Modern Flutes
Antique Flutes
Vintage Flutes
Oboes
Rebuilt Bassoons
Piccolos
Clarinets
Antique Clarinets
Alto Saxophones
Other Saxophones
Baritone Saxophones
Special Stuff
Rare solid silver flute from Buffet-Crampon (Paris), number 1074. Head is stamped 'Buffet/Crampon & Cie/Paris/made in/France/LP'. Foot stamp reads 'Buffet/Crampon & Cie/made in/France LP'. Keywork is typical 'plateau' with offset G and range to low C. Tone holes are soldered and all pad washers are original. Enter the serial number below to view specific information pertaining to your flute. For insurance appraisal inquiries, please email julia.viviano@buffetcrampon.com. Please include your current mailing address in your message. Search your instrument. Buffet Crampon has been making clarinets since 1836, although serial number records are only available from 1885 onwards. Until the end of 1927, serial numbers were a mixture of letters and numbers; since then, however, Buffet Crampon has numbered its clarinets in the order that they are made. The Buffet website only really returns the serial numbers of R-13 and other professional clarinets. The BC prefix is just that a prefix. For more info about Buffet and pics of the different models (some, not all) and much more info go here.
MODERN FLUTES
SUPERB VINTAGE POWELL HAND-MADE FLUTE, 14K SOLID GOLD LIP,ALL NEW PADS. #3769 (November, 1972), hand-made, soldered tone-holes best model “pre Wasser” flute. The solid silver tube measures .018 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with in-line G, and soldered tone-holes. With original head section in solid silver with 14K gold lip and riser. A : 440, traditional Powell scale. I've got to say that this is absolutely the finest Powell I've played for a decade. And in that time, I've tested more than one hundred. No jive, the finest for a long time! The sound is full and dark and really a little dirty. I quite like it, would recommend it highly for SOME (not all) super-particular players. But it's heavy. A modern hand-made Powell weighs about 435 grams. This flute is almost a 'Panzerfloete': it's 455 / 456 grams. That means you've really got to spend time with it...just to become accustomed to the mass of the beast. And it's 440 pitch. Not 442. If you're an amateur adult who likes to play with small ensembles and enjoys tooting Bach on week-ends, it's perfect. If you're playing in a pro orchestra that tunes to 442 or higher, this one's definitely not for you. As we understand it, the price of a new Powell with 14K lip and riser, D# roller, is somewhere just below $16,000. Is ours better than a new flute from Powell? We think so! $7,950.00 Flute questions? Write me! Always glad to hear from flute people!
There are loads of Buffet clarinet serial number lists around, rather less info on flute serial numbers. I look after a number of school-based Buffet instruments though, and your serial number falls in amongst the serial number of the flutes I look after. This means your flute is going to date back to the second half of the 1990s. Buffet Crampon clarinets Professional clarinets since 1825, factory established 1850. This list does not include the Evette model clarinets made by Buffet. Note: An F preceeding the serial number indicates a clarinet made at the European pitch standard (A=442 - A=444).
VINTAGE POWELL HAND-MADE FLUTE, 14K SOLID GOLD LIP,ALL NEW PADS,SOLDERED T-HOLES. #2554 (1965), hand-made, soldered tone-holes best model “pre Wasser” flute. The solid silver tube measures .014 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with in-line G, and soldered tone-holes. With head section in solid silver with 14K gold lip and riser. A : 440, traditional Powell scale. As we understand it, the price of a new Powell with 14K lip and riser, is somewhere just below $16,000. Is ours better than a new flute from Powell? We think so! Do I recommend this one? ABSOLUTELY! Pick it up and it sings wonderfully from the first toot! Flute questions? Write me! Always glad to hear from flute people!
RARE & SUPERB PRE-EASTMAN W.S.HAYNES HANDMADE 1972 FLUTE, PERFECTION! William S. Haynes #31,943 (1972), hand-made, best model “Golden Age / pre Eastman Winds” flute. The solid silver tube measures .014 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with LEFT-HAND B foot and soldered tone-holes. Sounding length is 636 mm (A = 440) and the flute now has all new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita.. Embouchure measures 10.2 X 12.1 mm. It’s a fine “fully hand-made” Haynes with French (open) keys and B foot. The flute plays very well. It’s an excellent Haynes that shows superb workmanship and tone-color. 100% MADE IN AMERICA. And... 'Traditional Haynes scale', not 'Cooper Scale' or 'Deveau Scale' or 'Short octave Scale'. This one was built to the A = 440 traditional tuning that was, (still is, among some pro players) the preference of all the professional players. Including Jean-Pierre Rampal....
EXAMPLES OF MODERN FLUTES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Verne Q. Powell #6,273 (1976), hand-made soldered tone-holes best 'pre-Wasser' flute. The solid silver tube measures .014 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with in-line G, and soldered tone-holes. Sounding length is 634 mm (A=442) and the flute now has new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Embouchure measures 10.3 X 12.1 mm. Note please that the top rib is engraved 'Cooper Scale'. It's a fine 'fully hand-made' vintage Powell with French (open) keys and B foot. The original leather-covered case is very good. The flute plays well. It's an excellent vintage Powell that shows superb workmanship and tone-color. New price for a fully hand-made Powell is more than $13,000. This particular instrument plays very well, and is in pristine original condition. Sold. This flute is also available with a second foot, range to low C, by Parmenon (France), soldered tone-holes, full 'hand-made' construction. The keywork matches the Powell keys very well. Price with both C and B foot section.
William S. Haynes, #40,286 (1973), hand-made best model 'pre Eastman Winds' flute. The solid silver tube measures .014 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with inline G and soldered tone-holes. Sounding length is 636 mm (A=440) and the flute now has new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Embouchure measures exactly 10.0 X 12.0 mm. It's a 'fully hand-made' Haynes with French (open) keys and B foot. The original leather-covered case is very good and the flute plays very well. It's an excellent Haynes that shows superb workmanship and tone-color. New price from Haynes is now more than $13,000. This one's a best buy at Sold.
Solid Silver flute from the Boston workshop ot William S. Haynes, #20,269 (1949). The solid silver tube measures .016 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with offset G and extruded tone-holes. Sounding length (with C foot) is 601 mm (A=440) and the flute now has all new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Embouchure measures 10.2 X 12.2 mm. It's a fine 'plateau commercial' Haynes with plateau (covered) keys and C foot. It's an excellent Haynes that shows superb workmanship and tone-color. This instrument was made during the years that the Haynes workshop was owned by the family of William Sherman Haynes. Haynes still makes a fine flute, but some people call these pre-1980 instruments 'Golden Age Haynes'. It comes with a case that is somewhat newer than the flute itself. Sold.
William S. Haynes #37,38x (1969), hand-made, best model 'Golden Age/pre Eastman Winds' flute. The solid silver tube measures .014 inches (body and head). The flute was constructed with inline G, and soldered tone-holes. Sounding length is 636 mm (A=440) and the flute now has new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Embouchure measures 10.0 X 12.2 mm. It's a fine 'fully hand-made' Haynes with French (open) keys and B foot. The leather-covered case is very good and the flute plays very well. It's an excellent Haynes that shows superb workmanship and tone-color. New price from Haynes is now more than $11,000. This one's a best buy at Sold..
Some flute shops do quite a bit of “consignment” selling and that means many of their flutes are sold “as-is, needing repairs”. Our policy is, has been for more than four decades, to offer to our clients ONLY flutes that have been cleaned, dings burnished out, keywork swedged tight and with all new pads and corks. And with our two-year service guarantee, as well.
ALTO AND BASS FLUTES
MODERN FLUTE HEAD SECTIONS
ANTIQUE FLUTES, and/or non Boehm keywork.
SPECIAL BUY - Great Flute Makers of France: the Lot and Godfroy Families, 1650-1900 (pub. 1993). This book, written by Tula Giannini, is an important and original contribution to the history of the flute based on primary source material. It contains 98 b/w plates with over a hundred photos of flutes from public and private collections with 60 illustrations of archival documents. It also contains serial numbers and dates of Louis Lot flutes. This is an excellent reference book for anyone who plays flute, is interested in flutes or who is a collector of flutes. $124.50
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Superb boxwood flute from the French workshop of Jean Baptiste Tabard, made in Lyon circa 1830. Ivory mounts to the boxwood, five well-made silver keys, tuning barrel. Embouchure is original and measures 8.9 X 10 mm. Plays very well at A = 440 pitch, with head section pulled 2 mm. Very fine original example, showing high quality workmanship. $1850.
ANTIQUE FRENCH 5-KEY FLUTE CLAIR GODFROY AINE (PARIS) 1835-1845 Solid silver keywork, dark red wood body, five keys, no cracks to the wood, no ivory. Keys hallmarked with boar's head plus maker's mark. Embouchure measures 9.1 X 10.2 mm. Plays well at 435 or a shade below. Each joint clearly stamped with the maker's name and logo. With serial number. New Pads, tenon cord, key silencer corks. Second quarter 19th. century we believe. This one's being sold with case. VERY good player!
ANTIQUE FRENCH 5-KEY FLUTE FREDERIC ELEANOR GODFROY (PARIS) 1845-1855 Solid nickel keywork, dark red wood body, five keys, no cracks to the wood, no ivory. Embouchure measures 9.1 X 10.4 mm. Plays well at 435 or a shade below. Each joint clearly stamped with the maker's name and logo. No serial number. New Pads, tenon cord, key silencer corks. Circa mid 19th. century we believe. This one's being sold without case. VERY good player!
BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH GOULDING & CO. 1 KEY BOXWOOD FLUTE, 435 PITCH OR A BIT BELOW. Goulding & Co. started business in 1786, according to the books. But the 'Goulding & Co.' stamp soon was replaced with that of Goulding and his various partners. It's pure speculation, but that says to us that the flute is probably pre-1800. Boxwood without cracks, everything quite original. Embouchure measures 8.4 X 9.4 mm and is original. For me, the flute plays well at A = 435 pitch or a bit below, with the head section pushed all the way in. Pull the head 2 mm and it seems to work well at 430 pitch. If Mozart's tuning fork was 422, it would mean you're not too far from his original pipe.
EXAMPLES OF ANTIQUE FLUTES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
BUFFET-CRAMPON. Rosewood or cocuswood cylindrical Boehm-system flute, made in Paris in 1901, #P18xL. French (open) keywork to low C, all keys marked with the French hallmark for sterling silver. Original case; one socket crack to the head has been repaired in our shop, is now invisible. Embouchure is 10.6 X 12.3 mm. Sounding length is 607 mm: built to French 'Diapiason Normale' pitch (A=435), is original in all ways. Mostly known for high quality clarinets, Buffet also produced fine flutes between 1840 and 1920. Sold
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Rare solid silver flute from Buffet-Crampon (Paris), number 1074. Head is stamped 'Buffet/Crampon & Cie/Paris/made in/France/LP'. Foot stamp reads 'Buffet/Crampon & Cie/made in/France LP'. Keywork is typical 'plateau' with offset G and range to low C. Tone holes are soldered and all pad washers are original. Head section is of seamed silver construction, but the seam is not visible on the body or foot sections. Embouchure measures 10.3 X 11.8 mm, is quite square. Current sounding length is 598/599, probably was originally 3 or 4 mm longer. French hallmarks for solid silver are stamped on all key pieces, on the center and foot sections. Also stamped with the initials of Paul Goumas, majority owner of the Buffet-Crampon firm between 1859 and 1885. The tube thickness measures at .012 inches. Pads and corks are new from our shop in Wichita.
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ANTIQUE FLUTES FROM THE “STRADIVARIUS OF FLUTE MAKERS”
SPECIAL BUY - Great Flute Makers of France: the Lot and Godfroy Families, 1650-1900 (pub. 1993). This book, written by Tula Giannini, is an important and original contribution to the history of the flute based on primary source material. It contains 98 b/w plates with over a hundred photos of flutes from public and private collections with 60 illustrations of archival documents. It also contains serial numbers and dates of Louis Lot flutes. This is an excellent reference book for anyone who plays flute, is interested in flutes or who is a collector of flutes. $124.50
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Louis Lot (Paris) #7690, made in 1907. All silver seamed tube construction with maker's marks and French hallmarks on each joint. Sounding length is 599 mm, the embouchure plate is original (with maker's mark and French hallmark) but has been (in our opinion) enlarged to 10.2 x 12.2 mm. Total weight is 412 grams. The head has not been shortened. All pad spuds and washers are Boston style, probably from Haynes, the case is late 20th century; not original. Never 're-tuned' in our opinion. Tube thickness is .0135 inch. Good early 20th century Lot silver flute showing minimal wear to the keywork. $7,500.
EXAMPLES OF VINTAGE FLUTES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
LOUIS LOT FLUTES SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
LOUIS LOT (Paris) serial number 711x, solid silver. Made in 1903. All solid silver, seamed construction with maker's marks and French hallmarks on each joint. Sounding length is 599 mm, the embouchure is original, measures 10.0 x 11.7 mm. The head has not been shortened, the embouchure never enlarged. All pad spuds and washers are original, the case is early 20th century. Never 're-tuned', now with new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Seamed tube construction. Difficult to photograph but definitely seamed on all joints. Superb and early 20th century Lot silver flute showing very minimal wear to the keywork. Tube thickness is .0135 inch. No dents or dings to the tube, but pease note there is a small ding to the far side (not the player's side) of the embouchure plate. The flute plays so well as it is that we've elected to leave this minor issue alone. We could burnish it out, but it would necessitate removal and re-solder of the embouchure plate. We don't advise that! Sold.
LOUIS LOT (Paris), vintage flute #5650, made in 1894. All silver, seamed construction with multiple maker's marks and French hallmarks on each joint and on all keys. Sounding length is 640 mm (B foot) the solid gold embouchure could be a replacement (David Shorey insisted it was from the Lot workshop, but from a later time-period; the fact that the embouchure fits the tube perfectly is evidence that it may be original) and measures 10.0 X 12.1 mm. The original. Never 're-tuned', with pads and corks that appear to be new. Seamed tube construction. Superb and clean late 19th century Lot silver flute showing minimal wear to the keywork. Gold cartouche to the receiver, French (open) keywork with B foot. Tube thickness is .014 inch. Sold.
LOUIS LOT (Paris) serial number 264x, solid silver. Sounding length is 603 mm; embouchure is original, measures 9.9 X 11.7 mm. C/B-natural trill. Teardrop D# key, flat on the lower side. Silver hallmarks + maker's marks on the tube (lower ring of the foot) and also on the head-receiver of the body. No hallmarks to the head or the lip plate. Four adjusting screws. Acquired by us with all original pads. No wear to the keywork, the hinge-tube of the D# key still very tight. Original case is very good. Sold.
LOUIS LOT (Paris), #250x, made in 1878. All solid silver, seamed construction. Sounding length is 603 mm, the embouchure is original and 10.0 x 11.7 mm. The head has not been cut shorter, the embouchure has not been enlarged. All pad spuds and washers are original, the case is original and close to being perfect. Never “re-tuned”, now with new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Seamed tube construction. Superb and clean 1878 Lot silver flute showing NO wear to the keywork. Tube thickness is .014 inch. There are no repair patches nor thin spots to the tube. Keywork actually shows no wear at all, with very sharp key-arms and pad-cups. The flute appears to have been played very little in the past 134 years. The flute has recently had all pads and corks replaced in our shop in Wichita. Over the past decades, our small company has sold more than two-hundred vintage French flutes. We have a reputation for high quality repair and restoration work on instruments of this type. Having examined many Old French flutes over the past decades, we are confident that the body and foot section of the flute are indeed original and from the Louis Lot workshop. This particular flute plays easily to low C, has the “old French” tone-color. Please note that we may decline selling this particular instrument to any person whom we believe might want to “re-tune” it, cut it to pieces or use it for repair parts. We do not agree with “re-tuning”, re-positioning tone-holes or in cutting the tube or altering the keywork. Original Louis Lot flutes have become very rare and we believe it is ethically ill-advised to destroy them. Sold
LOUIS LOT (Paris), #397x, made in 1883. All silver, seamed construction with maker’s marks and French hallmarks on each joint and on all keys. Sounding length is 601 mm, the embouchure is original and 10.0 x 12.0 mm. The head has not been shortened, the embouchure never enlarged. All pad spuds and washers are original, the case is 19th. century, probably original. Never “re-tuned”, now with new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Seamed tube construction. Superb and clean turn of the century Lot silver flute showing minimal wear to the keywork. Tube thickness is .0135 inch. Sold
USED OBOES
Good SELMER USA model 1492 oboe . It's a basic, durable, reliable student oboe from Selmer-USA. The simple, basic keywork is silver plated. No worn spots to the silver plating on this one - it looks almost new. The cork pads will last a long time! Indestructible resonite plastic body means no worry about cracks. With good original case. Absolutely the correct instrument for a young student who's learning to play and take care of an oboe! Ready to play, two year service warranty from Wichita Band. Retail price for a new one is $2778. Starting price for this one is only $895.
USED OBOES/ENGLISH HORNS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT CO.:
Good and extra-clean oboe from the Selmer-USA workshops, 'model 104'. Our instrument wears serial number F514X, probably dates from the mid-1970's. It's come to us in good original condition, now has all new pads and corks (from our shop in Wichita), as well as a new case. Plastic body, full conservatory keywork, including low B/C# trill, forked E-flat, left-hand F key. Acoustically well-designed, with good scale and voice. 100% made in America, this one's a best buy at Sold.
SOME GOOD REBUILT BASSOONS
New Heckel Bocals: Yes, they're expensive, but they are the best! PLEASE CALL (price subject to change depending upon exchange rate)
ANTIQUE HECKEL BASSOON, PRE-1900, NEW PADS, CLEAN, DECORATION? ORIG MUSIC GROUP? Wilhelm Heckel, antique bassoon, serial #3610, made in Biebrich in 1891. The instrument came to us wearing a horrible 1950's acrylic lacquer that was chipping off everywhere. We've removed the plastic stuff (most was flaking off anyhow...), have applied a thin coat of a dark red oil stain. Keywork is badly worn, the G key-touch with a cap atop the old touch. The low C# and D# key-touches show heavy wear. Actually, worn keywork can be an indication that a wind instrument is of quality. Keys on lemons don't get worn out.... The wing is hard-rubber lined, as is the top half of the boot. Wood's actually in decent condition, the tenons still original. Small tenon on the long joint has a chip out of it. There was a very feeble attempt, half a century ago or more, to fit the instrument with a whisper-key. The work was of poor quality, put together with brass rod that appears to have come from a plumbing shop. It's been removed, discarded and the holes plugged. Two bocals from the same time-period, no stamped name, NOT by Heckel. One's longer than the other, works well at 435 pitch. The shorter bocal plays pretty close to 440. Bell is 348 mm long, bottom of the socket-cap to the end of the missing bell ring. Long joint is 655 mm long. Wing is 516 mm long, does not appear to have been otherwise altered or shortened. Boot is 410 mm long. Times two, of course. Perfect for an original instrument ensemble, those playing music of the second half of the 19th. century, I mean. Sold
EXAMPLES OF BASSOONS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Good German bassoon 'Miraphone' made by Wenzel Schreiber & Sons. Serial number 2091 (mid-1970's). Similar to Schreiber's model 'S-56' with silver plated keywork and original high D. Pads and corks are new. This instrument has 95% original varnish, no cracks or damage to the wood, some varnish touch up in our shop. Minimal wear to the silver plated keys. Brass end-caps on the two small tenons and the large tenon of the long joint. The boot sockets also wear brass inserts. Tone hole liners/water tubes to the wing joint. Price includes a new case and two Schreiber bocals. This one's a good example with a two year service warranty from Wichita Band and a 'best buy' price of Sold.
Rare German bassoon from the Reinhold Lange workshop in Biebrich, serial number 1907, made before 1930. Lange was a professional musician in Wiesbaden who worked, for a time, at the Heckel factory. He eventually hired several of Heckel’s employees and set up his own shop, just down the road from Heckel. The particular instrument has come to us in very good original condition, with a rich dark-red varnish (50% original), no cracks or damage to the wood and one pre-1930 bocal stamped “R. Lange / Wiesbaden / 01”. Keywork is “simple system Heckel” (with original high D) without whisper key, without E-F# trill on the wing and no ring-keys to the boot section. Original case is very good. Definitely not for everybody, but for those wanting the tone-color of a pre-war Heckel bassoon, but for a much lower price, this is one to consider. Lange died in 1905, the company was taken over by one of his workers who produced woodwind instruments until 1945. Rare vintage bassoon of very high quality. Sold.
Good German bassoon from Wenzel Schreiber & Sons, model 'S-58'. Serial #24,413 (1984) on wing and long joint and serial number 18,218 (1978) on the bell and boot sections. The instrument has 95% original varnish, no cracks or damage to the wood. Keys are silver plated and all pads and corks are new. Does have high D and alternate Eb on the wing joint plus additional rollers (Bb/2 X E key/F#) on the boot. Brass end-caps on the two small tenons and the boot sockets also wear brass inserts. Tone-hole liners/water tubes to the wing joint. Price includes new 'Pro-Tech' case and two bocals. This one's a good example with a 'best buy' price of Sold.
ALL BASSOONS (and other winds) sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company (new or used) come with our 24 month service warranty. We always, always replace all pads & corks and mechanically rebuild the instrument to 'like new' specs. Bassoons are expensive and used instruments often represent good value. Why buy a new one?
MODERN AND VINTAGE PICCOLOS
Sorry! No piccolo's available at this time. Please check back.
EXAMPLES OF PICCOLOS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Original rosewood piccolo from the Paris workshop of Louis Lot, key of D-flat, probably from the first quarter of the 20th. century. As typical of early piccolos, this instrument has no serial number. Which means it's difficult to put an exact date to this particular piccolo. Our best educated guess is that the picc dates from 1900 to 1925. Definitely NOT an 'S.M.L. Lot'. Sounding length (conical bore, so it's easy to be confused) is 253 mm. Embouchure measures 9.9 X 10.5 mm. It's basically perfect. No cracks, no alterations. Keywork is silver plated, no worn spots anywhere. Pads are all cork. Case is leather, original and is in like-new condition. Sold.
USED AND VINTAGE CLARINETS
A BIT OF BUFFET HISTORY
Founded in 1839 by Jean-Louis Buffet-Crampon, Buffet clarinets soon became the choice of the majority of the world’s professional players. By 1900, Buffet had a workforce of 200 craftsmen, producing clarinets, flutes and saxophones, all of high quality.
Paul Evette and Ernest Schaeffer bought the firm in 1885. “Evette and Schaeffer” clarinets were the “step up” instruments from Buffet until about 1980. A public corporation since 1929, the company was absorbed into the Boosey-Hawkes conglomerate in 1981.
Instruments made between 1935 and 1980 are considered by many to be the very best of Buffet’s production. The American investor Martin Tolchin bought Buffet in the early 1970’s. He was aware of the fact that not all clarinet players agreed on the tone-color of their instrument, so the “R-13” model was soon joined by the “Continentale”, the “S-1”, the “BC-20” and later the “RC”. All have subtle differences, all are considered to be “top of the line” equals. Before 1980, the Buffet name was only engraved on their best clarinets: the “step up” and student quality instruments were stamped “Evette & Schaeffer” or “Evette”. Today, the Buffet name and logo are engraved on the entire line of Buffet instruments, from the least expensive plastic to the very best clarinets.
Wichita Band Instrument Company has sold new and used clarinets from Buffet-Crampon since 1954. Clarinets acquired by us are always crack-free, wear our new pads and corks and carry our two-year service warranty.
Buffet was until several years ago a part of the Boosey-Hawkes Musical Instrument Company of London. They are now owned by a group of French investors.
Wichita Band’s clarinet warranty is the same as it’s been for more than three decades: “All new and used clarinets sold by us come with our 24-month service warranty, which is in addition to any factory warranties. For two full years, we will repair or replace (whichever in our estimation is the more advisable), any pads, corks, springs or other parts required, at no charge to the customer. In the event of cracked or damaged wood sections, we will repair at no cost to the customer or replace the section and charge the customer only for our costs (wholesale) for the parts. The customer is responsible for shipping costs. Cases and plating finishes are, unfortunately, not covered by our warranty.”
SPECIAL BUY - COLOR HARDBOUND CATALOG OF THE SHACKLETON CLARINET COLLECTION. This catalogue documents the achievement of the late Sir Nicholas Shackleton (1937-2006) in assembling one of the world's finest collections of musical instruments. The Sir Nicholas Shackleton Collection, brought together over a 40-year period, was bequeathed to the University of Edinburgh where it is maintained as resource for learning and research. The bound tome of over 800 pages gives detailed descriptions of over 900 instruments and related items and is illustrated by over 1000 full color illustrations. The clarinets (which constitute the main emphasis of the collection) span a 250-year period and range from contrabasses up to the smallest regularly-used clarinets (in high A). All the major instrument-making regions of the world are represented. A major strength of the Collection is the comprehensive coverage of the amazing variety of keywork systems invented to address the problems in clarinet design. The text has been prepared by a team of authors, the principal author, Heike Fricke, having written the descriptions of the clarinet family instruments. The book is lavishly illustrated by photographs taken specifically by Dr Raymond Parks, Honorary Curator of the Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. $159.
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RECONDITIONED MODERN BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINETS:
EXTRA-CLEAN 1955 R-13 BUFFET-CRAMPON (Paris) CLARINET,ALL NEW PADS,NO CRACKS! #F51,206, made in France in late 1955. It’s a good example from Buffet’s “Golden Era”. The silver plate is new, as the instrument came to us with unplated nickel-silver keys. No cracks to the wood, tenons very sharp, no wear to the keys. All new pads & corks and a rich tone-color. This one’s a superb player with perfect intonation, made in France in a very good year. $2250. (“F” before serial # indicates 65 mm barrel. All other measurements the same as a modern R-13.)
BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINET model R13 made in France in 1959, NEW PADS, WARRANTY! #F62,227, made in France It's a superb example from Buffet's 'Golden Era'. The silver plate is new, as the instrument came to us with unplated nickel-silver keys. Excellent wood, no cracks, tenons very sharp, no wear to the keys. All new pads & corks and a rich tone-color. This clarinet is a superb player with perfect intonation, made in France in a very good year. All parts are original. The original barrel measures 65 mm. Originally sold in Canada, acquired by us from an individual in Oregon. We have complete history of all owners since new! With Wichita Band's two-year service warranty and our recommendation. This is as fine a clarinet as one could ever find, better than a new one, in our opinion! $2250.
BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINET model R13 R-13 made in France in 1968, NEW PADS! #100,622, made in France It's a very clean example from Buffet's 'Golden Era'. Good original nickel plate, no worn spots to the plating. No cracks to the wood, tenons very sharp, no wear to the keys. All new pads and corks and a rich tone-color. This one's a superb player with perfect intonation, made in France in a very good year. The original case is in good condition with latches and hinges that function perfectly and very clean interior with no odor. With new fleece-lined cordura case cover. It's a good 'pre-Boosey' example with our full recommendation! With Wichita Band's two-year service warranty. $2250
BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINET model R13 made in France in 1996, NEW PADS, WARRANTY! #396,550, made in France in 1996. It's a superb example from from the mid-1990's that looks like it's been played very little. The original nickel plating is close to perfect, no worn spots anywhere. Excellent wood, no cracks, tenons very sharp, no wear to the keys. 100% all new pads & corks from our shop in Wichita. This one came to us totally original. The price includes a new compact case with cover and a special 'Richard Hawkins' mouthpiece. With Wichita Band's two-year service warranty. This one's a best buy at $2245.
RECONDITIONED VINTAGE (PRE-1950) BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINETS:
RARE EARLY R-13 BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINET NO CRACKS, NEW PADS, EXTRA-CLEAN! BUFFET-CRAMPON clarinet, model R-13 KEY OF Bb, #29,025 made in France in 1947. It’s an extra clean and superb little-used example from Buffet’s “Golden Era”. Keywork shows minimal wear to the rings andi hinge-tubes. No cracks to the wood, new pads & corks from our shop in Wichita. New silver plate to the keywork, absolutely NO wear to the plating. It’s the clarinet that made Buffet famous, with superb wood quality and a rich tone-color. With good original French case or new case. See photos, please! Your choice of new VanDoren mouthpiece, also. I've put a B-45 with it that seems to work very well. Very good player from a very good year. $2350
BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb CLARINET model 13 made in France in 1939, NEW PADS, WARRANTY! #26,060, made in France in 1939. It’s an absolutely perfect and little-used example from Buffet’s “Golden Era”. Note the superb quality of the wood, with very fine, tight grain. No stain or dyes, just superb African Grenadilla wood of a quality not available in later years. Keywork shows no wear to the rings and hinge-tubes and the silver plate is new. No cracks to the wood, new pads & corks, superb wood quality and a rich tone-color. All tenons are still very sharp. The clarinet is being sold with the original mouthpiece (superior quality in these years), a new Vandoren Optimum ligature, and a new pochette case. In our opinion, this particular clarinet is as fine an instrument as you'd find anywhere. With Wichita Band's two-year service warranty. $1945
SUPERB 1937 BUFFET-CRAMPON (Paris) 'MODELE 13' CLARINET, NEW PADS, NO CRACKS! #23,104, made in France in 1937. It’s an extra fine and little-used example from Buffet’s “Golden Era”. Keywork shows minimal wear to the rings and hinge-tubes and the silver plate is new. The instrument came to us with unplated nickel-silver keys that we've lightly polished, have had Anderson Plating (Indiana) silver plate with heavy new silver. No cracks to the wood, new pads & corks wood quality and a rich tone-color. Dark and dense grenadilla that today, is nearly impossible to find. $1945
SUPERB VINTAGE 1912 BUFFET-CRAMPON (Paris) CLARINET, no cracks, ALL new pads! 826-G1, made in France in 1912. It's not for everybody, though. Length from bell ring to top of the barrel is 602 mm and that's TWO mm longer than a new A = 440 Buffet-Crampon R-13. And that means you've got to either use a mouthpiece that's one or two mm shorter or a 65 mm barrel or (best yet) have strong chops. Our friend who recently tried this clarinet had NO problem playing at 440.....even checked it with a tuner. Not 442, though.... 440 or a bit lower, depending on how strong is your embouchure. Keywork is silver plated and isn't worn at all. Rings are still very good,not dished-out. Original case is perfect. Not for everybody, in our opinion. It's a truly wonderful and superb instrument, but if you show up in a high school band room with this one, the music director might just get red in the face. $1295
RECONDITIONED VINTAGE AND MODERN Bb CLARINETS:
H.SELMER-PARIS 'CENTERED TONE' 1953 VINTAGE CLARINET, ALL NEW PADS, WARRANTY! #P5463, made in France in 1953. It’s a good and little-used example from Selmer’s “Goodman Era”. Keywork shows minimal wear to the rings and hinge-tubes. The instrument came to us with unplated nickel silver keys. NO cracks, no damage, totally original, clean, very good example. Original mouthpiece and case are nearly perfect. 100% new pads & corks, superb wood quality and a rich tone color. Starting in the mid-thirties, Selmer's French clarinets were made with a little wider bore than before and than after. Supposedly influenced by Swing Era Benny Goodman, the boys in Paris decided to make their best clarinets just a little wider. If you want to know what they had in mind, punch up 'Goodman 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert', the absolutely brilliant playing of Benny and his band. Or, for that matter, listen to any of Glenn Miller's original recordings. His lead alto player turned into a clarinettist, using a Selmer wide-bore instrument. The tone mixed very well indeed. But the Goodman concert's better...in my opinion. With Wichita Band's two-year service warranty. $1595
H.SELMER-PARIS 'K-SERIES' PRE-1930 VINTAGE CLARINET, ALL NEW PADS, NO CRACKS. made in France 1928 - 1930 . Definitely NOT one of Selmer’s “Goodman Era” clarinets. Hard to read the serial number (see photo), but the 'K' is visible. Judging from the register-key spout and the thumb-rest, I'm guessing it dates from 1928 - 1930, but it might be a bit older. This one came to us missing the original bell. Deep in the reserve section of our repair shop, I've located an original 1940's bell that seems to work well with this clarinet. The bell came to us from a shop in France that's no longer in business. It's never been sold (the bell, I mean), but is not the original bell. Barrel is amusingly short, at 60 mm. For me, the clarinet plays much better with a 1990's 10S barrel that's 66 mm long. Or....use the original 60 mm barrel and 4 or 5 mm of tuning rings. Keys are original solid nickel-silver, no nickel plate, no silver plate. Rings show some wear, but hinge-tubes have been swedged tight and work well. Middle tenon is tight, no wiggle. Case is a Selmer 'Chesterfield' from the fifties. Zip still works well. No cracks to the wood. Now about bore size.... I've carefully measured the bore of the top joint, find it ABSOLUTELY IDENTICAL to a modern R-13 Buffet B-flat. NOT a 'big bore' clarinet. Virtually identical to the K-series that was used by the fellow who gave me clarinet lessons, back in the 1950's. He thought the K-series Selmers were the best clarinets made....ever. Good modern Selmer mouthpiece with it. $1495
Please call and ask if you have questions about A, Eb or Sopranino Clarinets.
ALTO AND CONTRA ALTO CLARINETS
Please check back later.
BASS CLARINETS
Please check back later.
CONTRABASS CLARINETS
Please check back later.
VINTAGE AND MODERN Bb CLARINETS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
BUFFET-CRAMPON B-flat clarinet 'model R13', #35,845 made in France in late 1950. It's a good and little-used example from Buffet's 'Post-war Golden Era'. Keywork shows minimal wear to the rings and hinge-tubes. Keywork is original solid nickel-silver, new silver plate. No cracks to the wood, all new pads, the wood of dark and dense quality that produces a rich tone-color. In our opinion, this particular clarinet is as fine an instrument as you'd find anywhere. With 65 mm barrel, and new case. Far superior, in our estimation, to a new one. Sold.
Superb BUFFET-CRAMPON R-13, Bb Clarinet. Serial number 209,989, made in France in 1980. It's an extra clean and superb example from Buffet's 'Golden Era', just a year before Boosey-Hawkes absorbed Buffet. Keywork shows minimal wear to the rings and hinge-tubes. The original nickel plating on the keys is in excellent condition. There are no cracks to the wood plus all new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. It's the clarinet that made Buffet famous, with superb wood quality and a rich tone color. In our opinion, this particular clarinet is just about as fine an instrument as you'd find anywhere. Better than a new one? Well, yes...in our opinion. Sold.
BUFFET-CRAMPON “Model R13”, #30,042 made in France in 1947. Keywork shows minimal wear. The clarinet came to us with unplated nickel-alloy normal keywork. We've had all keys bright silver plated. No cracks to the wood, 100 % all new pads & corks wood quality and a rich tone-color. This particular clarinet is just about as fine an instrument as you’d find anywhere. All parts are original. This is a really fine clarinet, far better, we believe, than anything made in France today. Sold.
BUFFET-CRAMPON Bb clarinet 'modele 13', #20,704, made in France in 1936. Beautiful dark and dense wood, close grain, sharp tenons, never any damage or wear pattern of any kind. No cracks to the wood. 100% all new pads and corks from our Wichita workshop. Originally furnished with unplated nickel alloy keywork, now with new bright silver to all keys. Superb vintage instrument! Comes with a new case and case cover. Of course, it also has our two year service warranty. Sold.
H. Slemer (Paris) clarinet in the key of Bb, 'Centered Tone' model, #R1452 (1954). It's a fine Golden Era Selmer-Paris clarinet, with normal Boehm-system keywork. Absolutely no cracks to the wood, all new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Bore size is a bit wider than modern Selmer or Buffet clarinets, the tone-color warmer and darker. Top recommendation on this one! $1450 with good original Selmer 'Chesterfield' zipper case and Selmer HS-star mouthpiece.Sold.
CLARINETS IN A RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
RARE CLARINET IN THE KEY OF A FROM THE A. ROBERT WORKSHOP (PARIS), serial number 1149. Made in France in the first quarter of the 20th century. Robert was the successor to Claude Rive, the small company having earned a reputation for clarinets and flutes of the highest quality. This superb instrument has come to us with no cracks to the wood, now with new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Originally without plating to the nickel-alloy keywork, we've lightly polished the keys and have had new silver plate applied. It's a quite rare instrument with superb wood quality and a rich tone-color. Comes with a double case. We've been told that the late Stan Hasty (1920-2011)-ex Eastman School of Music and ex Cleveland Orchestra, used (for a time) a set of Robert clarinets. Sold. (Total length, bell ring to top of barrel is 639 mm).
BUFFET-CRAMPON A Clarinet, Model R-13A, #343,918 made in France in 1991. It's an extra clean and superb little-used example from Buffet's 'Golden Era'. Silver-plated keywork shows minimal wear to the rings and hinge-tubes. The original silver plate is perfect. No cracks to the wood, new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. It's the clarinet that made Buffet famous, with superb wood quality and a rich tone-color. Total length, bell ring to top of barrel is 635 mm. Note: barrel length is 65 mm. Comes with original double case and case cover. Sold.
Eb CLARINETS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Excellent LeBlanc-Noblet French Wood Alto Clarinet, serial #5931, built in 1971. Range is, as you can see in the photos, to low E-flat. No dents or damage to the neck and bell. The original nickel plated keywork is absolutely perfect. All pads and corks are new, white kid, from our shop in Wichita. No cracks to the wood. We recommend this one for the serious amateur player. It comes with clean and solid original case, good original French mouthpiece. Sold.
LeBlanc-Paris model 420 wood ALTO clarinet, #6795, made in France in 1979. No cracks to the wood, new case, all new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. No wear to the nickel plating, good player, LeBlanc's best model. This one's a best buy at Sold.
BASS CLARINETS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Superb LeBlanc French Wood Bass Clarinet, Model 400. Made in Lecouture (west of Paris) in 1978. Serial number is 14,942. Very good player, with a rich and full lower register. The original nickel plated keywork is almost perfect, showing minimal wear. All pads and corks are new from our shop in Wichita. Your choice of Charles Bay neck or traditional LeBlanc neck. Comes in a new case with a Vandoren mouthpiece. This is a very clean example. Sold.
LeBlanc-Noblet model 60 wood Bass clarinet, #7069, made in France in the LaCouture workshop that's now owned by Buffet-Crampon. Good nickel plate to the keywork, no cracks to the wood, new mouthpiece, new case, 100% all new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita, no dents or damage to the neck or bell. Range is to low E-flat. It's a very clean and original example, fully reconditioned by our shop. No cracks, no damage. A similar instrument is still in production, now manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana in the Conn-Selmer plant. Retail price on a new one is now $8407. This one's truly a best buy, and better than a new one, in our opinion. Sold.
Superb LeBlanc French wood Bass clarinet, model 400, serial number 12,947. Made in Lecouture (west of Paris) in 1978. Very good player with a rich and full lower register. The original nickel plated keywork is almost perfect showing minimal wear. All pads and corks are new from our shop in Wichita. This is a very clean example, fully reconditioned by our shop, no cracks and damage free. New pads and corks. Range is to low E-flat. Your choice of Charles Bay neck or traditional LeBlanc neck. Vandoren mouthpiece, new case, and our two year service warranty included. Sold.
CONTRABASS CLARINETS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT CO.
LeBlanc “long and thin” metal BBb CONTRABASS clarinet, #56x, made in France in the eighties (?). Range is to low E-flat. Never owned by a school, it's a very clean and original example, fully reconditioned by our shop, 100% all new pads and corks, 100% original nickel plate, never any dents or dings and with good original mouthpiece and case. No longer in production in France, with promises from Elkhart for them to eventually again be built in America. Arguably one of the finest BBb contras ever made, this ones Sold..
LeBlanc model 340 metal BBb Contrabass Clarinet, #216x, made in France in 1972. Range is to low C. It's a clean and original example, fully reconditioned by our shop, 100% all new pads and corks, 100% original nickel plate, no dents or dings and with good mouthpiece and soild case. no longer in production in France, with promises from Elkhart for them to eventually again be built in America. Arguably the finest BBb contra ever made. Sold
Here’s what we do to all the used clarinets we sell:
The instrument is taken apart and everything washed clean. We don’t believe in chemical dips, but do use plenty of soap and water! All wood parts are inspected for checks and damage, polished and then soaked in oil for three days. After the body-shop work’s been completed, we swedge hinge-tubes tight again and re-fit to the clarinet body. Finally, pads and corks are replaced and the instrument play-tested. Most customers tell us that our clarinets are then actually “mechanically better than new”.
Wichita Band’s service warranty is the same as it’s been for more than thirty years:
“ALL new and all used instruments sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company come with our 24 month service warranty. It’s in addition to any factory guarantees. For two full years, we will repair or replace (whichever in our estimation is the more advisable), pads, corks, springs or other parts required, at no charge to the customer. In the event of cracked or damaged wood sections, we will repair at no cost to the customer or replace the section and charge the customer only for our net costs for the replacement section. Often, wood replacement parts are supplied from the manufacturer at no charge. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance charges. Cases and plating finishes are not covered by our service warranty but are sometimes covered by factory guarantees.”
Wichita Band Instrument Company maintains a repair department capable of restoration work of the highest quality. Even though repairs are essentially “free” for the first two years, after that period has expired, we remain at your service to maintain and repair your musical equipment forever. It’s our “service after the sale” promise and has been since 1953!
ANTIQUE, ALBERT SYSTEM, OEHLER SYSTEM, METAL, AND OTHER ODD CLARINETS. Please ask about availability.
Rare clarinet made in Elkhart in 1928 by C.G. Conn, Ltd. Serial #B216,22xL. The instrument has come to us in very good original condition, with normal seventeen key/six ring Boehm system keywork. It's been played very little in the past 78 years. Body is silver plated over nickel-silver alloy and all pads & corks are new, from our shop in Wichita. In 1928, this was Conn's 'Top of the Line' clarinet. Five piece model, even the bell section screws off. Rare, good player. $1095.
Good American C.G. Conn, Ltd., 'Albert System' clarinet, made in Elkhart in 1919, bearing the serial number B5349xL. The body, bell and barrel are all of ebonite, the clarinet has 14 keys, five rings, four rollers. Original nickel-silver keys are tight and without wear, all pads and corks are new. The original case is in fine condition and the clarinet comes with the original Conn mouthpiece. Good player, not expensive at $1050.
Rare French C clarinet, faintly stamped “Daniel”. Dark rosewood body, thirteen nickel-silver “salt spoon” keys, two rings. Barrel and top joint are all one piece. No cracks to the wood, original mouthpiece. The name “Daniel” probably refers to the dealer who sold the clarinet rather than the maker. Perhaps from the Gautrot / Couesnon company, pre 1900. Good example, new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. Perfect for Dixieland or Klezmer. $1050
German clarinet from Gustav Mollenhauer, made in Kassel, probably before 1940. The Oehler-system keywork has 17 keys and five rings. Four rollers on the bottom joint. Top and bottom joints and bell are stamped with the maker’s name and logo. Mouthpiece and two barrel sections are stamped “G. Mollenhauer u. Soehne, Kassel”. Keywork is silver plated, very original. Serial number 3221X on the body (top and bottom joints) and on both barrels. Original mouthpiece is stamped 2233 on the table. Original case, new pads and corks from our shop in Wichita. The instrument play well at A = 442 pitch. $2150
ANTIQUE, ALBERT SYSTEM, OEHLER SYSTEM, METAL, AND OTHER ODD CLARINETS RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT CO.
Good German clarinet from the workshop of G.H. Hueller in Schoeneck, the body of dark rosewood. 17 nickel-silver keys, six rings. Could be called a “full Albert system”, but more accurately “Oehler system” clarinet. No cracks to the wood, all parts original. Maker’s stamp to bell, top and bottom joints, no stamp to the barrel or mouthpiece. Probably dates from the late 1930’s, plays very well at A = 440 pitch. Sold.
Grenadilla or rosewood clarinet in B-flat by William Meinl, made in New York about 1920. Fifteen nickel-silver keys, five rings, five black rollers. The bell section is from the same time period, but by Penzel Mueller. This is a good 'late Albert' B-flat that's come to us in very good condition. Sold.
German clarinet from the workshop of Carl Kruspe, made in Erfurt about 1930. It's come to us in good original condition, with unplated nickel-silver keywork. A small surface crack to the top joint has been banded and is now invisible. We've replaced all pads and corks in our shop in Wichita. Lower and upper joints plus bell section are all stamped 'CK (plus butterfly logo)/C. Kruspe/Erfurt/B/*/2'. No engraving to the barrel section. No serial number found. Thirteen keys and two rings, no rollers. According to the Langwill Index, '...the 'System Kruspe clarinet' became the model most used in Germany...' This particular instrument came to us from a country auction in France. We believe it was left behind when the German occupiers went home in 1944. Richard Muelfeld, the clarinet player for whom Johannes Brahms composed the two sonateas, the quintet and the trio, preferred the clarinets of Carl Kruspe above all others. Rare, not for everybody, this one's Sold.
Fine French Bb clarinet, non-Boehm 'Albert' keywork, from the Couesnon workshops, made in Paris about 1910. 13 'salt-spoon' keys, no rings. Very good condition with no cracks to the wood; no damage of any kind. The wood is ebony; not grenadilla. See Couesnon's 1913 catalog showing this one as their model number 180. Good player, perfect for Dixieland or Klezmer. New pads and corks, of course. Sold.
Rare clarinet in the key of C, made in Elkhart in 1923 by C. G. Conn, Ltd. Serial #C10821xL. The instrument has come to us in nearly pristine condition, with normal seventeen key / six ring Boehm system keywork. It’s been played very little in the past 83 years, still even has the original guarantee letter with it. Body is of ebonite (“hard rubber”) and all pads & corks are new, from our shop in Wichita. The original case is perfect. Rare, good player, not expensive. Sold
Boxwood and ivory C clarinet by Wood and Ivy, made in London between 1837 and 1847. Eight round and flat brass keys, heavy ivory mounts. The instrument is superb original condition and plays very well. No cracks to the boxwood, no cracks or damage to the original ivory. The ebonite C-clarinet mouthpiece is probably from the late 19th / early 20th century. Barrel, top and lower joints all are engraved “Wood & Ivy”. Bell is engraved “Wood & Ivy / late / Geo. Wood / New Compton Strt. / 50 / Soho / London”. Tenons are original, not cut shorter, no cracks or damage to the wood nor the ivory. Intonation is very good at A = 435 / 438 pitch. Total length, bell ring to tip of mouthpiece = 591 mm. Sold
Boxwood A-clarinet, made in Germany, circa 1870. The instrument appears to have had a name at one time, now illegible. Barrel is mounted in nickel-silver is 66 mm. long. Top joint in has seven round nickel-silver keys, is 249 mm. long, end of top tenon to end of bottom tenon. Bottom joint has six round nickel-silver keys, is 260 mm long, top of socket to bottom of tenon. Bell has nickel-silver socket ring and bell ring, is 106 mm long. Case may be original, definitely dates from before 1900. With either a pre-1900 C. Kruspe / Erfurt rosewood and nickel mouthpiece that has a very close tip or similar rosewood mouthpiece from Clemens Meinl (Wernitzgruen). The instrument plays very well in the key of A, at 440 pitch. Sold
ALTO SAXES, all models, all years.....
Here’s what we do to all used saxes we sell:
The instrument is taken apart and everything washed clean. We don’t believe in chemical dips, but do use plenty of soap and water! Dings are next burnished from body, bell, end-bow and neck. With a little effort, we can make things look “like new” again. After the body-shop work’s been completed, we swedge hinge-tubes tight again and re-fit to the sax body. Finally, pads and corks are replaced and the instrument play-tested. Most customers tell us that our saxes are then actually “mechanically better than new”.
SPECIAL BUY - COLOR CATALOG OF THE VAN OOSTROM SAXOPHONE COLLECTION '100 + 1 SAXOPHONES'. This book contains the catalogue of 101 saxophones (from 1854 to 1975) in the Leo van Oostrom Collection. Each saxophone is described and illustrated with a full page b&w photo, plus every other page with text,drawings and illustrations from catalogues etc. David Gibson, editor of the Saxophone Journal, says: 'Leo van Oostrom is to be congratulated for publishing perhaps the very best book on the history of the saxophone. Photographer Peter Cox's photographs of each saxophone are spectacular.' $59.50
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1944 SELMER PARIS 'BALANCED ACTION' ALTO 99% BRTE ORIG SILVER, NO DENTS NEW PADS According to info from Selmer-Paris, they built exactly 500 saxophones in 1944. Assuming 1/3 were tenors, that means our sax is one of about 325 altos built that year. Serial number 32,004. Typical late 'Balanced Action' with a wonderful full and dark voice and perfect intonation. NO NEED to drop your jaw 3 inches when you play low B or B-flat. The notes are right there and pop out with ease and with perfect intonation. Original Selmer-Paris mouthpiece with it. Not perfect, but VERY close to it. 99.9% original bright silver. Couple of tiny dings to the end-bow have been burnished out in our shop. Never any 'pull down' or big dents of any kind. Note some silver loss to the top of the clothes-guard. If you want, we'll silver plate it also. ALL new pads and corks. No 'pull down' to the neck. Keywork is tight, key-pearls still sharp. NO evidence of re-plate anywhere. Black key pearls. White 'mother of pearl' buttons hard to obtain during the occupation. The Germans went home on August 25, 1944. That means our alto would have been one of the very first built after we Americans liberated Paris. Price includes original Selmer 'Chesterfield' Mark Six alto case from the late sixties or early seventies. The case is very close to being perfect. Really superb and original example. TOP recommendation! Happy to send 'on approval' and our 24 month service warranty (read below, please) DOES come with this beauty! Saxophone questions? Email me! I'm always happy to correspond with any and all sax-o-people! SOLD
1985 SELMER PARIS 'SUPER ACTION 80' ALTO 98% BRT ORIG LACQUER, NO DENTS NEW PADS Very clean Super Action 80 alto from 1985. Close to pristine condition, never any dents or dings, no re-solders. 99% original lacquer, no re-solders. No engraving, though. Yes, with high F#. Yes, you can find one for a bit less on EBay or Reverb. But this one's very close to being perfect. And with our 24 month service warranty, too! Run over it with a truck (but please don't....) and we fix it for free, UPS costs aside. 100% ALL new pads and corks. No 'pull down' to the neck. Keywork is tight, key-pearls still sharp. Not perfect, but VERY close to it. 99% original bright lacquer. Never any 'pull down' or big dents of any kind. Price includes original Selmer French alto case from 1985. The case is very close to being perfect. Really superb and original example. TOP recommendation! Happy to send 'on approval' and our 24 month service warranty (read below, please) DOES come with this beauty! Saxophone questions? Email me! Quit taking phone calls when I reached 65, but I'm always happy to correspond with any and all sax-o-people! $3975
EXAMPLES OF ALTO SAXOPHONES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Rare Buescher alto saxophone “Aristocrat” model, serial number 281,654 (1937). It’s come to us in superb original condition but wearing almost no lacquer finish at all. This is one of the “real” Aristocrat models, with screw-in Norton springs, We’ve lightly polished the brass, have re-sprayed with two coats of Nikolas 2105 lacquer. Yes it now has all new pads and corks. Arguably the best Buescher alto ever made, still cherished by those of the Rascher school of saxophone playing. Superb intonation, easy to get the low notes. We do have information and history on this saxophone from the family of the original owner. Top recommendation, best buy price! Sold.
H. Selmer-Paris Mark SEVEN alto Saxophone, #299,030 (1979). SUPERB, extra clean and straight example that wears 99% original bright silver plate to the body and 100% new silver plate to the keywork. Straight and clean example, no engraving to the bell. ALL new pads and corks, new case and mouthpiece. Good player, top recommendation! Price includes a full repad and recork from our shop in Wichita. Sold.
YAMAHA YAS-61 PROFESSIONAL ALTO SAXOPHONE. Serial number 2049 (1970's). Yamaha introduced the YAS-61 alto in the late 1970's. It was their first professional level alto and they did a superb job. This one's an extra clean and straight example that's survived in 'like-new' condition. The original lacquer finish is 100% with no dents or dings. This superb instrument looks like it's been played less than a half dozen times. It's very close to perfect! Keywork to high F#, new Protec Deluxe ProPac rectangular case, all new pads from our shop and our two-year warranty. Never any dents, original lacquer finish perfect, beautiful hand engraving on the bell. With perfect Yanagisawa pro mouthpiece. Sold.
H. Selmer-Paris alto saxophone 'Super Action 80', #N376,484 (1985). Extra-clean and straight example that wears 99% original French lacquer. No engraving to the bell. All new pads from our associate workshop in Switzerland. Never dented, the original case is perfect. Good player, top recommendation! Sold.
Rare Buescher alto saxophone “Aristocrat” model, serial number 333,685(1950). It’s come to us in superb original condition wearing very dark original lacquer finish that’s worn maybe 2%. This is one of the “real” Aristocrat models, with screw-in Norton springs and “snap in” Buescher pads. Yes it now has all new pads and corks. Arguably the best Buescher alto ever made, still cherished by those of the Rascher school of saxophone playing. Superb intonation, easy to get the low notes, everything totally original, now with our new pads and corks. The original case is almost perfect, but with the inside lid to the neck compartment a later and dark blue addition. Top recommendation, best buy price! Sold.
ORIGINAL ADOLPHE SAX ALTO SAXOPHONE, COMPLETELY AND BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED! Made in Paris between 1878 and 1885, this one's now in the process of getting a full restoration. It's come to us with several tone-holes unsoldered, rod-screws rusted in place and with quite a few small dents and dings. All restoration work has now been completed and it's back to being in pristine condition, the same as when it left Adolphe Sax's Paris workshop. Serial number's been scratched off, but from the address engraved on the bell, we do know when it was made. This one now has all new pads and corks plus a non-original used case with it. Saxophones from the original Adolphe Sax workshop are a little rare, but we seem to get one or two of them every year. Restoration work is time-consuming, but he workmanship on the instruments is always quite good. That means the work is pretty straight-forward. Think '50 hours labor and lots of patience' and you'll understand. This one was built by Adolphe Sax the father. It's now been completely and lovingly restored in our full-service repair shop by some of the best technicians in the industry. Top recommendation on this rare and beautiful saxophone! Sold
All saxes sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company have been taken apart, cleaned, dents and dings burnished out, keywork swedged tight and all pads & corks replaced. Whether it's a new, used or vintage instrument, our 24 month service warranty is included in the price! If you buy it from us, there's no need to spend an extra $600 to have it refurbished, 'cause a used sax from us is as good or better than a new one!
TENOR SAXES, rebuilt used & vintage
Here’s what we do to all used saxes we sell:
The instrument is taken apart and everything washed clean. We don’t believe in chemical dips, but do use plenty of soap and water! Dings are next burnished from body, bell, end-bow and neck. With a little effort, we can make things look “like new” again. After the body-shop work’s been completed, we swedge hinge-tubes tight again and re-fit to the sax body. Finally, pads and corks are replaced and the instrument play-tested. Most customers tell us that our saxes are then actually “mechanically better than new”.
EXAMPLES OF TENOR SAXOPHONES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
C.G. Conn 10M 'Lady Face' tenor sax #316,417 (1946). Sharp engraving to the bell and 65-70% original lacquer. Lacquer definitely original. Keywork is still very tight, new case. Minor dents to the neck have been rolled out. Yes, it's got rolled tone-holes. New pads & corks from our shop, of course. Low B and B-flat pad cups on the same side of the bell. NO forked E-flat and plays as well as any tenor ever built! There was, in the opinion of some, no finer tenor sax, ever. This one's a fine original example, very good player! Sold.
C.G. Conn 10M 'Lady Face' tenor sax #269,530 (1938). Sharp engraving to the bell and 98% lacquer that looks original but is not. Keywork is still very tight. Some minor dents to the end-bow, now balled and burnished out by our shop. Yes, it's got rolled tone holes. 100% all new pads and corks from our shop, of course. Low B and B-flat pad cups on the same side of the bell. Does have forked E-flat and plays as well as any tenor ever built! With very good original Conn case and original Conn 'Steel-Lay' mouthpiece. There was, in the opinion of some, no finer tenor sax ever. This one's a fine original example. Top recommendation! Sold.
C.G. Conn 10M 'lady Face' tenor sax #284,41x (1938). Sharp engraving to the bell and 98% original lacquer to the body. Lacquer definitely original. Keywork is still very tight. Some minor dents to the neck, now balled and burnished out by our shop. Minor dents to the end-bow have been rolled and burnished out in our shop. Yes, it's got rolled tone-holes. New pads & corks from our shop, of course. Low B and B-flat pad cups on the same side of the bell. DOES HAVE forked E-flat and plays as well as any tenor ever built! There was, in the opinion of some, no finer tenor sax, ever. Comes with a very good original Conn case and 1930's Woodwind (New York) Steel Ebonite #B-5-star mouthpiece. This one's a fine original example that's come to us in '9.5 on a scale of ten' condidtion. Top recommendation! Sold.
C.G. Conn 10M 'lady Face' tenor sax #265,629 (1935). This superb tenor came to us 20% wearing non-original Conn lacquer, which means we've made the decision to polish the metal very lightly and re-spray with two coats of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. Keywork is still tight and the pearls show, amazingly enough, minimal wear. Bell engraving is still sharp, too. It's had dents to the end-bow which now have been rolled and burnished out in our shop. Yes, it's got rolled tone-holes. 100% all new Reso-pads plus new corks from our shop, of course. Low B and B-flat pad cups on the same side of the bell. DOES HAVE forked E-flat and plays as well as any tenor ever built! There was, in the opinion of some, no finer tenor sax, ever. Probably will be ready to show in February 2016. Sold.
Superb Tenor saxophone from Buffet-Crampon (Paris), model R-16, 'Super-Dynaction', serial #1870x (1972). Rare and very good player, the best of the classical saxes, the instruments from the mid-1970's are, in our opinion, the best of Buffet's production. The later 'S-1' Buffet saxes have similar playing characteristics but more complicated keywork. Our instrument wears 70% original dark lacquer finish. It has had a few small dings that we've burnished and balled out. Keywork is very tight on this one, with no evidence of swedging to the hinge-tubes. All parts are original with no re-soldering anywhere. Comes with a very good original Lifton-USA case. Everything is clean and straight; with ALL new pads and corks. Our company sold this one, new, in 1972. Superb classical tenor, perfect for Prokofieff or sax quartet work. Sold.
Good Selmer (Paris) MARK VI TENOR SAXOPHONE, #161626 (1968). Clean and straight example that wears 98% replacement lacquer. Pads and corks were recently replaced by a shop in France. We'll supply our two-year service warranty, as always. The lacquer finish looks good, and we don't think the instrument has been heavily buffed. There is no evidence of serious dent removal or damage. The key pearls are still sharp, the hinge tubes tight. We'll check and adjust everything and this should be a very good player. With refurbished vintage French case and our usual two-year service warranty. Best buy price for a Selmer (Paris) Mark 6 tenor from a good time period! Sold.
All saxes sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company have been taken apart, cleaned, dents and dings burnished out, keywork swedged tight and all pads & corks replaced. Whether it's a new, used or vintage instrument, our 24 month service warranty is included in the price! If you buy it from us, there's no need to spend an extra $600 to have it refurbished, 'cause a used sax from us is as good or better than a new one!
OTHER SAXES.................
EXAMPLES OF SOPRANO SAXOPHONES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Rare Buescher “True Tone” Bb curved soprano saxophone, #117,702, made in Elkhart in 1923. Originally supplied by Buescher in unlacquered brass finish (before Buescher offered saxophones with lacquer finish). Keywork has been swedged tight and all pads have been replaced. We’ve polished the brass lightly, have sprayed all metal parts with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. Never any major dents, not even minor dings. Original case is good. Price includes a 1930’s original Buescher mouthpiece. Sold.
Extra-clean Good Selmer-Paris 'Super Action 80 Series I' Soprano Saxophone, serial number 348,287 (1982), has 99% original French lacquer, keywork to high F#, normal 'alto type' palm keys, perfect original French case, all new pads and corks. Comes with original Selmer-Paris C-star mouthpiece. Superb and totally original Selmer soprano, still in production with a suggested USA retail price of $8885. This one's a best buy at Sold.
Good Selmer-Paris 'Super Action 80 Series I' Soprano Saxophone, serial number 357,056 (1983), has 90% original French lacquer, keywork to high F#, normal 'alto type' palm keys, modern French case, all new pads and corks. Very good and original Selmer soprano, still in production with a suggested USA retail price of $8885. This one's a best buy at Sold.
Good Selmer (Paris) Super Action 80 Series II SOPRANO SAXOPHONE, #459,556 (1991). Clean and straight example that wears 99% original lacquer. Now has new pads and corks from our shop. Straight without major damage. Some evidence of minor dent work around the thumb hook, but otherwise close to perfect. The key pearls are still sharp, the hinge tubes tight. It's a superb professional model soprano with fixed neck, ribbed construction, and very good hand engraving. With very good original case & cover, mouthpiece, and our usual two-year service warranty. Good example, still in production in France, now with suggested retail price of $8,626. This one's a 'best buy' for Sold.
C.G. Conn curved B-flat soprano saxophone #64,24x (1921). It’s a totally original vintage Conn soprano that’s come to us in pristine condition. Original silver plate is 100%, with no wear at all. Gold wash to the bell is perfect. Never dented or dinged, with solid original case and fine original “Conn eagle” soprano ebonite mouthpiece. Keywork is to high F and all pads and corks are now new, from our shop in Wichita. Very good player, rare and showing top-quality “made in America” workmanship. Yes, it has rolled tone-holes! Sold
Extra clean Yanagisawa soprano, serial #1178673x, made in Japan in the seventies. This one's come to us in '9.9 condition', with 99% of the original lacquer finish, now with all new pads and corks from our shop. Very good original Yanagisawa case and original Yanagisawa pro-quality mouthpiece. This one's a real best buy at Sold.
RARE BUESCHER STRAIGHT SOPRANO SAX, MADE IN ELKHART IN 1925, THINK 'SIDNEY BECHET'. Vintage saxes from Selmer, Conn and Buescher are usually in our collection in Wichita, and this one’s a good example, played about five times since it was new. The original bright silver finish is worn less than one percent, it’s never sustained any dents or dings and it’s very clean. Buescher straight Bb soprano #190,25x, made in Elkhart in 1925. The original silver is 99%, good gold wash inside the bell. All new pads & corks from our shop, original case. Played very little since new, basically “mint” condition. Please note that the original Buescher case is perfect, without breaks or scratches anywhere. Have a look also at the thumb-rest, with NO silver wear at all. Note the high D, D-sharp and F key-touches, designed like an alto (and like modern saxes from Selmer), with each key mounted on separate posts. The palm keys feel the same as they do on a good alto. The sax came to us with ALL original pads, from 1925. We cleaned it up, replaced all pads with modern “snap in” pads that are close to the originals, but tan kid rather than white. Selmer-Paris mouthpiece comes with it. We tried several, came to the conclusion that a modern Selmer mouthpiece works best, gives the best intonation. Yes, Jazz great Sidney Bechet really did use a Buescher exactly like this one. This is a really prime example, with high notes NOT sharp, keywork tight, pearls still sharp. Except for a little worn edge to the stack G, this momma’s PERFECT. Price is a mere $1750 on this one. It’s suitable for Dixieland, Big Band playing, classical saxophone quartet, Kenny-G imitations or whatever you want to do with it. Top recommendation! Sold
C.G. Conn straight Bb soprano #M143,25x, made in Elkhart in 1925. The original silver is 100%, good gold wash inside the bell. All new pads & corks from our shop, original case. Range is to high F. Rolled tone-holes everywhere. Played very little since new, basically “mint” condition. Vintage saxes from Selmer, Conn and King are usually in our collection in Wichita, but this one’s THE BEST soprano we’ve had for months. The original bright silver finish is worn less than one percent, it’s never sustained any dents or dings and it’s very clean. Please note that the new case is perfect, without breaks or scratches anywhere. Original Conn “Steelay” mouthpiece (large tone-chamber) works very well on this instrument. Use a Rico #2 ½ or #3 or a Van Doren 3 or 3 ½. The mouthpiece is very forgiving and won’t cause you reed problems at all! NO silver wear to any of the keys and the pearls are as sharp as the day the sax came from the factory in Elkhart. Octave key touch is like on a later 6M alto, curved to fit the pearl button. Note the high D, D-sharp and F key-touches, designed like an alto (and like modern saxes from Selmer), with each key mounted on separate posts. The palm keys feel the same as they do on a good alto. For those who are interested in such things, I was told this was the soprano that Keilwerth copied, back in the sixties and even until today. Except Keilwerth’s never made a soprano with rolled tone-holes. This is a really prime example, with high notes NOT sharp, keywork tight, pearls still sharp. This momma’s PERFECT. It’s suitable for Dixieland, Big Band playing, classical saxophone quartet, Kenny-G imitations or whatever you want to do with it. Top recommendation! Sold
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C-Melodies:
EXAMPLES OF C-MELODY SAXOPHONES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Very rare Selmer (Paris) C-melody saxophone #182x (made in 1923). 99% original bright silver finish, never dented, minor dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Range is to high F, full keywork from high F to low Bb. Superb original condition, good original case. Selmer made a handful of c-melody saxes before 1930, with no more than a couple hundred now surviving. Very good player, suitable for original twenties jazz, Paul Whiteman Big Band playing or for a serious collector. Sold
Vintage C-Melody saxophone by BUESCHER, #14337x, made in Elkhart in 1923. Very clean example with 100% original silver plate, gold wash inside the bell, “snap in” pads, original case (funky, but OK), with new pads and corks. This one’s very original, played about six times in the past 80 years. Sold
C.G. Conn 8M C-Melody #103,56x (1923). Rolled tone-holes, forked Eb, front high F, tenor-style neck and with rectangular G# key. This one’s got 95% original burnished bright gold plate finish, original clean case and original Conn mouthpiece. New pads & corks from our shop, of course. Yep, it’s the same model that Frankie Trumbauer played and you won’t find a better example anywhere. This one’s a bit special in that it wears superb original “floral plus full body naked lady”. Sold
BARITONE and BASS SAXOPHONES
We don't have any now but get new bari's and basses all the time. Please check back!
EXAMPLES OF BARITONE AND BASS SAXOPHONES RECENTLY SOLD BY WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY:
Rare 'Selmer Signet' low A baritone saxophone. Serial number 764,630 (Elkhart, 1978-1979). It's come to us in good original condition wearing original lacquer finish that's worn maybe 20%. Good intonation, easy to get the low notes, everything original, now with our new pads and corks. Good case, solid as a rock, best buy price! Sold.
Good baritone saxophone made in Germany by Keilwerth, 'H. Couf Superba'. Serial number 77002 (1976). Range is to low Bb. Dents and dings removed by our shop, all new pads and corks. Original lacquer finish is about 60% intact with worn areas over-sprayed to protect the brass and preserve the appearance of the saxophone. With mouthpiece and new case. It's a good professional low Bb baritone sax at a great price. Sold.
BUFFET-CRAMPON Low A Baritone Sax, made in France in 1976. Serial Number 25,643. 100% 'made in France'. It was their best model in 1976. It is not stamped 'Super Dynaction' anywhere but has the same keywork and same voice. Yes, there is a low A. No, there is not a high F-sharp. The lacquer looks original but is not. It's worn about 10%. No major damage anywhere. Multiple dings have been balled and burnished out by our shop. I have no idea what today's price on a French Buffet baritone would be. I do know that a new Selmer low A French baritone currently has a suggested retail price of $19,387. That would seem to make our Buffet a pretty good bargain! The sax comes with a case, and a Selmer-Paris 'D facing' mouthpiece. Sold.
GOOD YANAGISAWA model B901 'VSP' Baritone Saxophone with LOW A. Serial Number 04801931, made in Japan about 20 years ago. 100% made in Japan. This one came to us in solid condition with about 75% of the original lacquer finish, now with all new pads and corks from our shop, all dents and dings burnished out. Worn spots to the lacquer finish have been over-sprayed with new lacquer to protect the metal and preserve the appearance of the saxophone. Low A and keywork to high F#. The modern key mechanism and playing qualities that make is one of the best low A baritones available. With new hard case (with wheels) and a good Yamaha mouthpiece. New suggested retail price is now $10,141 with 'street price' about $6600. Buy this one now for only Sold.
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900 associates, 12 brands, 7 production sites, 4 showrooms. Le groupe Buffet Crampon est spécialisé dans la manufacture d’instruments de musique à vent, leader sur les gammes professionnelles.
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