The Clarinet That Set the Standard — and Never Left
There's a reason you'll find the Buffet Crampon R13 on the stands of symphony orchestras, in the practice rooms of conservatories, and in the hands of clarinetists who have long since stopped wondering which instrument to buy. Created in 1955 by master instrument maker Robert Carrée, the R13 introduced a revolutionary polycylindrical bore design that reshaped what players expected from a professional clarinet — and it has remained the benchmark ever since.
This is the BC1131-5-0: the grenadilla wood R13 with nickel-plated keys. Buffet Crampon meticulously selects and treats the African blackwood body, barrel, and bell, finishing each in a deep black stain that gives the instrument its characteristic look. The 17-key, 6-ring Boehm system keywork is smooth and responsive, with bladder pads and blue steel springs that keep action accurate and consistent.
Whether you're preparing for an audition, teaching the next generation, or finally stepping up to the professional tier, the R13 is one of those instruments where everything just clicks — literally and figuratively.
The Polycylindrical Bore: Where the Tone Lives
The R13's polycylindrical bore is what sets it apart from most other professional clarinets. Rather than a standard cylindrical bore, Buffet Crampon's bore steps between two bore sizes as it travels through the instrument. The practical effect: improved intonation as you move between registers, with a focused, centered tone that players often describe as dark and rich with a well-defined core.
The .577" bore and 66mm barrel work together to give the instrument its characteristic projection and tonal consistency across the full range. Players often find the R13 responds readily to dynamic shaping — it holds quietly in soft passages and opens up with good projection when you push it.
Grenadilla Wood Body, Barrel, and Bell
The body of the R13 is crafted from carefully selected, treated, and stained African blackwood (grenadilla) — including the barrel and bell. Buffet Crampon uses a combination of traditional and modern techniques to treat the wood, enhancing its acoustic properties and structural durability. The result is an instrument whose tonal character develops and deepens over years of playing.
The nickel-plated keys on the BC1131-5-0 complement the deep black of the grenadilla body, and the Boehm system's 17 sculpted keys are fitted with air-tight bladder pads. Blue steel flat and needle springs contribute to smooth, accurate key movement that clarinetists can rely on night after night.
A Clarinet That Works Across Every Setting
One of the hallmarks of the R13 is its versatility. Its centered tone with powerful projection makes it suitable for symphony and chamber music, solo recitals, teaching, and ensemble playing. Whether you're in a concert hall or a rehearsal room, the R13 adapts without fighting you.
The adjustable thumb rest accommodates a range of hand sizes and playing positions, helping you find comfort over long rehearsals and performances. This is a working professional's instrument — designed to be picked up and played every day.
Product Features:
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Key: Bb, pitched at 440 Hz
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Body, Barrel & Bell: Carefully selected, treated, and stained African blackwood (grenadilla)
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Bore: Polycylindrical, .577" — steps between two bore sizes for improved intonation across registers
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Barrel: 66mm
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Key System: Boehm — 17 keys, 6 rings, nickel-plated finish
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Pads: Bladder (air-tight)
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Springs: Blue steel flat and needle springs for smooth, accurate key movement
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Thumb Rest: Adjustable
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Toneholes: Undercut
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SKU / Model Number: BC1131-5-0
Brand: Buffet Crampon
Model: R13
SKU: BC1131-5-0
Condition: New
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