usually made by a stencil manufacturer, often Schreiber. German-made clarinets are either wood or plastic, and of a relatively lesser quality (at least, compared to top-of-the-line French ones). These are often made by Buffet themselves.

Here's a quick guide, and PLEASE comment with any update/clarification/additional info.īuffet clarinets are generally produced in one of two places: France and Germany.įrench-made clarinet are usually wood, and usually of a more premium quality. One of the most common questions I get is to identify someone's mystery Buffet clarinet.

Buffet clarinet serial numbers e11