Buffet Crampon RC A (18 Silver Keys) - BC1214L-2-0

An RC Signed by Robert Carrée: A Major Chapter in Buffet Crampon's History

In the world of professional clarinets, the RC family holds a special place. It owes its name and philosophy to Robert Carrée, a key figure at Buffet Crampon whose work significantly influenced both the acoustics and mechanics of wind instruments. The RC has established itself as a worldwide reference thanks to an immediately recognizable sound identity and a pursuit of consistency across all registers.

This A clarinet incorporates the DNA of the RC bore while benefiting from a 2014 acoustic update, the result of several years of research. The outcome: overall better-controlled intonation, more consistent response, and a sense of control that appeals to musicians operating in the high-end segment.

For Which Musicians and Repertoires

The A clarinet is an essential instrument in the classical repertoire, especially in orchestras and chamber music, where it brings a rounder color and much-appreciated flexibility. The Buffet Crampon RC in A is primarily aimed at advanced and professional clarinetists seeking an instrument that combines intonation stability, playing comfort, and timbral refinement.

It is also perfectly suited for musicians progressing toward a concert instrument, provided they already have a solid technical foundation. Note: the choice of 440/442 Hz tuning facilitates integration into various contexts (conservatory practice, ensembles, orchestras), depending on your musical environment's habits.

Sound and Design

The RC in A stands out with a warm, dense, and centered sound. The low register (chalumeau) remains full without flaring, the middle register retains a nice thickness, and the upper register gains in homogeneity with a seamless sensation between registers. The projection -that is, the sound's ability to "carry" in a hall-is crafted to maintain presence without hardening the timbre, a crucial point in orchestral settings.

The body made of grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon) contributes to this signature: dense material, stable response, and a tonal grain appreciated for its richness. The poly-cylindrical bore (internal geometry alternating optimized diameter sections) aims to better balance intonation and response. The new bell also contributes to coherence in the lower register and a grounded sensation in dynamics.

On the mechanical side, the clarinet offers ergonomics designed for intensive playing: silver-plated keywork, adjustable thumb rest to adapt hand position, blued steel springs for precise action, and pads adapted to sensitive areas. A brief glossary: intonation refers to pitch accuracy, response denotes the ease with which a note "speaks," and tuning indicates the reference pitch (A at 440 or 442 Hz).

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the most out of this A clarinet, you can pair it with Sib/A clarinet compatible consumables and accessories: reeds for Sib/A clarinet, mouthpiece for Sib/A clarinet (with ligature/mouthpiece cap), cork grease for joint maintenance, as well as a swab suited for the bore of a soprano clarinet. A strap or neck cord can also improve comfort, especially during long rehearsals.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	System	Boehm
Tone	A	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	A	Thumb rest	adjustable
Tuning	440/442 Hz	Springs	blued steel
Wood	Grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon)	Pads	leather and cork (chalumeau key)
Bore	historic poly-cylindrical	Barrels	2
Bell	new	Lengths	64 mm and 65 mm
Keys	18	2 barrels	64 mm and 65 mm
Rings	6	Model	RC (family of clarinets with poly-cylindrical bore)
E-flat lever	yes	Redesign	revised version in 2014 (acoustic update and overall intonation)
Keywork finish	silver-plated