Buffet Crampon 118 - LOW Eb STUDENT BASS CLARINET BC118-2-

A student bass clarinet redesigned by a reference brand

With the 1180, Buffet Crampon offers a completely revisited student bass clarinet, designed to support musicians who are discovering or deepening their experience with the bass. The brand is historically associated with meticulous craftsmanship and a demand for accurate intonation: this 1180 fits within this logic, with particular attention paid to intonation, response consistency, and assembly quality. Its positioning is clear: to offer an accessible and reliable bass clarinet, capable of highlighting the low notes that serve as pillars of harmony, while remaining comfortable for daily playing.

For which musicians and styles?

The Buffet Crampon 1180 is primarily aimed at young students, amateurs, and clarinetists who wish to add a bass to their instrument collection without compromising musicality. Thanks to its playing flexibility and its system optimized for interval jumps, it suits both the classical repertoire (wind orchestra, ensembles, chamber music) and the jazz, pop, or film music aesthetics, where a deep, stable, and expressive low register is often sought. Its tuning at 440/442 Hz facilitates integration in various contexts (music school, conservatory, ensembles).

Sound and design

The choice of treated grenadilla wood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) contributes to a dense and warm sound, particularly appreciated in the low register. The 1180 emphasizes homogeneity of tonal colors and a regular response : registers flow with more continuity, and the legato gains fluidity to support long lines. The forged and silver-plated keywork, combined with blued steel springs, aims for precise, smooth, and reassuring mechanics, while the leather pads with metal resonators contribute to good projection and stable response. Aesthetically and in terms of finish, the silver-plated bell and neck add an elegant touch, and the adjustable thumb rest helps find a comfortable position according to morphology and playing duration.

Recommended compatible accessories

To get the most out of your bass clarinet, you can consider B-flat bass clarinet reeds suited to your level, a swab (for cleaning the body and neck) to preserve response and longevity, as well as cork grease to facilitate assembly. Depending on your posture and habits, a strap or support harness can also improve comfort during extended sessions.

Technical specifications

Level	Student	System	Boehm
Tone	Bb	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	B-flat	Features	revised and corrected simple chalumeau system
Tunings	440 / 442 Hz	Pads	leather with metal resonators
Body descending to E-flat	Dalbergia Melanoxylon, treated grenadilla wood, uncolored	Neck	silver-plated
Thumb rest	adjustable	Case	lightweight and compact
Keys	forged and silver-plated	Bell	silver-plated
Springs	blued steel allowing precise and smooth key action