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Top-of-the-line Professional Clarinet





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Developed in 1955 by master instrument maker Robert Carree, the Buffet Crampon R13 endures as one of the most popular professional-grade clarinets in the world. Carree is a highly important figure in the history of Buffet Crampon, having created two legendary instruments ? the French bassoon and the Dynaction saxophone ? and revolutionized clarinet design with the poly-cylindrical bore. Unlike a standard conical bore, the R13’s poly-cylindrical bore steps between two bore sizes, resulting in improved intonation as you move between notes. Today, the R13 Prestige reigns supreme among the R13 family. Crafted from seasoned grenadilla, populated with carefully forged and sculpted keywork, and a natural, unstained wood appearance, the R13 Prestige is a showpiece clarinet that dazzles onstage. Like all R13 series clarinets, this professional-class clarinet boasts a rich, warm sound with a centered tone and ample projection. Additionally, its visually stunning and acoustically versatile character shines in numerous musical contexts, from symphonies and chamber orchestras to jazz combos and pop ensembles. Contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today to take your sound to the next level with this celebrated classic!





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Carefully selected, unstained grenadilla body





Buffet Crampon is known for meticulously selecting the finest available wood for its instruments. Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, the wood is then treated to enhance its sonic properties and increase its structural durability. For the R13 Prestige Clarinet, Buffet Crampon uses premium grenadilla that is seasoned to promote stability and prevent cracking. The wood is then carefully polished and left unstained, allowing the wood's natural color to the Buffet Crampon R13’s grenadilla body, barrel, and bell collectively serve as a gorgeous backdrop for the clarinet’s sterling keywork.





Superior keywork by master key makers





Showcasing their skill and dexterity, the key makers at Buffet Crampon poured all of their expertise and artistic dedication into the R13 Prestige clarinet. A total of 18 sculpted keys, forged from copper and silver, urge your fingers to glide upon them, exhibiting incredible fluidity and responsiveness. Fitted with air-tight bladder pads, the R13 Prestige’s keywork ensures crisp, articulate performance to highlight the nuances in your playing. Furthermore, the R13 Prestige is equipped with blue steel flat and needle springs, which are guaranteed to provide smooth and accurate key movement. To facilitate a synergistic relationship with your instrument, the R13 Prestige also includes an adjustable thumb rest that conforms to any hand size.





Buffet Crampon: a tradition of excellence





With an impressive legacy spanning two centuries, Buffet Crampon is one of the world’s most respected and popular makers of woodwind instruments. Buffet Crampon has greatly influenced modern woodwinds through several significant innovations, including the adaptation of Theobald Boehm’s flute fingering system to the clarinet and extending the lower range of the saxophone to Bb. Today, Buffet Crampon continues their tradition of crafting superior quality woodwinds for every level of player, and the company’s clarinets remain the instrument of choice for many top professionals, including Michel Arrignon, Sharon Kam, and Martin Frost.





Buffet Crampon R13 PrestigeProfessional Bb Clarinet Features:


Bb clarinet with Boehm key system, featuring 18 keys and 6 rings


Unstained grenadilla body, barrel, and bell provide a hearty, projective tone


Metal-capped tenons reduce the risk of performance-wrecking cracks


65mm barrel length heightens focus and provides tonal consistency


Smooth-playing silver-plated keys fitted with air-tight bladder pads


Blue steel flat and needle springs provide smooth and accurate key movement


Adjustable thumb rest conforms to any hand size


Standard Eb and Ab levers offer alternate fingerings


Poly-cylindrical bore improves intonation between notes


Includes a high-quality leather case