Buffet RC Prestige Bb Clarinet > Reviews (4)

To say I was 'languishing' on my old Buffet E11 would probably be an understatement, and a year or so ago I decided it was time to move up to a professional model clarinet. The choice is overwhelming, and I would always recommend trying out new instruments before you buy them, but here's a hint in the right direction - the Buffet RC Prestige is perhaps the best clarinet in the Buffet range, and Buffet know how to make good clarinets!

In finding the right clarinet I must have tried close on 20 different clarinets, which ranged in price quite considerably. I tried Yamaha, Leblanc, Buffet and many other makes, but time after time found myself returning to the make I know and trust - that indeed being Buffet. This is with good reason too - the sheer quality of all the clarinets that they make is surely unrivalled, and the clarinets sit comfortably under the fingers. I have always found Yamaha clarinets to be cheap copies of Buffets, and the Leblanc keywork is most uncomfortable.

This brings me onto the Prestige itself - there are two models in the range - the R13 Prestige, and the RC Prestige. I much prefer the brighter tone of the RC models, with a slightly different bore shape it is not only nicer to play, but more pleasant to listen to. And the difference between the Prestige models and lesser models is more than just the quality of finish - the sound has a sense of purity to it; a warmness that the standard R13 and RC models simply lack.

The African blackwood used on the RC Prestige gives the clarinet an almost sexy quality (yes, I did say sexy!) - a reddy-brown tint that simply is more appealing to look at than your average black clarinet. There are silver plated keys, and the clarinet is hand finished for that little extra quality. Also, the ends of the main joints are metal capped - this is more than just for show, as it helps prevent the wood splitting. There is also an auxilliary Eb key (or low G# if you prefer to call it thus), which I have to say is far more useful than I first thought it would be - it's remarkable how many composers put in fingerings that would otherwise be very awkward! Be aware though, it sticks out a bit so if you're not careful it can be broken (my friend learnt this the hard way).

For your money you get a nice leather case with combination locks, usually (unless the music shop has nicked them) a couple of half-decent reeds, the bog-standard buffet cleaner (I recommend their 'deluxe' cleaner, well worth its weight in gold), and most importantly of all, a Buffet pencil. Call me sad if you will, but it really is a very nice pencil!! Like I said above, it doesn't come cheap, but I've tried more expensive clarinets and have to say this one comes out better every time.

Don't simply rush out and buy the Buffet RC Prestige Bb clarinet (or if you can afford it, a Bb and A clarinet pair) - try a few different ones first, THEN buy the Buffet RC Prestige!