Buffet Carl Fischer, NY from 1924

The clarinet is stamped as CARL FISCHER INC / NEW YORK on the bell just like the G. Fischer NY that I previously reviewed. This instrument plays way better than the G. Fischer. It has several traits that I had considered as being signs of Couesnon. So I would guess Couesnon copied this Buffet model. (Unless, it is tempting for me to say that Buffet had Couesnon make some instruments that were stamped for American companies!)

The traits include 1) no bevelling around the C#/G# hole, 2) single post for the left pinkie keys, 3) chiseled out area under the right pinkie keys, 4) a batch mark on both keyed joints, and 5) no adjustment screw on the throat tone G3 key. Some of the keys have stamp marks underneath. It also has the thumb rest with the north-south screws.

Serial #188R1 marked only on the lower end of the RH joint. For serial numbers this early see UARK. Thanks to David T. for the opportunity to see this instrument.

Barrel: 66.5mm

Bore LH joint top: 14.8mm

Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.7mm

Intonation results taken when playing loud and not lipping. See how to interpret these results on the Model Comparison Page. For this test, I pulled 0 at the barrel and 1.3 in the center for this horn.

Intonation summary: This is very nice intonation for the era that this instrument was made. I used a Legere Signature Series 3 ¾ reed. I would often be flatter with such a long barrel. This clarinet must have been made to accept a longer barrel than some of the era.

Key work quality: Extremely nice nickel silver. Shines up beautifully. The top LH Eb/Bb key has been soldered, and is no longer in good alignment with the tone hole. It still works.

This clarinet is most appropriate for: Intermediate to advanced players. Lovely sweet tone from a vintage instrument.