Buffet Crampon BC1116LN-5-0P - Bb TRADITION 219 (NICKEL KEYS)

A Clarinet Born from a Modern Lineage, True to Buffet Crampon's DNA

The Tradition clarinet belongs to a new generation of Buffet Crampon instruments emphasizing "pure sound." Presented with a renewed aesthetic in 2019, it retains the acoustic attributes that made its first version successful, while incorporating refinements directly borrowed from a higher-end reference within the same family. This approach perfectly illustrates the brand's cherished balance: innovating without abandoning the historical craftsmanship of French instrument making, especially in woodwork and key assembly.

Its visual identity (vertical medallion, vibrant natural wood) reinforces this lineage and highlights the Tradition's positioning: a professional clarinet designed to offer a precise response, controlled projection, and great timbre consistency, while remaining grounded in a very "artisan" approach to detail.

Who Is This Buffet Crampon Tradition For?

This Bb clarinet primarily targets advanced clarinetists, conservatory students, and professionals seeking an expressive, stable, and demanding instrument capable of responding to the finest nuances. Thanks to its carefully tuned intonation (pitch 440/442 Hz) and design oriented towards a "full and centered sound," it adapts particularly well to the classical repertoire (orchestra, chamber music, competitions), but its woody tone and projection can also appeal to musicians in pop or wind ensembles looking for a noble color and natural presence within the section.

The inclusion of comfort and control features (adjustable thumb rest, left-hand Eb lever, low F correction) makes it a solid working tool for technical programs, fast passages, and sensitive register transitions, while maintaining the "organic" playing feel typical of grenadilla clarinets.

Sound and Design

The body made of natural African grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon), selected and treated, contributes to a distinctive sound: woody timbre, harmonic density, and a very clear sense of center in the tone production. Its cylindrical bore promotes a consistent response and precise articulation, with good clarity of attacks and appreciable stability in both piano and forte dynamics.

The mechanism, with 19 keys and 6 rings, is based on choices oriented towards reliability and precision: blued steel springs for consistent responsiveness, waterproof and breathable GT pads complemented by leather and cork to optimize sealing and durability depending on the area. The nickel-plated keys provide a sober style and resistance suitable for intensive use, while the metal-capped tenons enhance the robustness of the joints and daily assembly stability.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the most out of your Bb clarinet daily, consider using cork grease (essential to preserve the corks on the tenons), a Bb clarinet swab for post-playing maintenance, as well as Bb clarinet reeds suited to your style and level (strength chosen according to desired response and resistance).

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	System	Boehm
Tone	Bb	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	Bb	Pads	Waterproof and breathable (GT), leather and cork
Pitch	440/442 Hz	Comes with 2 barrels	65 and 66 mm
Body	Natural African grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon), selected and treated	Case	Simple faux leather, dark brown pouch style
Keywork	19 keys, 6 rings