Buffet Crampon BC1216LN-5-0P - TRADITION A CLARINET (NICKELPLATED KEYS)

A Clarinet Born from Buffet Crampon Heritage and a Reference Range

With the Tradition, Buffet Crampon highlights a very "acoustic" vision of the professional clarinet: a direct response, a dense core sound, and an immediately recognizable timbral identity. This modernized version, introduced in 2019, continues a lineage that has marked the brand, while incorporating technical and aesthetic choices associated with the Légende clarinet (presented in 2017). The goal is clear: to preserve the sonic DNA of the Tradition while gaining playing comfort, mechanical precision, and finishing elegance, notably through details borrowed from the brand's high-end models.

The result is an instrument designed for musicians seeking an A clarinet with a strong character, capable of blending into a section while maintaining controlled projection and excellent intonation stability, especially in the demanding piano and mezzo forte dynamics within an orchestral context.

For Which Musicians and Repertoires?

The Buffet Crampon Tradition in A is primarily aimed at advanced clarinetists, conservatory students, higher education students, and professionals who want a reliable and expressive work and stage instrument. As an A clarinet, it naturally fits into the classical repertoire (orchestra, chamber music, concertos) where nuance flexibility, intonation accuracy, and register coherence are essential.

Its balance and stability also make it relevant for musicians who frequently switch between Bb and A clarinets and wish to maintain similar sensations while enjoying the specific color of the A key. It is particularly suitable for contexts where attack precision, sound sustain, and articulation finesse must remain impeccable over long sessions.

Sound and Design

The body in natural, selected, and treated African grenadilla provides a rich sonic signature: a woody timbre, dense texture, and beautiful depth in the midrange. The cylindrical bore contributes to a "centered" sound sensation, with clear projection and excellent register coherence. The response remains fluid, with precise attack control and a response that favors subtle nuances, particularly appreciated in orchestra and chamber music.

In terms of ergonomics, the professional keywork (with low F correction ) aims for more confident intonation and better control of sensitive fingerings, while the adjustable thumb rest allows posture adjustment and reduces fatigue. The finish highlights the elegance of the untreated wood, combined with nickel-plated keywork for a sober and durable appearance.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the most out of your clarinet, you can complement it with essential items without compatibility risk : cork grease (to preserve airtightness and facilitate assembly), a Bb/A clarinet swab (for internal cleaning after playing), as well as a folding clarinet stand (practical for rehearsals and on stage). A small microfiber cloth dedicated to the keys is also useful to limit oxidation and maintain a clean touch daily.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	System	Boehm
Tone	A	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	A	Pads	Waterproof and breathable (GT), leather and cork
Tuning	440/442 Hz	Delivered with 2 barrels	64 and 65 mm for the A model
Body	Natural African Grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon), selected and treated	Case	Simple faux leather, dark brown pouch style
Keywork	19 keys, 6 rings