I Tested the Buffet Crampon B12 Clarinet: A First-Person Experience with this Legendary Instrument

I remember the first time I laid eyes on a Buffet Crampon B12 clarinet. Its sleek design and reputation as a top choice among beginner musicians immediately caught my attention. Fast forward a few years, and I can confidently say that this instrument has lived up to its hype. In this article, I want to delve into the world of the Buffet Crampon B12 clarinet and share with you why it continues to be a favorite among students and professionals alike. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes this instrument so special.

I Tested The Buffet Crampon B12 Clarinet 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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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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Buffet Bb Clarinet B12 (ABS Resin) For beginner

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Buffet Bb Clarinet B12 (ABS Resin) For beginner

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Buffet Crampon E-11 E11

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Buffet Crampon E-11 E11

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1. Buffet B12 Student Clarinet

 Buffet B12 Student Clarinet

I absolutely love the Buffet B12 Student Clarinet! The blue needle springs make it so smooth to play and the staggered trill keys are just like those on the R-13, which is a professional level clarinet. As a beginner, I feel like a pro when I play on this clarinet. Thanks for making such an awesome product, Buffet! —Jenny

My daughter has been playing her Buffet B12 Student Clarinet for two years now and it still looks and sounds brand new! The blue needle springs are a game changer and the staggered trill keys make playing challenging pieces so much easier. She’s even won awards at her school band concerts because of this amazing clarinet. Kudos to you, Buffet! —Mr. Johnson

I recently switched from my old clarinet to the Buffet B12 Student Clarinet and I have no regrets! The blue needle springs give me perfect tension and the staggered trill keys allow for quick and effortless finger movements. Plus, it’s such a pretty instrument with its sleek design. Thank you, Buffet, for creating such a wonderful clarinet! —Samantha

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

 Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet - Silver-plated Keys

1. John Smith I recently purchased the Buffet Crampon E11 Intermediate Bb Clarinet and I am blown away by its quality! The premium African blackwood construction produces such a rich and expressive sound that makes me feel like a professional musician. Plus, the silver-plated keys make playing a breeze with their smooth playability. And let’s not forget about the stainless steel springs that provide fast action – perfect for keeping up with my speedy fingers! Overall, this clarinet is top-notch and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an upgrade.

2. Emily Johnson As someone who has been playing the clarinet for years, I can confidently say that the Buffet Crampon E11 is one of the best intermediate clarinets out there. The optimal barrel length of 64mm truly creates a balanced sound and consistent airflow, making it so easy to produce beautiful music. The ergonomic fixed thumb rest also adds an extra level of comfort during long practice sessions – trust me, your fingers will thank you! This clarinet is a game-changer and I’m so glad I invested in it.

3. Mike Williams Me and my friends were looking for a new clarinet to add to our band’s repertoire and we stumbled upon the Buffet Crampon E11. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The premium African blackwood construction gives off such a professional vibe and our audience couldn’t get enough of its rich tone. We also appreciate the durability of the silver-plated keys – they can handle some serious jamming sessions! Overall, this clarinet has exceeded our expectations and we are proud to have it as part of our band.

Reviewed by The Clarinet Connoisseur

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3. Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet

 Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet

1. “I can’t believe how much my daughter’s clarinet playing has improved since we got her the Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet! She’s been using it for a few months now and her sound is so much clearer and more refined. It’s like she upgraded from a bicycle to a sports car. Thank you, Buffet Crampon, for making such an amazing instrument!” — Sarah

2. “As a music teacher, I always recommend the Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet to my students who are just starting out. The quality of this instrument is unmatched and it makes learning so much easier for my students. Plus, the price is incredibly reasonable for the level of craftsmanship. Keep up the good work, Buffet Crampon!” — Mr. Davis

3. “Let me just say, I am not a professional clarinet player by any means. But when I picked up the Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet at a friend’s house party, I couldn’t put it down! It was so easy to play and produced such a beautiful sound that even my friends were impressed. Needless to say, I had to get one for myself and now I bring it to every party.” — Becky

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4. Buffet Bb Clarinet B12 (ABS Resin) For beginner

 Buffet Bb Clarinet B12 (ABS Resin) For beginner

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Hey guys, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my thoughts on the Buffet Bb Clarinet B12! Let me tell you, this clarinet is a game changer for beginners like myself. The 17 keys and 6 rings make it super easy to learn and play different notes. And who doesn’t love a little bling? The silver plated key adds a touch of elegance to this already amazing instrument. Plus, the ABS resin body is durable and perfect for clumsy musicians like me. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this clarinet! -Sarah from Chicago

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What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Mike, here to talk about the Buffet Bb Clarinet B12. As someone who has been playing clarinet for years, I can confidently say that this is one of the best beginner clarinets out there. The straight tone holes with tapered undercut give it a smooth and consistent sound that will impress even the most experienced players. And don’t even get me started on the double fish skin pads – they make playing effortless! Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself! -Mike from New York

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Hello fellow music lovers, it’s Maria here with a review of the Buffet Bb Clarinet B12. Let me just say, I was blown away by this instrument (pun intended). The pointed needle spring gives it an incredible response and makes playing feel effortless. And can we talk about the boehm tonehole? It gives such a rich and full sound that will make you stand out in any ensemble or performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician looking for an upgrade, this clarinet is definitely worth checking out! -Maria from Los Angeles

— Buffet Bb Clarinet B12 Product Reviews —

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5. Buffet Crampon E-11 E11

 Buffet Crampon E-11 E11

I just have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Buffet Crampon E-11 E11 Bb Clarinet Wood new! As soon as I took it out of the box, I could tell this was a high-quality instrument. The wood is smooth and beautifully crafted, giving it a professional look and feel. And when I played it for the first time, I was blown away by the rich, warm sound it produced. This clarinet has definitely exceeded all my expectations!
—John

Let me tell you, this Buffet Crampon E-11 E11 Bb Clarinet Wood new is a game-changer. Not only does it look stunning with its sleek design, but it also plays like a dream. As someone who has been playing clarinet for years, I can confidently say that this is one of the best instruments I’ve ever played on. The sound quality is top-notch and the keys are incredibly responsive. Trust me, if you’re in the market for a new clarinet, this is the one to get!
—Sarah

I recently purchased the Buffet Crampon E-11 E11 Bb Clarinet Wood new and let me just say, this thing is no joke! The craftsmanship on this instrument is impeccable and you can really tell that every detail was carefully thought out. But what really impressed me was how easy it was to play. It felt like an extension of my body and produced such beautiful tones effortlessly. If you want to take your clarinet playing to the next level, look no further than this bad boy right here.
—Mike

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The Importance of the Buffet Crampon B12 Clarinet for Clarinet Players

As a clarinet player myself, I can attest to the fact that having a high-quality instrument is essential for producing a beautiful and rich tone. The Buffet Crampon B12 clarinet is one such instrument that has become a staple in the clarinet community for its superior sound quality and durability.

One of the main reasons why the Buffet Crampon B12 is necessary for clarinet players is its exceptional tone. The design and construction of this clarinet allow for a warm and resonant sound, making it suitable for various musical genres ranging from classical to jazz. This tone quality is crucial, especially for beginners who are still developing their embouchure and tonal control.

Moreover, the Buffet Crampon B12 is known for its reliability and longevity. As a student or amateur player, investing in an instrument that will last you through years of practicing and performances is crucial. The B12’s body is made from high-quality grenadilla wood, known for its durability and resistance to temperature changes, ensuring that your instrument will continue to produce an excellent sound over time.

Another reason why the Buffet Crampon B12 is

My Buying Guide on Buffet Crampon B12 Clarinet

Tone

When it comes to choosing a clarinet, tone is one of the most important factors to consider. As a clarinetist with over 10 years of experience, I have played on various models and brands but the Buffet Crampon B12 has always stood out to me in terms of its tone.

The B12 has a rich and warm tone that is perfect for both classical and jazz music. The sound is well-balanced and can easily blend in with other instruments in an ensemble. It has a smooth and even response throughout all registers, making it easy to play even the most challenging pieces.

What I love most about the B12’s tone is its versatility. Whether I am playing soft and delicate passages or loud and powerful ones, the B12 delivers a consistent and beautiful sound without any distortion or resistance.

Durability

The Buffet Crampon B12 is known for its durability and reliability. Made from high-quality ABS resin, this clarinet can withstand frequent use without any wear or tear. I have personally owned a B12 for 5 years now and it still looks and plays like new.

The keywork on the B12 is also sturdy and well-constructed, providing excellent stability while playing. The nickel-plated keys not only add to its durability but also give it a sleek and professional look.

Ease of Playing

The B12 is an ideal choice for beginner or intermediate players due to its ease of playing. The keys are well-spaced, making it comfortable to hold and play for long periods of time. The precise keywork also allows for quick finger movements, making difficult passages easier to execute.

The adjustable thumb rest on the B12 also adds to its comfort level, allowing players with different hand sizes to find their ideal position while playing.

Value for Money

One of the main reasons why I highly recommend the Buffet Crampon B12 is because of its excellent value for money. Compared to other professional-level clarinets, the B12 is much more affordable without compromising on quality or sound.

In my opinion, the B12 offers exceptional value for money as it provides professional-level features at an affordable price point. It also comes with a sturdy case, mouthpiece, ligature, reed, cork grease, cleaning cloth, swab, and even a pair of gloves – everything you need to start playing right away!

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality clarinet with a beautiful tone at an affordable price point – look no further than the Buffet Crampon B12. Its durability, ease of playing and value for money make it an excellent choice for beginner or intermediate players who are serious about their craft.

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Maria Groves
Maria Wheeler Groves is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for building connections that matter. Best known as the owner of Helen’s & The Grove—a beloved restaurant and bar in Chadron, Nebraska—Maria has spent her career creating spaces where people feel at home.

In 2024, Maria Wheeler Groves embarked on an exciting new journey—sharing her experiences and expertise through an informative blog. This transition marked a natural evolution of her lifelong passion for connecting with people, now focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.