I`m getting a Buffet R13. I have a couple questions as to which one has more preferance over the other. There is the basic, R13, the R13 Greenline, and the Vintage R13. Opinions?

Here are most of the different types of Bb R13s. I would go with the standard R13- nickle or silver plated. If you do your research and have some patience, it`s not hard to score a good used one, too. The old vintage R13s are really sought after and can be just as well or better than a new one, for much less of a cost.


R13 with Nickle Plated Keys ($2095)

R13 with Silver Plated Keys - Silver plated keys are slippery like nickle ones, but also require more care. ($2374)

R13 Greenline - made with Grenadilla wood with added "carbon fibers". It`s supposed to be less suspectible to fluctating with the environment and cracking. ($2559)

Vintage R13 - Made like the original R13s. It has no metal tenon rings, added tone holes, and I believe a longer bell. ($2736)

R13 Prestige - Has several added features such as a left Eb key. ($3930)

I play on what is considered a vintage R13 by Buffet.

To me it sounds more mellow but then again it`s one of the original ones.

my suggestion is go to a shop were they will let you test them out and see which ones you like the sound on...then decide via price, options, etc. on what one you wish to purchase.

Typo- silver plated keys are -not- slippery like nickle plated one