A couple of weeks ago a few of us from Paige’s Music had the pleasure of traveling to sunny Anaheim, California to attend the annual winter NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants). There we had the opportunity to meet with our vendors to review current products, as well as see and learn about new products hitting the market in 2016. One of the most notable products on the winds side came from Buffet where they introduced us to their new Tradition clarinet.

Expected to launch next month, the Tradition is being described by its creators as being “inspired by a pre-1950’s design while taking into account the needs of modern musical repertoire and performance practice”. Featuring a cylindrical bore that compliments the R13 and RC bore families, Buffet has stated this new instrument is “Le son à l’état pur,” or “Sound at its purest level”. They also go on to say:

“The project was completed with the objective of offering a clarinet in its most natural form, with no unnecessary changes or overstated technology. The new bore concept traces its inspiration to one of the earliest modern professional clarinets, the fabled Buffet Crampon BC20. Featuring a cylindrical bore design, the new clarinet harkens back to the purity of sound produced by the BC20, with a tone hole placement inspired by the Tosca design. The result is an instrument that presents a clear, focused, rich sound suitable for any acoustic environment and an even scale for consistent intonation throughout all registers. These innovations allow the amateur or professional clarinetist to focus on making music, rather than constantly adjusting their embouchure and voicing.”

We here at Paige’s Music are excited for the introduction of this new professional model clarinet to add to our ever evolving step up selection. Once it arrives to our store, we welcome beginning and professional clarinetists alike to come try the Buffet Tradition and provide us with your feedback!

Technical Specifications

Keys: Bb, A/ Pitch: 440?442 Hz
Features:
Body:

• Stained African blackwood
• Cylindrical bore
• Delivered with 2 barrels

65 and 66mm for Bb
64 and 65mm for A
Keywork:

• 18 keys, 6 rings
• Eb left hand lever
• Adjustable thumb rest
• Silver plated or Nickel plated keywork
• Blue steel springs

Pads:

• GT – leather and natural cork

Posts:

• Unplated

Case:

• Single (Bb) or double (Bb and A), dark naugahyde, new generation pochette style