Buffet RC Bb Clarinet Outfit

What they say

Of all the people who have made their mark in the history of Buffet Crampon, Robert Carrée is without doubt one of the most important. He dedicated his career to perfecting the musical instrument artistically as well as mechanically. Creator of legendary instruments such as the French bassoon and the Dynaction saxophone, he revolutionised the world of the clarinet with the development of a new line with a unique, poly-cylindrical bore.

The RC model, already the world reference, received a redesign in 2014, benefitting from ten years of acoustical research and development.

The overall intonation of the instrument has been reviewed and enhanced to better adapt to the ever-increasing demands of the musician. Its warm, centred tone, projection, and its improved evenness of response and intonation will give pure satisfaction to musicians aspiring to a professional level or wanting to play the top of the line.

What we say

Based on the 1975 design by Robert Carrée (hence 'RC'), this model has enjoyed consistent popularity, and for good reason. The "new" RC had some adjustments and updates made at the end of 2014. Buffet's claim regarding the improvements to the tone, projection and intonation is absolutely spot on.

The bladder pads have been replaced with leather ones, other than a singular cork pad on the register key. Leather pads are a main feature of Buffet's top end pro clarinets as they seat better and last longer than traditional bladder pads. The cork pad is used to prevent moisture absorption and swelling which is extremely likely with bladder pads (and frequent playing) around the most humid part of the instrument.

The other main update is the shape of the bell - this one has a slightly flatter base which again was a key feature of elite clarinets of the past. The flatter flare gives the RC more projection and a brilliant tone. The RC is supplied with two bells, 65mm and 66mm, ideal for tuning issues in various temperatures and humidities. Additionally, the F/C key is regulated by a screw rather than cork which makes things easier for your favourite woodwind tech! The problem with cork is that it compresses over time, causing regulation issues and seizing. Using a nylon screw makes these keys more stable, more accurate, and quieter.

A badge with an RC logo has been added, bringing this model closer to the top-end professional clarinets in terms of aesthetics, and a new banner can be found stitched to the inside of the case. Of course, these changes have no effect on the way the instrument sounds, but are nice touches all the same.

Personally, we think that the Buffet RC is rather wonderful. Having made improvements to an instrument which was already highly regarded within the industry, it could be argued that the new RC is now hot on the heels of Buffet’s top level professional models.

R13 or RC?

The Buffet R13 and RC clarinets are very similar. The R13 was designed for the American market and the RC for the European market. Previously, the R13 has been more popular in the UK, but it is becoming more of a 50/50 split recently.

The R13 has a very slightly darker sound to it and the RC has a little more flexibility. The R13 has a poly-cylindrical bore which consists of mainly cylindrical shapes that reduce in size towards the middle joint and then back out again. The RC has cylindrical sections similar to the R13 but the bore is mainly conical, especially in the lower sections and this gives the RC a different playing feel.

Ultimately it will come down to personal preference which one you choose. We recommend you try both models before making your final decision.

Specs

Key: Bb

Body material: Grenadilla with poly-cylindrical bore

Barrel length: Two - 65mm & 66mm

Key mechanism: Silver-plated nickel silver Boehm system - 17 keys

Tone holes: Undercut

Thumb rest: Adjustable

Other: Blue steel springs, leather pads, metal rings

Mouthpiece: Not included, ligature and cap only

Accessories: Deluxe leather covered wood shell case, reed, cork grease, pull through and polishing cloth