#Buffet clarinet value manual#
#Buffet clarinet value skin#

The Buffet B12 clarinet can produce some subtly imperfect sounds. ItвЂ™s certainly a lot better tonewise than many of its competitors. There is a slight tendency for it to sound a tad вЂboxyвЂ™ on occasion, and perhaps some notes are less rounded than others вЂ“ but this is really only noticeable if youвЂ™re a more advanced player. вЂ¦the B12 produces a remarkably consistent tone, with stable tuning across the range. But this Buffet student clarinet stands out as having a rich sound and proper tone throughout different ranges.

And many will sound out of tune as the player moves into higher or lower registers. Most student clarinets tend to sound a bit muffled. SoundДЄnother strength of the Buffet B12 clarinet rarely found in other student models is quality sound.

These are decent pads and few musicians have complained about air leaks out of the box with this clarinet.ДЄs long as itвЂ™s handled with care, you can expect this instrument to last several years or more. You should expect some regular maintenance or replacement needed with these but nothing out of the norm.

#Buffet clarinet value skin#

Whereas the nickel-plated keys on the Buffet B12 are sturdy and solid.ДЇorming the seal on the tone holes of this model are double fish skin pads. Many student clarinets selling around the $100-200 range have flimsy keys that can easily bend with normal use. YouвЂ™d just want to avoid leaving it someplace like in a car in summertime where it could melt or warp. ItвЂ™s a fine choice for playing indoors or in an outdoor setting like marching band. Unlike the wooden variety, this model is more resistant to changes in temperature or humidity.

This makes for a lightweight instrument and one thatвЂ™s relatively durable. The Buffet B12 student clarinet has a body made from ABS resin.

Pads вЂ“ these are the air-tight pieces that attach to the keys and form a seal over the tone holes when closed.

Keys вЂ“ metal levers that open and close the tone holes with movement from the playerвЂ™s fingers to change the tone of the instrument.

These are the larger parts of the instrument, usually made from either wood or plastic, that fit together.

Body вЂ“ made up of the barrel, upper joint, lower joint and bell.

When we talk about clarinet durability, weвЂ™re mainly talking about three main features of the instrument: So, while the Buffet B12 clarinet is more expensive than many other student clarinets available, itвЂ™s certainly easier to learn on as well. This model also includes an adjustable thumb rest, which helps with handling for a range of players with differently sized hands. And while some may prefer a heavier instrument, this modelвЂ™s lightweight body makes it easy to handle. The keys are smooth, not rigid, under the playerвЂ™s fingers. ItвЂ™s responsive and relatively easy to produce a sound with. One reason the Buffet B12 is a great clarinet to start on is itвЂ™s highly playable. ThatвЂ™s why many students who begin with an instrument thatвЂ™s not easy to play give up early in their learning. But when a clarinet fails you because itвЂ™s poorly made, that can be very discouraging indeed. Yes, itвЂ™s normal to stumble with technique in the beginning-some persistence is required when learning to play any instrument. Starting out with a hard-to-play clarinet can be a similarly trying experience. Those differences would probably discourage you from ever buying from IKEA again, or at least from doing your own assembly.

#Buffet clarinet value manual#

And the instruction manual doesnвЂ™t quite match the product. The screws bend when you try to insert them. Now imagine the same experience, but this time the components are poorly built and donвЂ™t fit together properly. Have you ever assembled a complicated piece of IKEA furniture? LetвЂ™s say you mistakenly used the wrong type of screws for part of the project and then had to disassemble that part and start again. Why does this matter for someoneвЂ™s first clarinet? Some student clarinets, especially the cheaper variety, are harder to play than others. Play-abilityД«efore you go shopping for a clarinet at the lowest possible price, thereвЂ™s something you need to know about play-ability, or ease of play: Of course, if a few hundred dollars is more than youвЂ™re hoping to spend, there are several other decent student clarinets available for less. This is one way to get a great instrument at a bargain. Expect a new model, if you can still find one for sale, to cost around $1,000.Д«ut you may be able to find a Buffet B12 clarinet used and in good condition for just a few hundred dollars. When this clarinet was still in production it was priced at the higher end.

If youвЂ™re at all budget conscious-and I know I am-then no doubt price is a major factor in your buying decision.ДЄnd not surprisingly, given the prestige of the Buffet Crampon name, the B12 isnвЂ™t a cheap instrument.