Buffet R13 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 R13 was created in 1955 by Robert Carrée and is the most popular professional clarinet in the world. Its tone is focused and rich, and it is powerful in all registers. Its flexibility lends itself to all repertoires and abilities: symphonies or chamber music, soloists, teachers, military bands, students.

What we say

The Buffet R13 has long been the choice for post-grade 8 students and professionals alike. Found in any musical environment, the R13 impresses with its rich and focused sound, its power in all registers and its flexibility. The R13 is suitable for all types of musician, symphony or chamber music, soloists, teachers, those in marching bands, students and amateurs.

Surely the most popular clarinet in the world, Buffet R13s are the measuring point for all others to be compared against.

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: 66mm

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

Tone holes: Undercut

Thumb rest: Adjustable

Other: Blue steel springs, bladder 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