The Buffet Prestige Bass Clarinet (A.K.A. The 1193) used to be the only professional bass clarinet Buffet manufactured until the Tosca came out in 2014. The instrument has an upgraded key mechanism and slightly different tone hole positioning and sizing which gives the instrument a richer, more covered, warmer sound. It's the Buffet that you'd dress up and take to a bougie restaurant on a date—it's that refined.
I select these horns from batches in Jacksonville when they come off the boat, and bring them back to New York. Once acclimated to the Brooklyn accent, I have the pad heights raised slightly for a freer-blowing (and less-stuffy) sound, which you can hear in the videos below. Notice that it is still perfectly in tune, but just more open sounding. I also slightly adjust the key tensions to provide a less taxing action, more like a Bb clarinet. (To me, this is critical if you're going to attempt play Daphnis — or Giant Steps — without planning a visit to the tendinitis doctor.)
The total cost of the "earspasm setup" (for want of a better term) and tweaking of this instrument is included in the price—even though I pay out of pocket for it. Yes, it reduces my profit. Yes, people have told me I should charge a premium for doing it.
But I don't like the idea charging more for something that should come standard. So I won't.
All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.
The instrument comes with
- Standard Buffet case with hideaway backpack straps
- Stock Buffet Mouthpiece
- Neck strap, shoulder strap (for case), cork grease, warranty card, etc.
If you also would like the matching rose-gold Buffet Icon neck, contact me for a 10% discount code. The neck must be purchased and shipped with the instrument to receive this discount. (And yes, you can return the neck if you don't like it!)
FAQ:
Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Contact me to set up an appointment, and let's do it!
Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the standard Buffet warranty against cracks, etc. If you ever have any problem with the instrument, I'm your quarterback. I'll take care of the whole process, just let me know you need help, and I'll take it from there.
Q: What happens if it's damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect the package before you sign off at delivery! If there are any issues resulting from shipping, we have taken out an insurance policy to cover damage (and loss). But we need you to document this damage or we can't do anything to help.
Q: If I decide to return it, do also I have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Yes. And you will also want to insure it!
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. You can add your shipping address when checking out to see what the shipping costs will be before taking the plunge. Note that VAT and Customs Duties are not included in this cost.
