Buffet Crampon Bass Clarinet in B♭ (to Low E♭) by Ron Odrich

This remarkable Buffet Crampon bass clarinet was purchased brand new by Ron Odrich at ClarinetFest on August 3, 2016, in Lawrence, Kansas. It was personally presented by the President of Buffet USA—an offer Ron couldn’t refuse. That very evening, he performed with the instrument in concert alongside Eddie Daniels.

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.**

Listen a CD recorded with this clarinet at Spotify.

 

 

See a video with this clarinet at https://www.youtube.com/embed/mq8tlt_Gq24?si=6D6PatODtGhqh-qe

 

Ron on CBS

$3,450.00

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Ship from U.S.A.
Type Bass Clarinet (French)
Brand Buffet Crampon
Model Name Buffet Bass Clarinet descending to E-flat. Excellent condition.
Serial Number 37967
Date of Purchase January 1, 1950
Package and case Original case but no packaging
Original purchase receipt No
How many months did you use the clarinet? 36
Condition of the instrument Lightly used, clean, and free of major blemishes. In great playing condition with smooth response across the range.

Ron Odrich

Clarinetist, composer, novelist and teacher Ron Odrich has played and recorded with Clark Terry, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Phil Woods, Buddy DeFranco, Eddie Daniels and other jazz greats. He studied with Lennie Tristano and a list of outstanding clarinet teachers; Sal Amato, Jimmy Abato, Kal Opperman, Robert Marcellus, Daniel Bonade and David Weber.

After a tenure as soloist in the “Crew Chiefs” jazz quintet attached to the Air Force Band “Airmen of Note,” Ron went on to perform with the Vinnie Burke Quartet, Clark Terry (small and large orchestras), as a musician-actor in the original Broadway cast of “Lenny” and his own quartet. His first album was with jazz greats Vinnie Burke and Chris Connors in 1955, and his 1978 solo album “Blackstick” was given a four star rating by DownBeat magazine.

Ron was a featured soloist in Carnegie Hall for the Glenn Gould memorial concert in 1997. Ron also has had a long-standing relationship with Gerry Mulligan both as a close friend and as a musician. He appeared with Gerry in several venues including a special concert at Northwestern University. There they delighted the audience with Gerry’s original piano-less quartet pieces combining Ron on bass clarinet and Gerry on baritone sax as the two melodic voices. They were planning a duo CD at the time of Gerry’s passing. His CD “Visions”, including “Furtive Visions”, by Leonard Bernstein, Ron Odrich and Larry Falon also featured Lew Soloff and was well received. For the past thirty five years Ron has led what may well be the longest standing continually active jazz quartet in New York City appearing in a series of venues throughout the city. The Ron Odrich Quartet was recently featured in concert at the Certosa Arts Festival in Capri, Italy. As a ‘O3 Grammy Nominee with over 14 recordings to his credit, Ron is a true “Renaissance Man”, possessing eclectic talents as a visual artist, a published novelist, and a Periodontist with his own practice in Manhattan.

As an Italian speaking scientific consultant he has participated in a TV series for a La RAI Italian TV news series updating viewers in Italy on the latest scientific developments in the U.S. His activities with his Jazz quartet and his dental practice were a featured story with the Sunday Morning Show with Charles Kurault. He and his quartet plus outstanding guests are currently appearing at the San Martin restaurant/club on East 49th Street every first Tuesday of each month.

The guest list includes Ted Nash, Harry Allen, Warren Vachet, David Glasser, Jack Wilkins, Chris Washburne, Harvie S. and a host of others. His latest novel “Perfect Pitch” is published by Gadd Books and he is currently at work on the next opus.

 

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Weight 14 lbs
Dimensions 27.5 × 12.5 × 8.5 in

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