The Buffet BCXXI Bb Clarinet represents Buffet Crampons 21st century revolution for the clarinet. The design of this instrument follows in the footsteps of great instrument makers and Buffet Crampon icons Louis-Auguste Buffet and Robert Carr&eacutee who each revolutionised the design of the Bb clarinet in the 19th and 20th centuries respectively. These innovators are responsible for the adaptation of the Boehm system for the clarinet between 1839 and 1843 and then the refinement of acoustic techniques and the improvement of polycylindrical designs from the 1950s to the 1970s. Now Buffet Crampon have started a 21st century paradigm shift for the Bb clarinet – marrying modern materials and technologies with traditional instrument design to create a longer lighter clarinet with a full and vibrant chalumeau range and greater stability in the upper register. An added Eb key offers access to an increased repertoire A-Clarinet transposition and a tonally stronger option for voicing Bb; whilst re-designed keywork on the upper joint greatly improves the balance and ergonomics for the left hand. This beautiful Grenadilla instrument makes for a distinctive and professional Bb clarinet. New bell and lower joint design The Buffet BCXXI has an elongated lower joint with an added resonance vent which improves the fullness of tone when playing the lowest notes on the instrument. The overall strength and presence of the chalumeau register is enormously improved by reducing the flare of the joint and adding length. These adjustments have also served to considerably increase the stability of the upper register. The bell is shortened as it no longer serves to determine the correct fundamental pitch of E/B and F/C but instead functions as a resonator for the entire instrument. This gives the clarinet a focussed projection throughout its entire range. Despite being longer the BCXXII is actually slightly lighter than an average Bb clarinet thanks to the use of carbon fibre rings – offering a more comfortable playing experience during long sessions. Low Eb key The addition of a low Eb key expands the available repertoire to include pieces for Bb clarinet which utilise low Eb and allows the transposition of pieces for A clarinet which utilise low E – giving the option of using just one instrument instead of two in a programme which requires changing between clarinets. The Eb key also allows an alternative fingering for Bb – which is usually considered one of the most problematic notes on the instrument. Having the ability to play Bb with the register key offers a much stronger tonal option for the normally unstable throat note as well as the ability to improve fluency during tricky register-crossing passages. Redesigned upper joint The D tone hole on the upper joint has been slightly raised which gives a more ergonomically comfortable left-hand position. This dramatically improves player comfort by ensuring all left-hand fingers are kept on the same horizontal plane. The balance of the left-hand notes – particularly G#/C# and D/A – has been dramatically improved as well. Construction This fantastic instrument has been carved from natural Grenadilla wood with a beautifully engraved bell barrel and upper joint. The gorgeous carbon fibre rings give a sleek aesthetic to the clarinet whilst the gold and silver-plated keywork with rose-gold brackets offer supple playability and a touch of class. Accessories The Buffet BCXXI comes with two barrels (65mm and 66mm) for 440Hz and 442Hz tunings a rose gold Harmonie ligature a silver-plated Buffet Crampon mouthpiece cap and a Buffet Crampon pull-through. All of this and the instrument come packed in the special BCXXI compact case. This refined black case is perfect for keeping your instrument and accessories safe. Specifications Key: Bb Pitch: 440/442Hz Body: Natural Grenadilla wood System: Boehm 19 keys and 6 rings Keywork: Silver and gold plated Barrel length: 65mm and 66mm Accessories: Case ligature mouthpiece cap pull-through