Wichita Band Instrument Company
Wichita, Kansas

A Rare, Vintage Model RC-A KEY OF A, Clarinet from Buffet-Crampon. Made in the Paris, 1981.

This superb clarinet came to us in fine condition with original parts, but was in need of a full mechanical overhaul. The keywork is not worn, and the original SILVER plate shows no wear. There are no cracks in the wood and the tenons are still sharp.

The instrument comes in the original single case, still in fine condition.  A new DOUBLE case is available for a few dollars more.

All pads and corks are new.  TWO barrel sections, one is 64.5 mm , the other 65.0 mm.


Around the early part of the 20th century, the US distributor for Buffet-Crampon clarinets was Carl Fischer Musical Instrument Company. US businessman Martin Tolchin acquired controlling interest in the French firm in the sixties, and a new company was formed. Shares were listed on the American Stock Exchange as Buffet-Crampon, the name later changed to Tolchin Musical Instruments.  I still own 565 shares of "Buffet-Crampon, S.A." also known as "Tolchin Musical Instruments".

It’s still a mystery to many Tolchin minority shareholders, but by the late seventies losses had set in and continued to mount. Faced with massive financial problems, all of Tolchin Musical Instruments was absorbed in 1980 by the British Boosey-Hawkes Company.


*** WBIC has been in business since 1953, with the same owner since 1963. We do know a bit about French clarinets, and yes, we still hold 565 shares of “Buffet-Crampon U.S.A.”.

*** Many of the comments and opinions noted above are the direct result of our having had personal conversations with Buffet-Crampon management and from financial information I (the Owner) have, as a shareholder, received from the Tolchin firm.

Wichita Band Instrument Company is a small musical instrument emporium located in the center of the USA.  The owners are Kansas natives Gary L. Ray and his two sons. 

Founded by a woodwind repair technician in 1953, we soon will commence our seventy-second year in business.

We’re not a “back bedroom” operation but can report that we are the owners of a proper “brick and mortar” workshop.

We enjoy a sterling reputation for ethical business transactions and confirm to our friends and clients the simple fact that we expect to be in business forever.



Wichita Band’s service warranty is the same as it’s been for more than four decades:

“ALL new and all used instruments sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company come with our 24 month service warranty. It’s in addition to any factory guarantees. For two full years, we will repair or replace (whichever in our estimation is the more advisable), pads, corks, springs or other parts required, at no charge to the customer. In the event of cracked or damaged wood sections, we will repair at no cost to the customer or replace the section and charge the customer only for our net costs for the replacement section. Often, wood replacement parts are supplied from the manufacturer at no charge. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance charges. Cases and plating finishes are not covered by our service warranty but are sometimes covered by factory guarantees.”

Wichita Band Instrument Company maintains a repair department capable of restoration work of the highest quality. Even though repairs are essentially “free” for the first two years, after that period has expired, we remain at your service to maintain and repair your musical equipment forever. It’s our “service after the sale” promise and has been since 1953!

 In the event that a customer requires service under factory guarantees or Wichita Band’s service warranty, the item must be returned to us and not directly to the manufacturer.**** WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY / WICHITA, KANSAS /  USA