Buffet R13 vs Buffet RC

Buffet RC and Buffet R13 Bores

Buffet have provided a broad range of models, starting with the RC and R13 models; They are both made in the same factory, but have different bore designs.

The bore in a musical instrument is its internal chamber and how it is shaped. The manufacturers, use conical, and cylindrical shapes, of all different sizes within the main body of the clarinet: 'the bore' -this affects the tone, response and intonation of the instrument.

The R13 was originally designed for the American market in 1955 by Robert Coree, but is now the most chosen professional clarinet around the world. It has a polycylindrical bore going into the middle of the clarinet and back out again. It produces a darker, more focussed sound.

The RC, again designed by Robert Coree (originally designed for the European market), has similar cylindrical sections but it is mainly a conical bore, especially in the lower joint. It was redesigned in 2014 benefitting from a decade of research and development and played by many top professionals today too. Generally speaking, it will produce a rounder, sweeter sound due to the conical shape of its bore.

However, your setup (reeds, mouthpiece and embouchure, etc) will always be different from another musicians; meaning you should try out both bore types in the buffet range! - and maybe even look at adjusting your setup to suit the clarinet. This will enable you to produce your best sound.

We stock both RC and R13 clarinets within our store where you are welcome to try them both out.