Best Buffet Crampon Bb Clarinets (Boehm) 2026
Alright, so you're in the market for a Buffet Crampon Bb clarinet? Smart move. These aren't your student-model horns; we're talking about instruments that can handle a serious gig, a demanding recording session, or just the pure joy of exploring the instrument's potential. Choosing the right Buffet can be overwhelming, but let's cut through the noise and figure out what makes them tick - and which model will actually serve your playing.
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Buffet Crampon Prodige Bb-Clarinet 17/6 Set
- • Durable ABS body resists cracking, ideal for student use.
- • Poly-cylindrical bore offers a responsive, focused tone.
- • Blue steel springs provide a lighter, quicker key action.
- • ClariMate mute offers versatile practice options and MIDI connectivity.
- • ABS construction, while durable, lacks the tonal complexity of wood.
- • Included mouthpiece is basic, a future upgrade is likely desired.
- • The ClariMate, while innovative, adds another device to manage.
Buffet Crampon Prodige Bb-Clarinet 17/6 Set
- • Durable ABS body withstands student use and travel well.
- • Poly-cylindrical bore delivers a surprisingly rich, focused tone.
- • Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and responsiveness.
- • Includes a Bari reed and stand, adding immediate value.
- • ABS body, while durable, lacks the tonal complexity of wood.
- • Basic mouthpiece limits advanced players' tonal exploration.
- • Limited key configuration restricts advanced technical passages.
- • Gig bag is functional, but not exceptionally protective.
Buffet Crampon Tosca Bb-Clar. 19/6 Mopane Ltd
- • Rare mopane wood body offers unique resonance
- • 19 keys with six rings provide full flexibility
- • Waterproof GT pads ensure long-term durability
- • Limited edition status signals collector value
- • No mouthpiece included in the box
- • Lack of specific weight data in description
- • Limited edition means higher cost to owner
Buffet Crampon E-13 Bb-Clarinet 18/6 Gig Bag
- • Grenadilla wood body delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and consistent responsiveness.
- • 18 keys and 6 rings provide enhanced intonation and versatility for advanced players.
- • The included gig bag offers excellent protection and convenient transport.
- • The grenadilla wood can be susceptible to temperature and humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- • The silver plating, while durable, will require occasional polishing to prevent tarnish.
- • The 18/6 configuration isn't ideal for beginners; it's geared towards experienced players.
Buffet Crampon E-13 Bb-Clarinet 17/6 Gig Bag
- • Grenadilla wood body offers a warm, focused, and resonant tonal quality.
- • Silver-plated keys provide a smooth, responsive action and excellent durability.
- • The 17-key, 6-ring design provides a slightly more traditional voicing than modern models.
- • Included gig bag offers reliable protection and convenient transport for the instrument.
- • The 17/6 configuration may feel slightly less flexible for advanced players.
- • Grenadilla wood requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking and warping.
- • The silver plating necessitates occasional polishing to prevent tarnish.
Buffet Crampon Tosca Bb-Clarinet 19/6 Mopane
- • Mopane wood offers exceptional warmth and projection.
- • 19/6 key system enhances technical agility and intonation.
- • GT-pads provide reliable, consistent performance and longevity.
- • Polycylindrical bore delivers a focused, responsive tone.
- • Mopane wood, while beautiful, can be more susceptible to humidity changes.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
- • The complex keywork requires careful maintenance and occasional adjustment.
Buffet Crampon Légende Bb-Clarinet Mopane
- • Mopane wood offers a uniquely warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- • Blue steel springs provide exceptional responsiveness and a quick, clean action.
- • GT/cork pad combination ensures optimal breath support and consistent intonation.
- • The included barrels allow for fine-tuning across a range of climates and performance needs.
- • The Mopane wood can be more susceptible to environmental changes than grenadilla.
- • The premium-priced point puts it out of reach for many student or intermediate players.
- • The cylindrical bore, while providing a focused tone, can limit versatility in extreme musical styles.
Buffet Crampon BCXXI Bb-Clarinet 19/6
- • Enhanced low register with full, lively E tone thanks to resonance hole.
- • Improved chalumeau register offers a richer, more consistent tone.
- • Stable and light high register provides effortless playing across the range.
- • Shorter bell allows for improved fundamental pitch accuracy and resonance.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- • Extended lower section may feel slightly unwieldy for smaller hands.
- • Third middle Bb fingering requires adaptation and practice for optimal results.
Buffet Crampon Gala Bb-Clarinet 18/6
- • Grenadilla body delivers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- • Polycylindrical bore promotes even response across the range.
- • 18 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical agility and comfort.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning intonation and timbre.
- • The silver-plated mechanism, while durable, requires regular polishing.
- • Grenadilla wood can be susceptible to humidity changes; care is essential.
- • The Gala sits in a premium-priced bracket, a significant investment.
Buffet Crampon Gala Bb-Clarinet 17/6
- • Grenadilla body offers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- • Polycylindrical bore provides excellent projection and intonation stability.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth action and reliable responsiveness.
- • Includes two barrels for fine-tuning pitch and timbre.
- • The silver plating requires diligent care to prevent tarnish and maintain appearance.
- • Grenadilla, while beautiful, can be susceptible to cracking with extreme temperature changes.
- • The Gala sits in a premium-priced bracket, potentially prohibitive for some students.
Buffet Crampon RC Prestige Bb-Clar 18/6 - NEW
- • Exceptional grenadilla wood delivers a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- • Poly-cylindrical bore promotes effortless response across the range.
- • Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and a bright, responsive feel.
- • Adjustable thumb rest and Eb lever enhance playing comfort and versatility.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- • Grenadilla wood can be sensitive to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- • The silver-plating, while durable, will require occasional polishing to prevent tarnish.
Buffet Crampon Prodige Bb-Clarinet 18/6
- • Durable ABS body resists cracking, ideal for students
- • Poly-cylindrical bore offers a surprisingly warm, responsive tone
- • Blue steel springs provide a lighter, quicker key action
- • Well-matched leather pads ensure reliable sealing and intonation
- • ABS body lacks the tonal complexity of grenadilla wood
- • Included mouthpiece is adequate but a significant upgrade is recommended
- • Silver-plated keys can tarnish, requiring occasional polishing
Buffet Crampon Légende Bb- Clarinet 19/6
- • Exceptional grenadilla wood provides rich, complex tonal color.
- • 19 keys/6 rings offer enhanced technical capabilities and agility.
- • GT-pad system ensures consistent response and long-lasting performance.
- • Adjustable thumb rest and low F# key improve comfort and playability.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
- • Grenadilla wood can be sensitive to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- • Cylindrical bore may not suit players seeking a more 'open' sound.
Buffet Crampon Prodige Bb-Clarinet 17/6
- • Durable ABS body resists cracking and temperature changes.
- • Poly-cylindrical bore offers a responsive, even tone across registers.
- • Blue steel springs provide a lighter, faster action for improved agility.
- • Well-matched leather pads ensure reliable sealing and consistent intonation.
- • ABS body lacks the acoustic richness of traditional wood.
- • Included mouthpiece is serviceable but may limit tonal exploration.
- • Silver-plated keywork requires occasional polishing to prevent tarnish.
Buffet Crampon Divine Bb-Clarinet 19/6
- • Exceptional African blackwood provides a warm, resonant, and complex tone.
- • 19 keys/6 rings offer extended technical capabilities and versatility.
- • Silver-plated keys ensure smooth, responsive action and durability.
- • Dual barrels (65/66mm) allow for fine-tuning of intonation and timbre.
- • The price point places it firmly in the high-end professional category.
- • The blackwood body can be sensitive to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
- • Weight can be a factor for younger or smaller-statured players.
Every bb clarinets (boehm) that matches
29 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Buffet Crampon RC Bb-Clarinet 17/6 | not published | $4,193 |
| 17 | Buffet Crampon E12FL Bb-Clarinet 18/6 | not published | $1,711 |
| 18 | Buffet Crampon E12F Bb-Clarinet 17/6 | not published | $1,493 |
| 19 | Buffet Crampon Tosca Bb-Clarinet 19/6 GL | not published | $7,811 |
| 20 | Buffet Crampon R13 Bb-Clarinet 18/6 | not published | $4,364 |
| 21 | Buffet Crampon R13 Bb-Clarinet 17/6 | not published | $4,078 |
| 22 | Buffet Crampon Tosca Bb-Clarinet 19/6 | not published | $7,811 |
| 23 | Buffet Crampon E-13 Bb-Clarinet 17/6 | not published | $1,836 |
| 24 | Buffet Crampon E-13 Bb-Clarinet 18/6 | not published | $2,033 |
| 25 | Buffet Crampon E-11 Bb-Clarinet 17/6 | not published | $1,148 |
| 26 | Buffet Crampon Festival Bb-Clarinet 19/6 Mop. | not published | $7,122 |
| 27 | Buffet Crampon Festival Bb-Clarinet 18/6 NEW | not published | $5,973 |
| 28 | Buffet Crampon Tradition Bb- Clarinet New | not published | $6,317 |
| 29 | Buffet Crampon RC Bb-Clarinet 18/6 | not published | $4,193 |
Bb Clarinets (Boehm) by the numbers
Measured across all 83 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best Bb Clarinets (Boehm)
Tone
Buffet Crampons are known for that characteristic French warmth, a richness that avoids that brittle, ice-picky edge you sometimes find in other brands. It's not a dark tone, mind you - it's got a depth that allows for incredible dynamic range, from a breathy whisper to a powerful, cutting lead. The 'fat midrange honk' is a real thing, and it's what allows them to cut through a band without sounding harsh.
Mechanical Action
The keywork on a Buffet is generally considered top-notch. The action is smooth and responsive, which means less effort for you and more control over articulation. This is vital for fast passages and complex ornamentation - you don't want the horn fighting you.
Build Quality & Materials
Buffet uses high-quality grenadilla wood, and the precision of their manufacturing is evident in the instrument's stability and intonation. This isn't about flashy aesthetics; it's about an instrument that will last and maintain its playing characteristics for years, even with regular gigging. The pads are critical too - quality pads directly impact the horn's response and tuning stability.
Neck Profile & Adjustability
The neck is a critical component influencing the horn's overall tone and response. Buffet necks are renowned for their comfortable profile and the ability to fine-tune the horn's intonation. A well-adjusted neck is a game-changer for consistent performance and playing comfort.
Headroom & Dynamic Range
A good Buffet doesn't just sound good at one volume; it gives you headroom to explore the full spectrum of dynamics. You need to be able to whisper a delicate phrase and then blast out a powerful solo without the horn sounding choked or breaking up. That's what separates a pro instrument from a student horn.
Buying Guide
Don't be swayed by hype. Entry-level Buffet models (like the Prestige) are solid, but you'll notice the difference in wood quality and refinement as you step up. The real magic happens with the Signature and Legend models - those are where Buffet's heritage truly shines. Be prepared to invest in a good technician for periodic maintenance; even the best horns need adjustments. And listen carefully - intonation can vary slightly between instruments, even within the same model line.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 29 of 83 bb clarinets (boehm) from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
