The Buffet Crampon Company, a French based instrument producer, is well known for its R13 clarinet, the standard professional model around the world. The R13 was originally designed by Robert Carrée in 1950 and a more advanced model, the RC, in 1975.

Many teachers often recommend the Buffet - nay, REQUIRE it. Those that play Buffet clarinets are named (jokingly of course...) members of the Buffet mafia.

Buffet, of course, has expanded over the years. It has extended its line of professional models, all somewhat based off the R13. On top of that, they have beginner and intermediate levels.

Here is a list of Bb clarinets currently available from Buffet, from student to professional (from Wikipedia):

Plastic clarinets

• B10 - a lightweight beginner model, entirely plastic apart from the keys
• Evette (no longer in production, succeeded by B12)
• B12 - a good quality beginner instrument, as demonstrated by its enduring popularity.

Intermediate clarinets

• Evette (no longer in production, succeeded by E11)
• Evette Master Model (no longer in production, succeeded by E12)
• Evette & Schaeffer (no longer in production, succeeded by E13)
• Evette & Schaeffer Master Model (no longer in production)
• E11 - intermediate, entry-level wooden instrument
• E10 - as E11, but with a lightweight bell made of ABS
• E12 - as E11, but with "special wood treatment to improve sound quality". Prior to 1992, this particular model was referred to as the E-45.
• C13 "International"
• E13/Limité - One of the most popular models for improving players, in the intermediate range (According to Francois Kloc, E-13's are R-13's which have been rejected in assembly process for small cosmetic issues)

Professional clarinets

• C12 "Conservatoire" model - A semi-professional model C12 was produced only from 1984 to 1992. Essentially it was an R13 with lesser keywork, lacking the R13's wood cutout above the lower tenon "pinky keys".
• R13 - Buffet's most popular professional model, something of an institution in its own right.
• RC - an R13 equivalent model but with distinctive barrel and bell shape intended to improve tone, developed in 1974 with the assistance of the luthier Robert Carrée. Noted for sweetness of sound.
• S1 - another alternative model to the R13, manufactured in the 1970s and early 80s. Designed to have a more 'traditional' bore than the post-1950s R13.
• R13 Vintage - Closer to the original 1950s design.
• R13 Festival - Very similar to the R13 Prestige.
• R13 Prestige - A different version of the R13, made with denser wood, which gives it a darker tone, and a left-hand E flat key. Also, a smaller bore, giving a "more centered tone".
• RC Prestige - Similar to Prestige R13 but with a specially designed bell interior that changes the tone.
• Tosca - introduced in 2003, features include a new bore design, ergonomically reshaped key work, an auxiliary Eb key and low F correction key.
• Elite - no longer in production, having been replaced by the Tosca. All of its reinforcing rings were of black polycarbonate fiber - other than the silver keys, it was entirely black.

My article is not design to target the Buffet company - in fact, I use a Evette and Schaeffer myself. The goal of my article is to dispute the "fact" that Buffet clarinets are the absolute best. The Buffet company dominates as a leader producer of clarinets. It is advisable to not blindly buy Buffets - there are alternative clarinets that may be better suited for the player. For example, many prefer the Leblanc professional models over the Buffets. Many professionals do not use Buffets, but instead use Leblanc, Selmer, Yamaha, among others. Alternative student models exist (please take a look at my other guide). When investing the kind of money that is often associated with clarinets, the player should try out different brands, models, and makes to find the one suited for them. There are technicalities existent with different players and so each person's ideal set up will be the different. Moreover, each person might be looking for a different sound and different style (jazz players may look into Selmers). I will post additional guides on choosing clarinets and mouthpieces, company profiles of major clarinet companies, as well as how to choose choice clarinets on eBay.