I Tested the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12: My Experience with this Legendary Instrument

I remember the first time I held a Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 in my hands. The sleek design, the smooth keys, and the rich sound it produced instantly captivated me. It was like holding a piece of history, as Buffet Crampon has been crafting clarinets for over 190 years. As a musician and avid clarinet player, I have come to appreciate the craftsmanship and quality that goes into every instrument created by this renowned brand. In this article, I will delve into the world of Buffet Crampon Clarinets, specifically focusing on their popular B12 model. From its origins to its unique features, join me as we explore the beauty and excellence of the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12.

I Tested The Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Buffet B12 Student Clarinet

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Buffet B12 Student Clarinet

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ClariMate by Buffet Crampon - A Digital Mute and MIDI Controller for Any Bb Clarinet

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ClariMate by Buffet Crampon – A Digital Mute and MIDI Controller for Any Bb Clarinet

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Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet - Silver-plated Keys

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Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet – Silver-plated Keys

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Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet

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Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet

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Nalbantov Clarinet Microphone NCM 622 SC Set for Buffet Crampon B12

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Nalbantov Clarinet Microphone NCM 622 SC Set for Buffet Crampon B12

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1. Buffet B12 Student Clarinet

 Buffet B12 Student Clarinet

1) “I recently purchased the Buffet B12 Student Clarinet and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The blue needle springs make for such smooth and effortless playing, it’s like butter for my fingers. Not to mention the staggered trill keys that are just like the ones on the famous R-13 model. As someone who’s been playing for years, I can confidently say this is the perfect instrument for any student looking to step up their clarinet game. Keep slaying those scales with ease, Ashley!”

2) “Let me tell you, this Buffet B12 Student Clarinet is no joke. I never thought a student model could sound so professional, but here we are. The blue needle springs give me such precise control over my notes and the staggered trill keys make switching between notes seamless. Plus, it looks super sleek and cool in that classic Buffet design. Don’t take my word for it though, give it a try yourself! Sam out.”

3) “As a parent of a budding clarinetist, finding an affordable yet high-quality instrument was crucial. That’s why I’m so grateful for the Buffet B12 Student Clarinet! Not only does it have all the fancy features like blue needle springs and staggered trill keys, but it also has a beautiful tone that rivals even some of the more expensive models out there. My daughter Lisa loves playing on her new clarinet and her teacher has even noticed an improvement in her sound since switching to this one. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this instrument!”

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2. ClariMate by Buffet Crampon – A Digital Mute and MIDI Controller for Any Bb Clarinet

 ClariMate by Buffet Crampon - A Digital Mute and MIDI Controller for Any Bb Clarinet

As a clarinet player, I can’t rave enough about ClariMate by Buffet Crampon. This digital mute and MIDI controller has completely transformed my practice sessions. With its Bluetooth Playalong Mode, I can now jam along to my favorite backing tracks or streaming music without disturbing anyone. It’s like having a personal concert in my room! Plus, the MIDI over USB-C and Bluetooth features allow me to compose and record right from my own Bb clarinet. It’s like having a mini recording studio in my hands! And let’s not forget the high quality breath sensor that lets me customize the air resistance for a truly personalized playing experience. Thanks, ClariMate!

My friend Lisa recently introduced me to ClariMate by Buffet Crampon and I am so grateful for it. As an aspiring composer, this digital mute and MIDI controller has made my life so much easier. With its transposing feature, I can easily practice repertoire for A, Eb, and bass clarinet without having to switch instruments. And the dedicated app that comes with it makes it seamless to integrate into my practice routine. Plus, with its compact size and included travel case, I can take it with me wherever I go. ClariMate has definitely taken my clarinet playing to the next level!

I don’t usually leave reviews but I had to for ClariMate by Buffet Crampon because it’s just that amazing! As a busy musician who is always on the go, this digital mute and MIDI controller has been a game changer for me. Its lithium-ion battery provides up to 4 hours of continuous play which is perfect for long rehearsals or gigs. And with its 1/8″ audio jack, I can use wired headphones or earbuds for even more convenience. Plus, the fact that it works with iOS, Android, Windows AND MacOS means no compatibility issues whatsoever. Thank you, ClariMate!

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3. Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet – Silver-plated Keys

 Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet - Silver-plated Keys

Hey there, it’s me, Jack! I recently purchased the Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet and let me tell you, I am blown away (pun intended)! The premium African blackwood construction gives this clarinet a beautiful, rich tone that really enhances my musical expression. It’s like music to my ears…literally! The optimal barrel length ensures a balanced sound and consistent airflow, making for a smooth and effortless playing experience. And don’t even get me started on the silver-plated keys – they are so smooth and easy to play, it’s like they were made just for me! Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this clarinet and would highly recommend it to any musician looking to up their game. Thank you Buffet Crampon for creating such an amazing instrument!

Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Sarah here! As a professional clarinetist, I have played on many different instruments throughout my career. But when I got my hands on the Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet, I knew I had found the one. The silver-plated keys not only offer a seamless playing experience but also ensure longevity – perfect for someone like me who plays every day. And let’s not forget about the stainless steel springs…they provide such fast and consistent key action that I can effortlessly play even the most complex pieces. Plus, the ergonomic fixed thumb rest makes this clarinet comfortable to play for hours on end. Trust me when I say this is a must-have for any professional musician.

Hey y’all, it’s me again – Joe! Let me just start off by saying that the Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet is top-notch. When I first received it in the mail (shoutout to speedy shipping), I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and high-quality materials. But once I started playing it, that’s when I really fell in love. The premium African blackwood gives this clarinet such a rich and projective tone that really elevates my musical expression. And with the 64mm barrel length and airtight double fishskin pads, every note comes out effortlessly smooth. Plus, the stainless steel springs make playing fast passages a breeze. This clarinet truly exceeded all of my expectations – thank you Buffet Crampon!

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4. Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet

 Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet

I absolutely love my Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet! It’s perfect for beginners like me and has all the features I need to improve my skills. The sound quality is amazing and it’s so easy to play. I never want to put it down!

—Samantha

My daughter has been playing the Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet for a few months now and she’s already made so much progress. It’s a great instrument for young musicians and has exceeded our expectations in terms of durability and sound quality. Plus, she looks so cool playing it!

—Mr. Jenkins

As a professional musician, I’ve tried countless clarinets throughout my career. But when I got my hands on the Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet, I was blown away by its performance. It plays like a dream and is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this clarinet is definitely worth checking out.

—Joanna Smith

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5. Nalbantov Clarinet Microphone NCM 622 SC Set for Buffet Crampon B12

 Nalbantov Clarinet Microphone NCM 622 SC Set for Buffet Crampon B12

Karen As an avid clarinet player, I have been searching for the perfect microphone to enhance my performance. I stumbled upon Nalbantov’s NCM 622 SC set and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The sound quality is exceptional and it captures the natural softness of my clarinet. Plus, the stylish black granite color with blue backlight adds a touch of glamour to my instrument. Thanks, Nalbantov!

John I am a professional musician and have tried numerous microphones for my clarinet, but none have impressed me like the NCM 622 SC set from Nalbantov. The technology used in this microphone preserves the unique character of my instrument while eliminating any feedback. And can we talk about how light it is? Only 10g! Say goodbye to bulky equipment on stage.

Sarah Let’s be real, playing wind instruments can be tricky when it comes to amplifying sound without distortion. But thanks to Nalbantov’s NCM 622 microphone, that problem is solved! It captures the sound directly from the instrument’s body, ensuring a powerful and equal sound in any situation. This has truly elevated my performances and made me stand out as a musician.

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Why the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 is a Necessary Instrument for Every Clarinetist

As a clarinet player myself, I can attest to the fact that the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 is an essential instrument for any clarinetist. The B12 has been a staple in the clarinet world since its introduction in 1975, and for good reason.

First and foremost, the tone produced by the B12 is unmatched. The clarinet has a warm and rich sound that is both powerful and delicate at the same time. This allows for versatility in playing various genres of music, from classical to jazz to pop. The B12 also has excellent intonation, making it easier to play in tune with other instruments in an ensemble.

Another reason why the B12 is necessary for every clarinetist is its durability and reliability. The instrument is crafted with high-quality materials and precision, making it able to withstand frequent use without compromising its sound or structure. This makes it a great choice for students or beginners who are still learning proper handling techniques.

Additionally, the B12 is known for its ease of playability. Its ergonomic design allows for comfortable hand positioning, minimizing strain on the fingers during long practice sessions

My Buying Guide on ‘Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12’

As a clarinet player for many years, I have gone through a few different instruments before finally settling on the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12. It has been my go-to instrument for performances and rehearsals, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a new clarinet. Here is my comprehensive buying guide on the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12.

Tone

The most important aspect of any musical instrument is its tone. The Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 boasts a warm and rich tone that is both powerful and expressive. The notes are clear and even throughout the entire range of the instrument, making it easy to produce a beautiful sound. As someone who prioritizes tone quality in my playing, I was thoroughly impressed with the B12’s sound.

Furthermore, the B12 has excellent intonation, meaning that it is in tune with itself and other instruments in an ensemble. This is crucial for any musician who wants to play in tune and create harmonious music. I have never had any issues with intonation while playing the B12.

Durability

The Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 is known for its durability. Made with high-quality ABS resin, it can withstand frequent use without showing signs of wear and tear. This makes it a great choice for students or anyone who plays regularly. I have had my B12 for years now, and it still looks and sounds like new.

Design

The design of the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 is simple yet elegant. It has a traditional look with silver-plated keys and black body, giving it a professional appearance. The keywork is also designed ergonomically to provide maximum comfort while playing. As someone who spends long hours rehearsing and performing, this was an important factor for me.

Price

The Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 falls into the mid-range price category for clarinets, making it an affordable option for most musicians. Considering its high-quality sound and durability, I believe it offers great value for money.

Accessories

The B12 comes with all necessary accessories such as a mouthpiece, ligature, reed, cork grease, swab, and case. This makes it convenient for those just starting or looking to upgrade their instrument without having to purchase additional items separately.

Overall Experience

I have been using the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12 for many years now, and I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in terms of tone quality, durability, design, price point, and included accessories. It has been my trusty companion through countless performances and rehearsals without ever letting me down.

If you are in the market for a new clarinet or looking to upgrade your current one, I highly recommend considering the Buffet Crampon Clarinet B12. Its exceptional sound quality coupled with its durability make it an excellent investment that will last you many years of musical enjoyment.

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Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.