I just got a Buffet bass clarinet. It's used but it plays like a champ.

I've played Selmers, Leblancs, and Buffets, and Buffet gets my vote. It is a lot tighter than Selmer, more restistant, but its more even from top to bottom. Harder to play in some ways, but easier in other ways than than the Selmer paris.

I'm enjoying it.

AWESOME!!!!!
What model is it? Does it go down to LOW C or just Eb?

I got the prestige 1193(I think) from school right before the end of the year. The guy who was playing it last year graduated so I asked my director if I could get it. It's great, I love the extra low notes.

Nah, its just the short model, got it used .... I wish could get my own low-C horn. I played a low-C Selmer and a low-c Prestige for a couple years in college. I bought a contra alto and a contrabass (to low C!) last year, so I couldn't splurge for a Buffet like yours. I'll just use mine for teaching lessons and playing.

So your director was cool enough to loan you the Prestige? Thats pretty awesome!

I have no idea how the school even aquired it, it's the only one. Most of the basses are selmers or vitos.

Contras are pretty awesome! I don't think I've ever heard a contrabass play a low C, that must be stunningly low.

You know...I like the Buffet clarinets, but their quality seems to have gone down the tubes since they acquired so many companies and became Besson or whatnot. Now they don't take as much care in their instruments and they easily slipping out of the top spot. My vote is for Rossi Clarinets. I love the one piece body (like how most Eb clarinets are made), and I LOVE the Rosewood. You will spend about the same on the Rossi as a Prestige, and get a completely handmade instrument that has WONDERFUL quality! He makes about 2 or 3 a month...and he makes Bb, Eb, A, D and C pitches. Just had to throw my $.02 in!

-Dennis

Dennis, I haven't heard of Rossi, but I will definitly look them up! I've heard what you said of Buffet going downhill about a few other companies lately(mostly about saxes though)- it seems like once a company gets too large, it's likely they will start slipping in quality. I really like my prestige, but god only knows how old it is, which is probably a good sign.

Check them out definitely! Unfortunately he doesn't make bass clarinets, though! http://www.rossiclarinet.com That is his website. The only thing I dislike is the section that says what professional players play on Rossi. Buffet does the same thing, too. I just think it's becoming more and more of the thing to do. I have tried Rossi, and compared to other top brands, andhave to say this is by FAR the best clarinet for me. Notice I said, "FOR ME!" Please don't take my word as the word of God on Clarinets. If you are interested in going to a professional clarinet..visit the ClarinetFest, and try them all out! Tah Tah

-Dennis

I met Rossi and played a few of his horns at a texas music convention. They play nicely, but I'd rather buy 3 older Buffets than one $4500 new Rossi. I'm not a fan of his plastic inserts at the rod pins, or the dozens of adjustment screws - thats why oboes are always out of adjustment - but, the Bb throat vent is a nice idea.

Well, older Buffets are another thing. That's when they were still being made with quality! Whenever I buy an instrument I buy new because I have had tragedies happen with used horns that I have bought...even Buffets. So, since I am looking for new with a warranty...I would do Rossi hands down. Not that old Buffets aren't NICE, but sometimes they aren't in the best condition. The adjustment screws aren't really bad either...my Pearl flute, however, the screws are so loose that they keep unscrewing themselves within a week after I set them up. I have my own methods for keeping them in place now!

-Dennis

Did you play the Rosewood or Grenadilla?

I have played both. I prefer the Rosewood, though.

-Dennis

i've playted a Vito and a Selmer, both were pretty old, but i have to go with the selmer, it played a lot smoother for me. Never played a buffet, maybe someday.

Well congratulations for that!

It would be great to have your own possession compared to if you just borrow to others..

It's better that you have your own when personal hygene is the issue..

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