Woodwind Instruments > Buffet Woodwind Instruments

Advantages: Great Quality and Sound
Disadvantages: A bit expensive

...school i asked for a buffet B12 clarinet for christmas. I kept this clarinet until the last year of my A levels but my clarinet teacher advised me that i needed a new one to progress further. Because of this i then started to try many different clarinets. I tried nearly every model and every make and narrowed it down to a Buffet RC and a Buffet R13. The reason i chose an RC prestige was because of the dark mellow german tone compared to the R13 prestige ...
...the pupils to go for Buffet as they make outstanding clarinet. Even the most basic models are well built and sound good. The one thing i would say is that if you try an RC prestige, do not expect to make a nice sound out of it straight away. The whole way of playing what is classed as a professional instrument compared to a lower model such as an E model or a B model is completely different. Because of this many people are put off but if you do persist ... Read review

Advantages: Across the board competence. Nice tone, good build.
Disadvantages: Intonation suspect, a safe choice - nothing spectacular.

...In the title is said Buffet are mass-produced - this is not strictly true. What I mean is that Buffet churn out hundreds and hundreds of clarinets, and try to cater across the board. They do however spend a lot of time on the instruments - in the Buffet factory, there is one guy whose job is to test barrels. He has a clarinet, picks up a barrel from the barrel bucket, and puts it on. He plays for a bit, then changes the barrel position by a miniscule ...
...The plastic models manufactured by Buffet are, like all plastic clarinets, bad. But everyone starts out on these instruments, with good reason: cost. The fact is that there is little to choose between manufacturers in this market since the standards are not good. Buffet, Yamaha and Selmer are all fine. I would give the edge to Yamaha for value, but to be honest in the entry level category anything goes. Upgrade at the first sign of talent, because ... Read review

Advantages: sounds and looks beautiful
Disadvantages: needs looking after!

I have a Buffet R13 clarinet and I have been complimented on my tone many a time whenever I play it. The Look: The wood on these clarinet is beautiful and every clarinet is truly unique, which helps make them feel more personal. The silver plated keys look good and polish up well with a silver cloth, and they don't tarnish. The carrying case also looks good, whilst being sturdy and strong. Rating-8/10 Maintenance: The main maintenance requirement ...
...one, you need to devote alot of attention to the cork joints, because they need a lot of cork grease to prevent the instrument from sticking together (have had that problem more than once!) Care and attention will ensure you have smooth lubrication of the joints and prevent the cork from falling apart. Another issue is they keys-always keep those screwdrivers you get from crackers in your case! There will always be the occasionally loose screw which, ... Read review

Advantages: Great Price and Quality
Disadvantages: Mouthpiece has its limitations

...until i moved to a Buffet RC prestige. This clarinet can be bought for about £230.00 and is a great price compared to many other student clarinets at a similar level. I advise all of my pupils to consider Buffet b12's when looking for their first clarinet to buy. It is made from ABS resin which is very durable and can withstand changes in temperature which the more expensive wooden models cant take. They will just crack. Many consider this instrument ...
...* Buffet Crampon mouthpiece and ligature. The case provided with this instrument is very good, it provides space for reeds and cork grease and any other bits you may need. The only thing I would say is that once the player has become more competent a new mouth piece may need to be purchased to provide a better tone. Apart from this the clarinet is great and at a very competitive price. Overall a fantastic learning instrument. ... Read review

Advantages: nice tone, ajustable thumb rest, well built
Disadvantages: not the cheapest clarinet

A very well built instrument, designed to perfection with adjustable thumb rest. Has a nice soft tone to it when played and is very smooth to use. This is an appropiate choice to pick when looking for a mature clarinet wanting to expand and develop over the years. This instrument is ideal when wanting to play for years to come knowing that you can rely on it. Easily cleaned and easy to put together. Comes with a boxed leather case, and velvet interior. ... Read review