The Evette& Schaeffer clarinet is semi-professional model in the Buffet's hierarchy line positioned between the professional R-13 and the intermediate E-11. The Evette& Schaeffer is a VERY close relative to the R-13. I still do not know what the difference between the older(60's) Evette& Schaeffer and R-13's truly are. I have an Evette Schaeffer tenor sax with a serial number of 39793, Italy. Does anyone know what year this was made? Unfortunately I don't have any information from previous owners about it's history. The Evette Schaeffer logo is engraved on the bell, and part from that and the serial number and the word Italy - nothing. Photos attached. From my understanding, when you say Evette Schaeffer saxophones, you can be talking about at least four different varieties: 1) Those very vintage early horns made by the company that would become Buffet Crampon from ca. 1890 through 'the teens' (20th century). They usually have ornate script engraving on the bells. Buffet Serial Number Ranges By Model. Model: Start # End # Early Buffet-Crampon: 1 (1866). Early Evette & Schaeffer; Apogee; Early Evette; Buffet-Powell `SA. Evette and Evette & Schaeffer Identification. For anyone searching serial number lists. First, you have to identify the model of clarinet. Is it an “Evette”, or an “Evette-Schaeffer”, or a true “Buffet”. “Evette-Schaeffer Master Models range from K5000 to K11000 which corresponds to 1953 to approx 1961. These can be considered the best as they also correspond to the R-13 introduction.” Evette & Schaeffer serial numbers (bottom of long page) Master Models are marked clearly on the clarinet below the oval logo.
Genre | Musical instrument manufacturers |
---|---|
Founded | 1825 |
Headquarters | |
Website | buffet-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]
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.
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.
B♭ soprano clarinets[edit]
Student[edit]
Model | Currently in production? | Body | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Evette | No | Abs resin | Succeeded by B12 model |
B10 | No | ABS resin | |
B12 | No | ABS resin |
Intermediate[edit]
Model | Currently in production? | Notes |
---|---|---|
Evette | No | Succeeded by E11 model |
Evette Master Model | No | Succeeded by E12 model |
Evette & Schaeffer | No | Succeeded by E13 model |
Evette & Schaeffer Master Model | No | |
E11 | Yes | Made in China / Germany; more commonly sold in the United States |
E11 France | No | Made in China / France; succeeded by E12F model |
E12 | No | Referred to as the E45 prior to 1992 fan |
E12F | Yes | Made in France / Germany; introduced September 2012 |
E13 | Yes | Made in China / France; also known as the 'Limité' |
Prodige | Yes | Newest Student Model |
Professional[edit]
Model | Currently in production? | Greenline option? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
International | No | No | Entry level semi-professional model, also known as the C13 model |
Conservatoire | Yes | No | Semi-professional model, also known as the C12 model |
R13 | Yes (1955-?) | Yes | Most popular professional model, named after its designer, Robert Carrée |
RC | Yes (1975-?) | Yes | Evolved 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] |
S1 | No (1970-1985) | No | Equivalent 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 |
Vintage | No (1996-2015) | No | Replaced the S1; closer to the original 1950's R13 bore design |
Festival | Yes | Yes | Has 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 Prestige | Yes | Yes | Made from highest quality unstained grenadilla wood; has additional alternate left-hand Eb/Ab lever |
RC Prestige | Yes | Yes | Smaller bore than R13 model; more popular in Europe; has additional alternate left-hand Eb/Ab lever |
Elite | No (1980-2002) | No | Currently 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 |
Tosca | Yes | Yes | Introduced in 2003; has unique bore design and reshaped keywork; has auxiliary Eb key and low F correction key |
Divine | Yes (2012-?) | No | Introduced 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.
Instrument | Currently available? | Greenline option? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Basset A | Yes | No | Pitched in A; descends to low C |
Basset horn F | Yes | No | Pitched in F |
Alto clarinet | Yes | No | |
Contra-alto | Yes | No |
Bass clarinets[edit]
Model | Level | Greenline option? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1180 | Student | No | Reintroduced in 2013 |
1183 | Professional | Yes | Extends to low Eb |
1193 | Professional | Yes | Extends to low C |
Tosca(1195) | Professional | No | Extends to low C |
Double Reeds[edit]
Instrument | Model | Level | Greenline option? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oboe | Conservatoire | Student | No | |
Oboe | Prestige | Professional | Yes | |
Oboe | Orfeo | Professional | Yes | Introduced March 2012 |
English horn | Prestige | Professional | No | |
Bassoon | Prestige | Professional | No |
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]
- 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]
Intermediate models with silver heads and plated bodies. Model sub-numbers are similar to the 6000 series as above.
Saxophone models[edit]
Buffet Evette Serial Numbers
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)
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
References[edit]
- ^https://thevault.musicarts.com/comparing-buffet-crampon-r13-e11-clarinets-differences/
- ^'Archived copy'(PDF). Archived from the original(PDF) on 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2014-07-28.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ abHales, Pete. 'Buffet Instrument Models'. Saxpics.com. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^Howard, Stephen. 'Review, Buffet 400 Alto Saxophone'. shwoodwinds.co.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^Overton, Mark. 'The New Buffet Senzo...'saxophone.org/reviews/. saxophone.org. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^'Our Story - Buffet Crampon'. www.buffet-crampon.com. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
External links[edit]
Evette Schaeffer Saxophone Value
- Jerome Perrod NAMM Oral History Program Interview (2015)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Buffet_Crampon&oldid=918691116'
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- There are three 'subsets' of horns produced during this period:
- Low B models: These models, functionally and visually identical to earlier horns, were available (probably) as the low-cost or 'introductory' line. Couesnon, Sax and other French-manufacturers also sold their low B horns as low-cost models, so I'd say this was standard practice (pun intended. SML revised this practice of selling the older model along with the newer one in the 1940's with their Standard model). HOWEVER, these horns may have been A=435hz horns (French standard pitch) and discontinued 'around' 1914 when the A=440hz (low pitch) international standard was introduced.
- Non-patented models: These are essentially an evolution of the earlier series of horns and have improved keywork and extended keyed range (see below). They just don't have any of the alternate keywork that the patented models have.
- Patented models: Paul Evette and Ernest Schaeffer bought the Buffet-Crampon firm in 1885 and patented their first saxophone on July 25, 1887 (December 5, 1899 in the US). These horns are significantly different than earlier models and are possibly the most technically advanced of any French-made horn produced at the time, with the possible exception of Couesnon.
Instrument Features
- All horns had the following features:
- Updated engraving featuring the Buffet-Crampon logo and the Evette & Schaeffer name. The importer's name, generally either 'Carl Fischer, New York' or 'HN White, Cleveland' (HN White, the manufacturer of the King saxophones, imported these horns as their saxophone line until approximately 1908) is only engraved on horns exported to other countries.
- Double or 'split' octave key. In approximately 1916 the automatic octave key became standardized (it was an 'additional cost' option before this). Low B models probably never gained the automatic octave key.
- Roller keys. Most low B models do not sport this feature.
- Horns available in both low pitch, A=440hz and high pitch, A=457hz. See my comments regarding LP vs. HP instruments HERE.
- Some horns are engraved 'Conn' to avoid import taxes into the US. (Some Conns were engraved 'Buffet' to avoid export taxes to France, so I guess it all works out :)
- All models except the Low B horns introduced the following:
- A keyed range that extends from low Bb to high F on alto, C melody and Bb tenor. Keyed range extends to low Bb to high Eb on soprano, baritone, bass and contrabass models.
- A front altissimo F key is available on Eb altos and Bb tenors.
- C horns (melody tenor and soprano models) in approximately 1920. These horns are very uncommon, as France never had the same fascination with C horns that the US did.
- Contrabass models around 1920. These were only custom made and very few were produced -- it's theorized that somewhere between six and 20 sitill exist. (Take a look at my SOTW article regarding a performance that included one of the few surviving Evette & Schaeffer contras.)
- Baritone models that no longer had a fixed neck.
- Pearl keywork, in the mid 1920's. They don't appear to be 'standard fare' until the 1930's.
Keywork Changes
The patented horns introduced some interesting keywork changes:
'The 1920 Buffet soprano is an interesting horn. Notice two things: all the right hand keys (D, E, F) can be held down with the third (D key) finger alone, leaving the first and second fingers free to engage alternate RIGHT HAND touchpieces for the low Bb and B. These right hand levers are suspended above the E and F keys. A variation of this key system was available later on Evette & Schaeffer saxes and called the APOGEE system.'1
Below is a copy of an 1899 advertisement for these horns (click the image to view it full size). I've made the text a little more legible (you can see the original HERE). It gives you a very good idea of what the additional keywork is for. (See also the Vintage Saxophones Revisited article by Prof. Paul Cohen in the March/April 1994 Saxophone Journal magazine.)