*Please note: this listing is for only one clarinet. The bottom one shown in picture #2 is for comparison purposes only, although it is available for purchase separately. 

This listing is for a vintage Buffet Crampon soprano clarinet in the key of "A". This is slightly larger, and pitched one half step lower, than a standard clarinet. This type of clarinet is used primarily in orchestral music to facilitate easier performance in difficult keys. The serial number is 1467. That would indicate a c.1928 production date. At that time Buffet did not have all of the named models that they do now. Buffet clarinets from this era are generally referred to as "pre-R13". This was a professional level instrument of its day. It is made of grenadilla wood. In addition to the standard Buffet logo on all sections, this one also has a "H. Bettoney" stamp on the bell. I'm guessing they were importing agents at the time. Lastly, it is also marked "LP" on all sections, indicating it is a low pitch model, the desired tuning for contemporary use. It measures 25 and 1/8th inches in length.

This instrument is being sold as is for repair/restoration. It is not currently in playing condition due to old pads, one of which has fallen out. The buyer should plan on a full overhaul for it to be made playable. The good news is that it is in excellent physical condition, so it is a great candidate for restoration. I checked it over carefully, including checking the interior of the bore, and could not find any cracks, nor any evidence of past crack repairs. There are no chips to tenons or tone holes. There is some material chipped out of the bell flare on the underside of the bell, but this could easily be filled in. The bell flare ring and tenon rings are all tight. The keys are all moving freely and rebounding properly when released. The nickel has dulled significantly with age but should polish back to a nice luster. It will need all new pads and corks. There is no mouthpiece, ligature, cap, nor any other accessories included. Also, it does not come in a case.