Albert (Clinton) system clarinet in Bb, low pitch
Vintage Auguste Buffet (Paris) Bb Clarinet – Low Pitch (Albert / Clinton)
For collectors, trad-jazz musicians, or vintage woodwind enthusiasts: A rare and beautifully restored French Auguste Buffet Bb clarinet.
Because this instrument is pitched in Low Pitch (A=440Hz), unlike many high-pitch instruments from this era, it can be played directly in modern ensembles, bands, and sessions without intonation issues.
Historical Background
This instrument originates from the renowned French instrument-making dynasty Auguste Buffet in Paris. It was Louis-Auguste Buffet (Buffet jeune) who, alongside clarinet professor Hyacinthe Klosé, developed the modern Boehm system between 1839 and 1843. The workshop was later continued by his son, Auguste Buffet (fils). This clarinet features original maker stamps/logos on all wooden joints.
Condition & Restoration Details
The clarinet has undergone a thorough and careful mechanical overhaul:
- New Pads: Fitted with brand-new, premium kangaroo leather pads (imported from the USA), providing a precise seal, high durability, and a clean feel under the fingers.
- Cork: All tenon and key corks have been completely replaced.
- Wood & Tone Holes: Crafted from exceptionally beautiful, dark high-quality grenadilla wood, featuring a stunning tight grain and deep luster. The wood has been gently treated with almond oil. Tone holes have been checked, dressed, and cleared of minor chips or unevenness.
- Repair Note: There is an older, professionally executed, and fully stabilized crack repair at the very top front of the lower joint. It is completely sealed, solid, and has no effect on tone or playability.
Tone & Playability
Delivers the signature dark, woody, and open “vintage” voice that is impossible to replicate on a modern Boehm clarinet. Ideal for New Orleans / Trad-Jazz, Klezmer, Balkan folk, or historical performance practice.
(Note: The instrument is freshly overhauled and sealing well. As with any freshly padded clarinet, the buyer should expect minor personal key-height adjustments to suit their specific mouthpiece and reed setup).
Specifications
- Maker: Auguste Buffet, Paris (stamped on all wooden sections)
- Pitch: Bb (Low Pitch / A=440Hz)
- System: Albert / Clinton mechanism
- Price: DKK 4.200,- / € 570,- / $ 635,-
Located in Denmark. International shipping is available (carefully packaged), or pick-up by agreement.
Important Note:
Please “break in” the clarinet gently. I recommend playing it for around 30 minutes a day—and no more—for the first month. The wood needs a little time to wake up and safely get used to humidity changes again.
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PRICE AND TERMS
Price: DKK 4,200 / Approx. €570 EURO / $635 USD (+ shipping costs). Payment can be made via MobilePay, bank transfer, Wise, or PayPal. When using PayPal “Goods & Services”, a 10% surcharge applies to cover fees.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if You are interested or have any questions.
– And please remember I’m not a professional repairman. If there are issues I can’t handle, I take it to a professional.
The Auguste Buffet clarinet is sold as is, no guarantee or money back.
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