Buffet Crampon E13 A (17 Keys) + Suitcase Case - BC1202-2-0

A "legendary" E13: Buffet Crampon's heritage in the modern clarinet

In the world of wind instruments, Buffet Crampon holds a special place: the French brand has greatly contributed to shaping the modern clarinet and the playing aesthetic associated with the French school, sought after for its fluidity, shaping, and ability to carry sound without harshness. The E13 fully embodies this tradition: an iconic model for over 40 years, it descends from the BC20 (associated with Jacques Lancelot) and has established itself as a natural choice for music schools, conservatories, and wind orchestras worldwide.

Made from fine pieces of grenadilla and assembled in the brand's workshops, this E13 in A features expected attributes of a semi-professional clarinet: silver-plated keywork, precise mechanics, natural cork tenons, and a design built to last. It also adopts a new bell inspired by the RC (Robert Carrée), designed to provide greater projection and brilliance, regardless of the key.

For which clarinetists and repertoires?

This A clarinet is aimed at advanced intermediate, end-of-cycle, and pre-professional clarinetists seeking a reliable, homogeneous, and musical instrument without immediately moving to professional models. It is also very suitable as a second A clarinet for a clarinetist already equipped with a Bb and wishing to approach orchestral repertoire with the appropriate instrument.

Regarding styles, the A clarinet is a standard in the classical and symphonic repertoire : it facilitates certain keys and colorations and provides a flexibility much appreciated in the orchestra. It is also relevant in chamber music and contemporary repertoire when seeking a fine balance between roundness, clarity, and intonation control.

Sound and design

The grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon) body promotes a dense and nuanced timbre, with good sound projection and stable response across the entire range. The new bell contributes to giving more breadth to the sound emission, with a sensation of increased projection and better-controlled brilliance, useful for standing out in a section without forcing.

The mechanics are described as smooth and precise : a key point for clean fingerings, equality between registers, and clarity in fast passages. The silver-plated keywork contributes to comfort under the fingers and durability, while the blued steel springs (needle springs and flat springs) provide responsiveness and long-term stability. Design details such as natural cork tenons (joints between sections), metal ferrules (reinforcement rings), and the ringed bell secure assembly and help preserve the instrument daily.

Useful glossary : the 442 Hz tuning corresponds to the reference pitch for A (a common modern orchestral tuning); pads ensure the sealing of tone holes and directly influence ease of sound production and intonation; the mechanics encompass all keys/axles/springs that determine precision and playing comfort.

Recommended compatible accessories

To preserve the response and longevity of a wooden clarinet, it is recommended to add a soprano clarinet swab (adapted for drying after playing), cork grease (for natural cork tenons), and, if you play standing, a strap : the thumb rest is designed to allow its use. Soprano clarinet reeds (Bb/A) can also complement your setup depending on your mouthpiece and playing style.

Technical specifications

Level	Semi-professional	System	Boehm
Tone	A	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	A	Thumb rest	adjustable and allowing use of a strap
Tuning	442 Hz	Springs	blued steel needle springs and flat springs
Wood	Grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon), stained	Key cups	screwed
Ferrules	metal	Pads	double bladder, superior quality
Bell	ringed	Mouthpiece	authentic Buffet Crampon mouthpiece
New bell	F30500EAG	Case	wood covered with leather
Keys	17	Ligature and mouthpiece cap	silver-plated
Rings	6	Cloth	microfiber
Keywork finish	silver-plated	Ready to play	instrument adjusted by a luthier
Mechanics	smooth and precise