Buffet Flute Serial Numbers

9/6/2019by

Buffet Crampon clarinets Professional clarinets since 1825, factory established 1850. This list does not include the Evette model clarinets made by Buffet. Note: An F preceeding the serial number indicates a clarinet made at the European pitch standard (A=442 - A=444). A small, but significant, percentage of all Buffet and/or Evette-Schaeffer woodwinds in the 1900-1930 range (or so) were Conn stencils and do not have Buffet serial numbers. In the 1990's, Keilwerth stenciled a saxophone for Buffet called the 'Expression' and that model has a Keilwerth serial number.

Buffet Crampon Clarinets

Buffet Serial Numbers

Serial Numbers breakdown

Around 1950 Buffet adopted a new model identification of
“No1” or “NO1”. This coincided wth the polycylindrical bore
introduction. Even though the R13 was officially introduced in 1955
some versions of it apparently existed beforehand, though 1955 was the
official final production design.

The Current code break is like the following:

BC1131-2-0 broken down as BCaabb(c)-x-y

“aa” may contain 11 (for Bb or Sib in french), 12 for A or
La, 15 for Eb or Mib, 17 for F, plus other code desgnations.

“bb” specifies the model of R13. “31” is the R-13,
02 for the E13, 11 for RC, 12 for the RC (possibly 444hrz, need
clarification), 23 for the Bassett, 83 for the Prestige RC
Bass to low Eb, 93 for the Pretige Bass to Low C, plus other designations.

“c” is optional and used to designate G for Greenline, L
for the optional LH Eb lever.

“x” specifies the keywork plating such as “02” or “2” for
silver plating and 5 or 05 for nickel keywork

“y” is used to specify the pitch. “0” for 440, 2,
for 442, 4 for 444. If this is not designated then it defaults to
440.

1825-1885no records
18851A-408A
1886409A-999A
1886A1 – A886
1887A887-A999
B1 – B999
1B – 417B
1888498B-999B
1C – 999C
C1 – C300
1889C301-C999
D1 – D999
1K5211D-348D
1890349D – 999D
E1 – E999
1E – 316E
1891317E – 999E
F1 -F999
1 F-190F
1892191F – 999F
G1 – G999
1G – 58G
189359G – 999G
H1 – H999
1H -1 84H
1894185H – 999H
I1 – I665
1895I666 – I999
1I – 999I
J1 – J617
1896J618 – J999
1J – 999J
K1 – K514
1897K515 – K999
1 K – 999K
L1 – L561
1898L562 – L999
1L – 999L
M1 – M590
1899M591 – M999
1M – 999M
N1 – N440
1900N441 – N999
1N – 999N
O1 – O521
1901O522 – O999
1O – 999O
P1 – P999
1P – 374P
1902375P – 999P
R1 – R999
1R – 404R
1903405R – 999R
S1 – S999
1S – 999S
T1 – T40
1904T41 – T999
621T – 999T
U1 – U999
1U – 81U
190582U – 999U
V1 – V999
1V – 751V
1906752V – 999V
X1 – X999
1X – 999X
Y1 – Y840
1907Y841 – Y999
1Y – 999Y
Z1 – Z999
1Z – 812Z
1908813Z – 999Z
1A2 – 1A999
2A1-999A1
1B1 – 1B999
B21 – 60B1
19131H501-1H999
2H1 – 999H1
1I2 – 1I999
2I1 – 413I1
1914414I1 – 999I1
41J2 – 1J999
2J1 – 224J1
1915225J1 – 999J1
1K2 – 1K341
19161K342-1K999
2K1 – 460K1
1917461K1-999K1
1K2 -1K521
19181K522-1K999
2L1 – 661L1
1919662L1 -999L1
1M2 – 1M800
19201M801-1M999
2M1 – 999M1
11N2 – 1N515
19211N516 -1N999
2N1 – 999N1
1O2 – 1O193
19221O194 -1O999
2O1 – 692O1
1923693O1 -999O1
1P2 – 1P999
2P1 – 536P1
1924537P1 – 999P1
1R2 -1R999
1R1 – 226R1
1925227R1 – 999R1
1S2 -1S876
19261S877 – 1S999
2S1 – 999S1
1T2 – 1T508
19271T509 – 1T542
19281 – 2500
19292501 – 4999
19305000 – 7499
19317500 – 9999
193210000 – 12500
193312501 – 15000
193415001 -18000
193518001-20000
193620001 – 22000
193722001 – 24000
193824001 – 26000
193926001 – 270001943 – the two LH side spatula keys on separate posts
194527001 – 28000
1945 -1957

about 3000 per year

about 3000 per year (SNs are approx)
1946 – 28001 – 30500
1947 – 30501 – 33000
1948 – 33001 – 35500
1949 – 35501 – 38000
1950 – 38001 – 40500
1951 – 40501 – 43000
1952 – 43001 – 45500
1953 – 45501 – 48000
1954 – 48001 – 50500
1955 – 50501 – 53000
1956 – 53001 – 55500
1957 – 55501 – 58834

1955 – official production of the R-13

195858835 – 59143
195959144 – 62457
196062458 – 65956
196165957 – 68717
196269718 – 75319
196375320 – 78093
Apparently the most wanted Buffets are from the range
83k to 200k (1965 to 1979)
1964 to 196678094 – 93203
To the right I calculate out and average production per year.
1964 = 78094 – 83130
1965 = 83131 – 88167
1966 = 88168 – 93203
196793204 – 99331
196899332 -105617
1969105618-114416
1970111417-117747
1971117748-126209
1972126210-133903
1973133904-143517
1974143518-153323
1975153324-163567
1976163568-173826
1977173827-183901
1978183902-191872
1979191873-201531
1980201532-210652
1981210653-221260
1982221261-234695
1983234696-250371
1984250372-266396
1985266397-277482
1986277483-292267
1987292268-302623
1988302624-312699
1989312700-324769
1990324770-
Below are approximations taken from the Buffet-Crampon
website which allows serial number searches
325,000 Dec 15, 1989
350,000 Oct 17, 1991
400,000 May 15, 1995
450,000 Sept 16, 1998
500,000 June 24, 2002
550,000 Nov 7, 2005 (or maybe July 11)
600,000 noting returned
It seems as though they have a very long lay over for
christmas and new years holidays. 12/15 – 1/15 where no serial
numbers exist.
2003 – 512000512000 is Dec 12, 2003

512500 is Jan 27, 2003 …
yes a later serial number of 500 yields nearly 12 months earlier

512500 –
2005538900
4/18/2005545021

Between 1968 and 1974 Buffet also made the Super Dynaction Bb clarinet.
Few of these are known in existance though they seem to have a low demand
due to their jazz heritage.

Evette Master models with the cutout under the RH crow feet are the
identified R-13 rejects.

Approximately 1990 Buffet changed their lineup.

Pre-1990

Pro to Beginner: R13 (Pro) – C12 (Intermediate) – E45
(Intermediate) – E11 (Beginner) – B12 (Beginner)

Post 1990

Pro to Begginer: R13 (Pro) – E13 (Intermediate) & C12 (conservatory
intermediate) – E12 (Intermediate) –
E11 (Beg) – B12 (Beg)

C-13 (aka International)
is the equivalent to an E-11 but it was manufactured as a “private brand”
for another US company

Buffet E-13 Clarinets

Serial
number
Year of
make
Notes, pics
10109-16377

1961-1966

16378-23007

1966-1969

23008-296231969-1973
29624-321671973-1975
32168-428031975-1977
42804-490921977-1979
49093-565361979-1981
56537-626841981-1983
62685-701911983-1987

Buffet Harmony Clarinets

Serial
number
Year of
make
Notes, pics
19506-195781950
19579-196381951
19639-196801952
19681-197811953
19782-199651954
19966-200911955
20092-201541956
20155-202371958
20238-204011959
20402-205021960
20503-205111961
20512-206921962
20693-207751963
20776-208641964
20855-209111965
20912-210541966
21055-212091967
21210-213581968
21359-214321969
21433-215001970
21501-215871971
21558-216271972
21628-217021973
21703-217961974
21797-219531975
21954-219991976
22000-221141977
22115-222331978
22234-223501979
22351-224251980
22462-225351981
22536-226921982
22693-228591983
22860-230591984
23060-232741985
23275-234621986
23463-236191987
23620-238751988
23876-241901989
24191-245061990
24509-252211991
25222-260771992
26078-267341993
Buffet Crampon
GenreMusical instrument manufacturers
Founded1825
Headquarters
Websitebuffet-crampon.com

Buffet Crampon is a French manufacturer of woodwind musical instruments, including oboes, flutes, saxophones, english horns and bassoons; however, the company is perhaps most famous for their clarinets, as Buffet is the brand of choice for many professionals.[1]

Buffet Crampon began manufacturing musical instruments in 1825 exclusively in France, but has since expanded their business to include production facilities in Germany and China as well. Since the company's conception, Buffet Crampon has expanded to a worldwide market. Jérôme Perrod, Buffet Group's Chief Executive Officer, runs the Buffet Crampon, Besson, B&S, Antoine Courtois, Hans Hoyer, J. Keilwerth, Meinl Weston, Powell Flutes, Scherzer, and W. Schreiber brands.[2]

  • 1History
  • 2Clarinet models
    • 2.1B♭ soprano clarinets
  • 4Flute models
  • 5Saxophone models

History[edit]

Denis Buffet-Auger, of the Buffet family of Frenchmusical instrument makers, began making quality clarinets in Paris, France in 1825. The company expanded under Jean-Louis Buffet and his wife Zoé Crampon and became known as Buffet Crampon. (Another family member, Auguste Buffet jeune, who worked with famous clarinetist Hyacinthe Klosé to develop the Boehm system for clarinet, had his own business separate from Buffet Crampon.)

In 1850, Buffet Crampon established its headquarters at Mantes-la-Ville. The company continued to expand its range and quality in instrument production, beginning saxophone production in 1866, and winning numerous awards.

In 1877 Buffet acquired the Evette & Schaeffer Company and began to use that name as their instrument brand. In 1908 Buffet began exporting instruments to the US. In 1910 Buffet introduced the Apogee premium model saxophone, which had innovative keywork features that were later adapted by other manufacturers. In 1918 Buffet began marketing their premium line instruments under their own name, while marketing lower grade instruments variously under the Evette & Schaeffer and Evette brands. During the 1930s Buffet began outsourcing Evette & Schaeffer instruments to other manufacturers.[3]

In 1950, Buffet developed its famous R13 clarinet, an extremely popular professional-level clarinet. The company also began production of the Dynaction model saxophones that year, which would evolve into the Super Dynaction (1957) and the highly regarded S series (1973) models.[3] Buffet also became the leading distributor of student-grade instruments in Europe, marketing French and Italian made saxophones under their Evette & Schaeffer brand. During the 1970s, the company's position in the student saxophone market collapsed in the face of competition from Yamaha, who offered higher quality and more up-to-date instruments, and lower cost East German, Czech, and Asian manufacturers. Their collapse in the student market accompanied a deteriorating position in the market for professional saxophones that led to their being discontinued in the mid-1980s. In 2008 Buffet re-entered the saxophone market with their 400 model, sourced from China.[4]

In 1981, Buffet joined Boosey & Hawkes, which sold the French company to The Music Group in 2003. Two years later Buffet was bought by a French group. In 2006 Buffet Crampon acquired two brass instrument manufacturers, Antoine Courtois Paris and Besson. In 2008 Buffet Crampon acquired the Leblanc clarinet factory in La Couture-Boussey, Département of Eure, Haute-Normandie in France. In 2010, Buffet acquired the Julius Keilwerth company of Germany, taking charge of distribution of their distinctive saxophones. In 2014, Buffet introduced the professional level Senzo alto saxophone. The Senzo, built in a co-operative arrangement between Buffet and Keilwerth facilities, marked the return of Buffet saxophone production to France for the first time since the mid-1980s.[5]

Buffet crampon flute serial number search

Recently, Buffet has made some efforts to protect the African Blackwood trees, which provide grenadilla wood for clarinets, from being eliminated by introducing some wood composite products to its line up. However, Buffet has decided not to adopt the Forest Stewardship Council's standard of sustainable forestry management. Buffet composite wood models do not have the grain structure of a true wood product and as such they do not have the issue of cracking due to environmental changes that are typically seen in clarinets and other wood instruments.

Buffet clarinet serial numbers chart

Evette and Evette & Schaeffer clarinets[edit]

Until the 1980s, only professional level clarinets carried the Buffet name. Lower priced clarinets for the beginner and intermediate market were branded 'Evette' and 'Evette & Schaeffer', respectively. For a time, the Evette clarinets actually were built by other manufacturers under Buffet's sponsorship, and these instruments are marked 'Evette sponsored by Buffet'. By the early 1970s, Buffet was making the Evettes in their own factory in Paris, and around 1979, manufacture was moved to a Buffet-owned factory in Germany. Evette & Schaeffer clarinets were made in Paris. Use of the Evette and Evette & Schaeffer brands ended around 1985, when the company began using the Buffet name on all its clarinets.

Clarinet models[edit]

B♭ clarinet RC Prestige

Buffet Crampon has released several clarinet models from the mid-20th century onwards, with models ranging from student to professional in marketing. The development of new models has sometimes led to the discontinuation of older models. The student models tend to be made from ABS resin, whereas intermediate and professional models are usually made from grenadilla wood. The professional models are usually made from more select grenadilla wood, and are usually unstained. Various options have been made available for select professional models, including the Greenline option, additional keywork, and gold-plated keys.

They offer wide span adjustability and broad zero suppression and zero elevation capabilities within the range limits for each series. APPLICATION VERSATILITYThese transmitters are used in flow, liquid level, density, and low pressure measurement applications. They are ideal for the most demanding applications. EASE OF MAINTENANCEThe simple design of the topworks and the fieldreplaceable capsule makes servicing these transmitters exceptionally easy and economical. Foxboro flow transmitter manual. Interchangeability of most of the topworks parts with other Foxboro pneumatic force balance transmitters provides further savings to the user by minimizing spare parts inventory.MountingTransmitter mounts direct to the process piping or onto a nominal DN 50 or 2 in pipe.

B♭ soprano clarinets[edit]

Student[edit]

ModelCurrently in production?BodyNotes
EvetteNoAbs resinSucceeded by B12 model
B10NoABS resin
B12NoABS resin

Intermediate[edit]

ModelCurrently in production?Notes
EvetteNoSucceeded by E11 model
Evette Master ModelNoSucceeded by E12 model
Evette & SchaefferNoSucceeded by E13 model
Evette & Schaeffer Master ModelNo
E11YesMade in China / Germany; more commonly sold in the United States
E11 FranceNoMade in China / France; succeeded by E12F model
E12NoReferred to as the E45 prior to 1992 fan
E12FYesMade in France / Germany; introduced September 2012
E13YesMade in China / France; also known as the 'Limité'
ProdigeYesNewest Student Model

Professional[edit]

ModelCurrently in production?Greenline option?Notes
InternationalNoNoEntry level semi-professional model, also known as the C13 model
ConservatoireYesNoSemi-professional model, also known as the C12 model
R13Yes (1955-?)YesMost popular professional model, named after its designer, Robert Carrée
RCYes (1975-?)YesEvolved from the R13 model with distinctive barrel and bell shape; developed in 1974 with the assistance of the luthier Robert Carrée, for whom the model is named[6]
S1No (1970-1985)NoEquivalent to the R13; manufactured in the 1970s and early 80s; designed to have an inverse taper barrel and a bore similar to earlier R13 clarinets
VintageNo (1996-2015)NoReplaced the S1; closer to the original 1950's R13 bore design
FestivalYesYesHas R13 bore with denser wood; register key is 1 mm higher than on a standard R13; has additional alternate left-hand Eb/Ab lever
R13 PrestigeYesYesMade from highest quality unstained grenadilla wood; has additional alternate left-hand Eb/Ab lever
RC PrestigeYesYesSmaller bore than R13 model; more popular in Europe; has additional alternate left-hand Eb/Ab lever
EliteNo (1980-2002)NoCurrently being produced only for Lohff and Pfeiffer of Denmark; replaced on a larger scale by the Tosca; all reinforcing rings were of black polycarbonate fiber
ToscaYesYesIntroduced in 2003; has unique bore design and reshaped keywork; has auxiliary Eb key and low F correction key
DivineYes (2012-?)NoIntroduced in March 2012 as Buffet's top of the line model

Harmony clarinets[edit]

All of Buffet Crampon's harmony clarinets are professional models released under the 'Prestige' label.

InstrumentCurrently available?Greenline option?Notes
Basset AYesNoPitched in A; descends to low C
Basset horn FYesNoPitched in F
Alto clarinetYesNo
Contra-altoYesNo

Bass clarinets[edit]

ModelLevelGreenline option?Notes
1180StudentNoReintroduced in 2013
1183ProfessionalYesExtends to low Eb
1193ProfessionalYesExtends to low C
Tosca(1195)ProfessionalNoExtends to low C

Double Reeds[edit]

InstrumentModelLevelGreenline option?Notes
OboeConservatoireStudentNo
OboePrestigeProfessionalYes
OboeOrfeoProfessionalYesIntroduced March 2012
English hornPrestigeProfessionalNo
BassoonPrestigeProfessionalNo

Flute models[edit]

Originally Buffet Crampon flutes were made in Paris, France. But in 1981 the company was bought out by Boosey & Hawkes and their flutes were manufactured in Boosey & Hawkes factories in England (and later in Germany) over the period 1981 to 2004. In 2005 the Buffet Crampon company returned to French hands. In 2016 Buffet Crampon purchased Powell Flutes, Maynard, Massachusetts, which continues as a separate brand.

Modern Buffet Crampon flutes utilize the Cooper scale (see Albert Cooper) and have a reputation for accurate tuning. The 200 series flutes were of average construction quality and needed regular maintenance to play well. In the 1980s Boosey & Hawkes redesigned the Buffet Crampon flute as the 6000 series with improved key cups and stiffer keys. The 6000 series is generally regarded as mechanically superior to the 200 instruments.

200 Series[edit]

  • 225 - Silver-plated, inline G, closed keys
  • 227 - Silver-plated body, offset G closed keys, solid silver headjoint
  • 228 - Silver-plated, offset G closed keys and in line open hole (French style)

Redesigned 6000 series[edit]

Buffet Clarinet Serial Number Finder

  • 6010 - Silver-plated, inline G, closed keys
  • 6020 - Silver-plated, offset G, split E, closed keys
  • 6040 - Silver-plated, offset G, open hole (French style)
  • 6050 - Silver-plated, inline G, split E, open hole

7000 series[edit]

Buffet Flute Serial Numbers

Intermediate models with silver heads and plated bodies. Model sub-numbers are similar to the 6000 series as above.

Saxophone models[edit]

As early as 1866, Buffet Crampon was producing its first saxophones, 20 years after the invention of this instrument by the Belgian Adolphe Sax. They were the first to manufacture saxophones, besides those made by Adolphe Sax himself. Today, Buffet Crampon produces three series of saxophones: 100 Series, 400 Series and since 2013, the Senzo alto saxophone.

Soprano[edit]

  • Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • Super Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S1 (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S1 PRESTIGE (Copper, discontinued)

Buffet Clarinet Serial Numbers Lookup Free

Alto[edit]

  • 18-20
  • Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • Super Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontimued)
  • Super Dynaction/S1 (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S1 (Lacquer/Silvver, Silver/Copper, discontinued)
  • S2 (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S3 PRESTIGE (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S3
  • 400 Series (Antique matte, discontinued)
  • 400 Series (Lacquer, discontinued)
  • 100 Series
  • Senzo copper (Lacquer/Silver)

Evette[edit]

  • Masterpiece (Lacquer, discontinued)

Tenor[edit]

  • 18-20
  • Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • Super Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S1 (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S1 PRESTIGE (Lacquer/Silver/Copper, discontinued)
  • S2 (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • 400 Series (Antique matte, discontinued)
  • 400 Series (Lacquer, discontinued)
  • 100 Series

Baritone[edit]

  • 18-20
  • Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver,discontinued )
  • Super Dynaction (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)
  • S1 (Lacquer/Silver, discontinued)

100 Series[edit]

These are beginner instruments made in China

  • Series 100 alto saxophone, lacquer
  • Series 100 tenor saxophone, lacquer

400 Series[edit]

These are intermediate models made in China

  • Series 400 alto saxophone, lacquer and matte
  • Series 400 tenor saxophone, lacquer and matte
  • Series 400 baritone saxophone, lacquer and matte

Senzo[edit]

This is their top model

  • Senzo alto saxophone

Buffet Clarinet Serial Numbers Chart

References[edit]

  1. ^https://thevault.musicarts.com/comparing-buffet-crampon-r13-e11-clarinets-differences/
  2. ^'Archived copy'(PDF). Archived from the original(PDF) on 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2014-07-28.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ abHales, Pete. 'Buffet Instrument Models'. Saxpics.com. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  4. ^Howard, Stephen. 'Review, Buffet 400 Alto Saxophone'. shwoodwinds.co.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  5. ^Overton, Mark. 'The New Buffet Senzo..'saxophone.org/reviews/. saxophone.org. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  6. ^'Our Story - Buffet Crampon'. www.buffet-crampon.com. Retrieved 12 April 2018.

External links[edit]

Buffet Crampon Clarinet Serial Number

  • Jerome Perrod NAMM Oral History Program Interview (2015)

Buffet Crampon Flute Serial Numbers

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