[AdamE]

Hi all,

As the title reads, I’m in the market for an R13 clarinet, preferably used, and have a few questions:
What year(s) (if any) should I be on the lookout for
What’s a fair price?
What should I be looking for (as far as condition) before purchasing one?

Any information people can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

AE

 

[lomaserena]

While you could find good examples of polycylindrical R13's of any age, I'd limit myself to R13's produced since the early '70's, maybe 120xxx serial # or so.
Keep in mind that a clarinet isn't a violin. It's a mechanical device with a lot of moving parts to wear out. Don't get too infatuated with the "Golden Age" of R13 and buy an old horn with mangled keywork.
Well-repaired old cracks that don't extend into the bore can reduce the asking price substantially, and won't effect how the instrument plays.
Try to get an instrument that already is in excellent condition and plays well. Sure, you can find basket cases for cheap, but who knows what hidden problems your tech might find.
Don't be in a hurry to buy. Try lots of horns. Buffet's quality control has ALWAYS been shaky. I recall trying out a table-full of R13's in 1971, in Paris, and most played poorly.
I haven't bought or sold an R13 in years, but expect to pay $1000-$1200 for a fair one, and $2000 and up for a great one. Used prices are shadowing new prices, and new prices are going up, up, up.
Good luck.

 

[Ken]

When I was looking for an R13 I searched the forums and read about the Golden Age which according to one officianado was between 1965 and 74 (some say 79). I ended up getting one from 1970. It's a sweet sounding horn compared to my other clarinets (a Centered Tone and Leblanc LL in A) and I can see why classical musicians like them. It would work just fine for jazz too.

I would get one that doesn't have any cracks and doesn't show too much wear. Price wise I'd look at anything in between 1 to 1.5k.

 

[dirty]

I agree with the advice to not go chasing after a "golden era" R13. I wouldn't avoid one, but a good horn can come from any era. The way some people tell it, Buffet hasn't made a good clarinet in 50 years, but I would (and have) put my modern (2006) R13 up against any other.

Find one that's been well taken care of and well played and get it set up by a good tech. The setup is going to make a bigger difference than the variations between horns, which can make it very hard to tell which is actually the "better" instrument.

I love my R13 and even though I've gone off and bought a few interesting used clarinets over the years, it is still the one that I grab for playing in public.

 

[bradfordlloyd]

I have a 1961 Bb R-13 (technically before the "Golden Era") that's outstanding. I've never played a better clarinet. I also have a 1981 A R-13 that's excellent (but I picked up cheap because it was a basket case that required a ton of work). It's outside the Golden Era on the other end.

With a good instrument and a good tech who does a good overhaul, all things are possible. It's easier knowing that an overhaul is likely needed, and that you'll either recoup the cost by enjoying playing a great horn, or that you can resell it for a good price. Buffets seem to run $1,000 - $2,000.....I picked up my "basket case" in A for like $750, but more than compensated for it by having to replate the keys and massively overhaul the thing.

In other words, don't get too hung up on serial numbers and years.

 

[A Greene]

I rotate two 1968 R13 clarinets and a 1969 Selmer Series 10. I wasn’t looking for a particular year it just so happened two R13’s showed up and I really like them both. I’ve owned 3 other R13’s but these are the ones I’ve held onto. On a side note, I have found the old Stamped Logo E-11 to be xx excellent players as well. Can often be found in the $100-$200 range.

What I can say about these older R13 is that each has a slightly different intonation situation. Lot’s of personality. I also use Chadash and Moennig barrels.

 

[Montana Nate]

Hi all,

As the title reads, I'm in the market for an R13 clarinet, preferably used, and have a few questions:
What year(s) (if any) should I be on the lookout for
What's a fair price?
What should I be looking for (as far as condition) before purchasing one?

Any information people can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

AE

Did you ever find one?