Denis Buffet-Auger established a clarinet workshop in 1825 in Paris. Buffet clarinets became widely recognized for their award-winning quality as early as the 1889 Universal Exhibition in Paris. Buffet clarinets first came to the United States in 1918 and have been sold there since. Because Buffet clarinets have such a long history, determining the model can be exciting, especially if you discover that yours is one of the original--and valuable--models.
Examine the side of the upper body of the clarinet to find the long, thin key just above the only hole located on the back of the instrument. This is the register key. Beside the top of the register key should be a marking that Buffet uses to identify the model of the clarinet. All Buffet clarinets come stamped with the basic, round logo, so any other distinguishing marks can be used for identification. If there is a letter followed by a number, such as B12' or 'E11,' stamped below the emblem, this is the model of your clarinet.
Check below the emblem for a small, metal plaque or a marking that appears to have held such a plaque at one time. Buffet uses these plaques to identify modern, professional-grade clarinets. Determining the model without the original stamp or plaque involves such technical differences that you will need to enlist the help of an expert.
If the word 'EVETTE' is stamped in the center of your the Buffet emblem, it is one of the company's student- or intermediate-level clarinets from before 1983. A wooden-bodied clarinet with this emblem is a B12 model, and a plastic-bodied is the E11. Some Evettes also may have 'Master Model' stamped below the emblem. These upgraded models were mostly produced before the 1960s.
If the emblem stamped on your clarinet has no extra markings, stamps or plaques, it could be one of the highly regarded R13 models. Check your clarinet's serial number, located on the case or on a small stamp on the back of the barrel. If the number is above 50,000, it is likely an R13. You can also look at the 'A' and 'A' flat keys near the top of the clarinet. If the two keys are fused onto a single joint, your clarinet is not an R13.
Clarinet Serial Numbers i s a great site for those trying to find approximate dates for their instruments, both woodwind and brass. However, the numbering chart for Conn instruments is more accurate at otherwise known as 'The Conn Loyalist'. UI826: Buffet A Clarinet. Serial Number: 826xx Manufacturer: Buffet Model: R-13 Instrument Construction: professional cork repad Additional Information: Throughout its long lifetime Buffet Crampon has developed the most complete range of clarinets, while always taking musicians', conductors' and composers' requirements into consideration.
Bundy clarinets are often used as student or starter clarinets for beginning clarinetists. It is useful to know what model the instrument is so that appropriate supplies can be bought and maintenance be carried out when needed. There are several different parts on the clarinet that the Bundy logo and serial number will be placed, and this article will detail where the logo can be found.
Look at the top of the clarinet case (assuming the clarinet is in its original case). The logo should be on the top of the clarinet case, either in the middle or on the bottom left.
Hold the mouthpiece with the reed side facing away. The Bundy logo should be in the middle or bottom of the exterior of this side of the mouthpiece.
Check the barrel, which is the smallest piece of the clarinet and the piece that goes immediately under the mouthpiece, for the logo. The logo will be in the middle of the barrel.
Inspect the upper joint with the keys facing up. The logo should be near the top of the upper joint. The serial number will be on the opposite side, above the thumb hole.
To check the lower joint, lay it with the keys facing up and look for the logo at the bottom of the joint. The serial number should be near the top on the opposite side.
![Number Number](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,3782/image.jpg)
Look in the middle of the bell for the Bundy logo.
Tip
Selmer is the brand that manufactures Bundy clarinets, so the logo could also be a Selmer logo. The serial number can be used to tell what year the clarinet was manufactured. See Resources for a link to the Bundy serial number list.