[byas-a-drink]

Hi,
Does anyone have info on the Buffet Crampon BC 20 model?
Was it a pro model or is it just an older student model?
Thanks

 

[stevesklar]

Bootman knows the most .. i'll give him a jingle
they are apparently the RC model before they were called RC

 

[Bootman]

Yes I have an RC Prestige and a BC20. The BC20 was a European model only made in small numbers. Further information can be got from Buffet themselves. I purchased mine from Lyon in France 2nd or 3rd hand. It is an incredible clarinet to play, it plays as well as the RC Prestige for a fraction of the cost. I usually take this for more dangerous gigs or gigs were I could suffer a little damage to the Prestige (shopping Mall, marching, honly tonks and pubs).

The serial range is in the desired range of the Buffet clarinets, 220K where the last of the good wood is rumoured to be used up. All I can says is that this BC20 is an incredible instrument to play and the sound, balance is as good as the RC I had stolen earlier this year.

 

[byas-a-drink]

Thanks Bootman for the info. i'll try to get one for my outdoor gigs, so that my festival can stay safe at home.

 

[SuperTourist]

I have one, too

It's a gorgeous horn. An old friend bought mine for me in France thirty years ago. I have a morgan mouthpiece on it, and it plays wonderfully. Since I only play the clarinet once or twice a year, it's the only reason I'm able to sound half way decent at all. A great instrument.

 

[mpcbliss]

well, if anyone actually wants to purchase mine for $925, just let me know. I got it with a Mk VI, in the traypack case, and wouldn't mind lowering the overall cost of the sax by the sale.
Cork pads on a number of the upper joint keys.
Gorgeous wood.
email is Yahoo address, username "mpcbliss"

 

[stevesklar]

well, if anyone actually wants to purchase mine for $925, just let me know. I got it with a Mk VI, in the traypack case, and wouldn't mind lowering the overall cost of the sax by the sale.
Cork pads on a number of the upper joint keys.
Gorgeous wood.
email is Yahoo address, username "mpcbliss"

try selling it in the Clarinet For SAle Section
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?f=161

 

[Fred]

Can I assume the BC20 is tuned at 442-444, and designated as such by beginning the serial number with the letter "F"?

 

[stevesklar]

Can I assume the BC20 is tuned at 442-444, and designated as such by beginning the serial number with the letter "F"?

Yes apparently. I believe they were only available in europe, thus tuned a bit higher. but a quick barrel swap should fix that

 

[Fred]

I know that the modern trend is to swap barrels to drop the pitch, but my experience with older European models tells me otherwise. It's not unmanageable, but I find tuning throat tones at the barrel and clarion C between the main joints much more accurate on my European instruments.

 

[Bootman]

It is supposedly tuned to 442 and to use it all you need to do is pull the barrel out a little. I don't have any problem playing this horn in a military setting or marching or as a solo Jazz instrument. An LC#3 modified works exceptionally on this instrument adn the volume is nothing short of startling. Intonation between notes is far better than any R13 I have played. Overall, the horn is very similar to my RC Prestige.

 

[mpcbliss]

fwiw, the Festival is provided as 440/442 w/2 barrels (66/65)
the student B12 and B10 are also listed at dealers as being pitched at 442 with 65mm barrels.
Times change. 440 isn't divinely ordained, and many orchestras are tuning higher as time passes.

also, Holton's top french horns are pitched in 445!

There has been such a thing made about a 2Hz tuning.......I forget the list, but many American orchestras are now tuning to 442 (Boston Symphony, maybe? as I say, I forget the list) and in Europe to 444 (I believe Berlin Philharmonic, et al?)........so have all those players thrown out their vintage R-13's since they're in 440????
So if in fact you're aiming for a slot in something other than the community orchestra in Podunk, having a clarinet comfortable in 442 and being able to tune up or down 2Hz is better than being stuck in 440.
As Bootman said, he hasn't had any problems.

As for Fred's inquiry: yes, the sn is preceded by "F".