Only years later, during preparations to list the clarinet on Silverstein Exchange, Ron made a stunning discovery: the instrument was actually manufactured in 1949. How Buffet had preserved this bass clarinet, in pristine unused condition for nearly seven decades, remains a mystery even to this day.

Since its acquisition, Ron has played the clarinet only a few times, always treating it with exceptional care. Yet what makes this instrument truly priceless is not just its rarity or tonal quality—it is the deeply personal story it carries.

This bass clarinet holds a cherished place in Ron’s heart as a living memory of a close friendship. A revered clarinetist in New York City—Ron’s late friend and the principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera—once borrowed the instrument for rehearsals and performances. During that time, he grew deeply attached to it and asked if he could purchase it from Ron.

Ron, however, only had this one bass clarinet and, though tempted, couldn't part with it. He offered his friend unlimited access to borrow it whenever needed. Out of respect—and perhaps to protect himself from falling deeper in love with the instrument—his friend chose not to use it again. That decision, and the bond they shared, left a lasting impression on Ron.

To this day, Ron reflects on that moment with warmth and a slight tinge of longing—wishing perhaps he had passed the instrument on. But what remains is a beautiful, enduring connection to a friend he deeply admired. The clarinet became a quiet monument to their friendship.

Out of deep respect for his friend and his family, Ron has requested that his name not be disclosed.

This clarinet was more than a professional tool. It was a bridge between two great musicians, a vessel of shared artistry, and now, a rare collector’s item imbued with profound emotional legacy.

More details

Serial No. 37967

This rare Buffet Crampon bass clarinet was handcrafted in Paris in 1949, during the pre-model-number era before Buffet introduced the 1191/1193 designations. It is built to play down to low E♭, with the classic French bell and neck design of the period.

• Original Buffet Crampon oval stamp (Paris, Made in France)

• Silver-plated keywork with traditional 1940s guards and fittings

• Grenadilla wood body with rich resonance and authentic vintage character

• Peg and bell profile consistent with post-war French production

• A genuine piece of Buffet history—well before the “Prestige” era

This clarinet offers the warm, round sonority that made Buffet basses of the 1940s highly sought after by both jazz and classical artists. Collectors will appreciate its historical significance, while performers will value its responsive action and uniquely colorful tone.

**Certificate of Ownership signed by The Artist will be provided.**

Pre-owned by Dr. Ron Odrich
Featured in the recording of the album “Visions”

This Buffet Crampon Elite Clarinet (Serial No. 358943) stands as a rare fusion of exquisite French craftsmanship and musical legacy. Previously owned and performed by Dr. Ron Odrich—a celebrated jazz clarinetist, educator, and recording artist—this clarinet was prominently featured on his acclaimed CD “Visions.”

The Buffet Elite series was introduced in the 1990s as a high-end, limited-production line designed to achieve the ideal balance between tonal warmth and technical precision. Each instrument is meticulously crafted from carefully selected grenadilla wood, featuring silver-plated keywork, hand-finished tone holes, and Buffet’s unique complex bore design for exceptional control and projection.

Under Dr. Odrich’s artistry, this clarinet became a true voice of expression—rich, fluid, and deeply resonant. Its sound can be heard shaping the lyrical and emotional depth of “Visions,” making it not only a top-tier performance instrument but also a piece of recorded musical history.

Lovingly maintained and artist-inspected, this clarinet remains in excellent condition for both professional performance and serious collection.

Highlights

• Model: Buffet Crampon Elite Clarinet

• Serial Number: 358943

• Former Owner: Dr. Ron Odrich

• Album Recorded: Visions

• Material: Select grenadilla wood

• Keywork: Silver-plated

• Bore Design: Buffet complex bore for warmth and clarity

• Condition: Excellent, artist-maintained

• Including Extra bell, Two Barrels (64mm, 65mm)

• Provenance: Verified and certified by Silverstein Exchange

Own a clarinet that has both shaped and sung through music history — the soul of Buffet craftsmanship, voiced by a master.

**Certificate of Ownership signed by The Artist will be provided.**

Always well cared for. Never had a crack. Very easy to play. Recently overhauled to give another life.

-Cindy Lin

**Certificate of Ownership signed by The Artist will be provided.**

Although I have taken care to preserve it with great attention—regular cleaning, safe storage, and thoughtful handling—I believe that before it sings again on stage, it deserves the expert hands of a professional repairman for a thorough check-up. Instruments, like people, need care to keep their voices strong, and I want to ensure that this clarinet will be ready to perform at its best for whoever takes it forward.

These days, I find myself saddened to see this wonderful clarinet sitting quietly in my den, gathering dust when its natural place is not in storage, but on stage—where it was meant to live, breathe, and shine. An R13 of this character was born for music, not silence.

It is my sincere wish to pass it on to a new musician who will bring it back into the light of performance. I would be honored to see it return to the stage, continuing its story in the hands of another artist, creating new memories and sharing its voice with audiences once again..

-Ron Odrich

**Certificate of Ownership signed by The Artist will be provided.**

It has an excellent balance of core resistance and freedom to blow as well as phenomenal intonation and sound. I originally intended this to be my main backup instrument but found myself rarely using it in performance. The instrument only used in 3 performances with various symphony in the region, and I have minimally used it in practice sessions only in a handful of occasions.

I feel the clarinet is justified to have more active use by someone who would play it as a primary instrument. Having tried dozens of Buffet Legend and Tosca clarinets for both myself and my students, I am confident that this is an exceptional instrument that is not easily found and should be actively played."

Prof. Wonkak Kim

**Certificate of Ownership signed by The Artist will be provided.**

This clarinet got me through many milestones:

✦ It got me into Charlie Neidich’s studio at the Eastman School of Music for my undergraduate studies.

✦ Then into David Shifrin’s studio at the Yale School of Music for my Masters degree.

I also won many competitions with it:

✦ 1st Prize-International Clarinet Association Young Artist competition

✦ Winner-St. Louis Symphony Young Artist Competition

✦ Winner-Music Academy of the West Concerto Competition

And this clarinet has toured the world with me as part of the 1990 American-Soviet Youth Orchestra World Tour and also to Japan with the Eastman Wind Ensemble.

-Seung Hee Lee

*This clarinet comes with 67mm Chadash barrel. **Certificate of Ownership signed by The Artist will be provided.**