Why Purchase a Hand-Selected Buffet Clarinet?

     The Buffet Model R13 Clarinet is certainly one of the finest musical instruments ever made. It is known as the "Legendary choice among professional clarinetists". However, due to the fact that these clarinets are basically hand crafted, no two clarinets are exactly the same. This is complicated even more due to inconsistencies in the Grenadilla wood and the undercutting in the tone holes.

   Because of Central Instrument Company's thorough knowledge of clarinets and their construction, we will not sell or recommend a Buffet clarinet unless we are totally convinced that the instrument represents a superb musical instrument. It is normal for us to travel to Buffet and play through 50 to 120 clarinets at a time to only find 3 to 4 that meets our standards. We examine consistencies of pitch, sound and flexibility of the instrument before we will consider it for sale at Central Instrument Company.

   We do not charge extra for a clarinet that is hand selected. All instruments are sold at Buffet's strict price guidelines. This is generally referred to as MAP pricing (minimum advertised price). This is the minimum price allowed by Buffet.

   Please contact us for a price quote.

Meet our selection committee:

Theodore Johnson , Professor of Clarinet at Cleveland State University,  Clarinetist with The Cleveland Orchestra (36 years, retired), The Cleveland Institute of Music.

James Stahl received his Masters of Clarinet Performance in 1974 at The Cleveland Institute of Music, was a member of The Akron Symphony Orchestra, and frequently performs solo and chamber music repertoire.

Caroline Stilwell graduated with a BS in Music Education and a Master of Arts with a Clarinet Emphasis from Kent State University, was a member of The Cleveland Philharmonic, performs Chamber Music in the Akron Area, and provides individual clarinet lessons.