What material is the Buffet RC A Clarinet made from?

The body of the instrument is crafted from high-quality grenadilla wood, also known as African blackwood. This material is preferred for professional clarinets due to its density and ability to produce a rich, resonant tone.

Does this clarinet include a mouthpiece?

No, the Buffet Crampon RC Professional A Clarinet does not include a mouthpiece. Players must purchase a mouthpiece, such as a Yamaha 6C or Vandoren model, separately to suit their individual playing preferences.

What type of bore does the RC model feature?

It features a poly-cylindrical bore design. This specific internal shape is engineered to provide a more focused sound and improved intonation across all registers of the instrument.

What is the keywork plated with?

The keywork on the RC Professional A Clarinet is silver-plated. This provides a high-quality finish that is both durable and comfortable for the fingers during extended playing sessions.

Are the pads made of cork or leather?

This model utilizes carefully fitted leather pads. Leather pads are known for their longevity and ability to provide a quiet, reliable seal against the tone holes.

What kind of springs are used in the mechanism?

The instrument uses blue steel needle springs. These are preferred in professional woodwinds for their ability to maintain tension and provide a snappy, responsive key action.

Is the thumb rest adjustable?

Yes, the RC includes an adjustable thumb rest. This allows the player to find the most ergonomic position for their right hand, reducing strain during long performances.

Does the instrument come with a carrying case?

Yes, a protective case is included with the purchase of the clarinet. This ensures the grenadilla wood and delicate silver keywork are protected from impact and environmental changes while traveling.

Who is the Buffet RC Professional A Clarinet designed for?

It is designed for experienced and professional players. The level of craftsmanship and the tonal flexibility of the A pitch make it ideal for orchestral musicians and advanced students.

Why would a player choose an A clarinet over a Bb clarinet?

The A clarinet is required for specific orchestral repertoire where the music is written in that key. It also possesses a slightly darker and warmer tone compared to the more common Bb clarinet.

What accessories are recommended for use with this clarinet?

Commonly used accessories include high-quality reeds such as D'Addario Organic or Mitchell Lurie reeds, and professional ligatures like the Vandoren M/O or BG Revelation series.

How should the wooden body be maintained?

As a wooden instrument, it requires careful swabbing after every use to remove moisture. It should also be kept in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent the grenadilla wood from cracking.

Gear article

Buffet Crampon RC Professional A Clarinet

The Buffet Crampon RC Professional A Clarinet is a premium woodwind instrument crafted from African blackwood, designed for advanced and professional orchestral players. Featuring a poly-cylindrical bore and silver-plated keywork, it is engineered for consistent tone and reliable response across all registers.

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Overview and History

The RC model is one of Buffet Crampon's cornerstone professional instruments, representing a long-standing tradition of French clarinet manufacture. Developed through a history of craftsmanship, the RC was designed to meet the specific requirements of musicians seeking a refined and flexible tone. The name 'RC' refers to Robert Carrée, the renowned technician who was instrumental in the development of Buffet's most famous bore designs.

Technical Features and Design

The instrument is constructed from selected grenadilla wood, known for its density and acoustic properties. It features a poly-cylindrical bore design, which is intended to provide a focused and even sound throughout the instrument's range. The mechanical components include:

Keywork: Silver-plated keys for durability and a professional aesthetic.
Springs: Blue steel needle springs for precise and responsive key action.
Pads: Carefully fitted leather pads that ensure a reliable airtight seal.
Ergonomics: An adjustable thumb rest is included to accommodate different hand sizes and improve playing comfort.

Sound and Performance Character

The RC is noted for its flexible and rich tonal character. The poly-cylindrical bore supports a focused sound, making it particularly suitable for orchestral settings where the player must blend with other woodwinds while maintaining clarity. Because it is pitched in A, it offers the darker, warmer timbre required for major symphonic repertoire compared to the standard Bb clarinet.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This instrument is designed for experienced players, including conservatory students and professional orchestral musicians. While student models often use ABS resin, the RC’s wooden body requires greater care but offers superior resonance. When compared to other professional models, the RC is often chosen for its specific resistance and tonal focus, sitting alongside other industry standards like those from Selmer Paris or Yamaha's professional range.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Buffet RC A Clarinet made from?: The body of the instrument is crafted from high-quality grenadilla wood, also known as African blackwood. This material is preferred for professional clarinets due to its density and ability to produce a rich, resonant tone.
Does this clarinet include a mouthpiece?: No, the Buffet Crampon RC Professional A Clarinet does not include a mouthpiece. Players must purchase a mouthpiece, such as a Yamaha 6C or Vandoren model, separately to suit their individual playing preferences.
What type of bore does the RC model feature?: It features a poly-cylindrical bore design. This specific internal shape is engineered to provide a more focused sound and improved intonation across all registers of the instrument.
What is the keywork plated with?: The keywork on the RC Professional A Clarinet is silver-plated. This provides a high-quality finish that is both durable and comfortable for the fingers during extended playing sessions.
Are the pads made of cork or leather?: This model utilizes carefully fitted leather pads. Leather pads are known for their longevity and ability to provide a quiet, reliable seal against the tone holes.
What kind of springs are used in the mechanism?: The instrument uses blue steel needle springs. These are preferred in professional woodwinds for their ability to maintain tension and provide a snappy, responsive key action.
Is the thumb rest adjustable?: Yes, the RC includes an adjustable thumb rest. This allows the player to find the most ergonomic position for their right hand, reducing strain during long performances.
Does the instrument come with a carrying case?: Yes, a protective case is included with the purchase of the clarinet. This ensures the grenadilla wood and delicate silver keywork are protected from impact and environmental changes while traveling.
Who is the Buffet RC Professional A Clarinet designed for?: It is designed for experienced and professional players. The level of craftsmanship and the tonal flexibility of the A pitch make it ideal for orchestral musicians and advanced students.
Why would a player choose an A clarinet over a Bb clarinet?: The A clarinet is required for specific orchestral repertoire where the music is written in that key. It also possesses a slightly darker and warmer tone compared to the more common Bb clarinet.
What accessories are recommended for use with this clarinet?: Commonly used accessories include high-quality reeds such as D'Addario Organic or Mitchell Lurie reeds, and professional ligatures like the Vandoren M/O or BG Revelation series.
How should the wooden body be maintained?: As a wooden instrument, it requires careful swabbing after every use to remove moisture. It should also be kept in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent the grenadilla wood from cracking.