The Buffet R13 is the benchmark that everyone compares themselves to. The Buffet R13 is, without a doubt, the most popular Bb clarinet in history. Designed by Robert Carrée, and first launched in 1955, the "R" series naming scheme was not actually coined by Buffet in France, but rather by Buffet's United States distributor, who also named a few other models "R14", "R15" etc. Buffet stuck with the R13 name for some reason, and we call it that today.
Little random history lesson there.
The R13 is the first polycylindrical bore clarinet ever produced, and is the basis for just about every clarinet made between the 1950s and the 1990s, when clarinet manufacturers began to experiment again. (Uebel, for example has been experimenting with other bore types, but I digress). The polycylindrical bore was a huge step forward in the clarinet's design, and began to solve some of the intonation issues that had been plaguing clarinets up until that time. Further developments were made in the 1970s, and since then it appears Buffet has pretty much left the R13 alone, preferring instead to develop their newer models.
The R13 is still a great clarinet, and one that many (if not most) of my contemporaries got as their first "professional" clarinet. I got mine in 1982.
The R13 comes standard with a case, mouthpiece cap and ligature (but no mouthpiece), and small accessories kit.
Resistance: 5/10, Medium
The R13 is, unsurprisingly, middle-of-the-road. It is the epitome of "French" clarinets in my opinion, with a tight core, medium resistance, and good response.
In general, added resistance in a clarinet design usually keeps the louder dynamic ranges from spreading; the clarinet "holds its core" and focus, but will provide a smaller dynamic range (on both ends, loud and soft) and smaller color palette. A less resistant clarinet typically provides a much wider tonal palette to choose from, but will require more control from the player to control pitch and sound consistency.
When listening for how a clarinet responds to added air pressure and embouchure control, listen to the Weber example (wide dynamic range and color range), then the Berlioz excerpt (wide dynamic range, but narrow color range), and finally the Gershwin excerpt (narrow dynamic range and narrow color range). You will hear how these clarinets respond — for better or worse! — to my input as a clarinet player.
Then compare this clarinet to more resistant clarinets like the Buffet Légende and Backun Q. You'll hear the difference, especially with the dynamic extremes in the Berlioz and Gershwin.
All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.
Comes with:
- 64mm & 65mm Barrels
- Ligature & Cap
- Cork Grease and Swab
- Standard Buffet Case
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 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. Please read my trial policy for how to handle this issue, should it arise.
Q: If I decide to return it, do have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Not if you live in the Continental US! Because I want you to find the right instrument for you, and doing so online is harder than doing so in-person, I will cover the return shipping. Please read my trial policy for trial and return rules.
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.
