Albert System Clarinets
Does anyone use an albert system clarinet for jazz? I’ve already talked with a couple of players who swear by them. (And, moreover, I was impressed by the projection without a mic over a crowded dance floor.) It’s pretty easy to find a cheap fixer-upper on ebay, so I’ve been thinking about taking the plunge. Any thoughts?
Here is a little Albert system clarinet info
I got to play one in college because one of the guys there was an Albert system clarinet geek and played Dixieland a lot. My impressions where that it felt different, as in the finger spacing was more “apart” than what one would find on a Boehm clarinet.
I’d say go for it. You might be hard pressed to find someone to “fix it” for you. I had, once upon a time, a old Buffet clarinet (1920s?) that I simply could not find pads for, and anyone who could fix it wanted lots of $$$$ to work on it. It just wasn’t worth it for me at the time, and I ended up selling it for like $100 or so. Wish I had kept it. Oh well. But get the Albert System. If I had some extra $$$ I’d probably get one.
Jim says,” Welcome to the world of real clarinets! You may not find a perfect clarinet but any albert system that I laid my pinkies on, has more power and tone and carrying power than any boehm. I started on top line selmer boehm from 1956 – switched to 1880 buffet albert and never looked back. I use a #6 brilhart mouthpiece and a 3&1/2 Rico reed. good luck – keep in touch!” cheers jim
Is that wood or metal?
I have played albert clarinets and to my ear, they are awesome.
I just joined the site, so excuse me if I shouldnt post this here, but I am looking to buy a Buffet albert — does anyone have one (or more!) for sale?
I play a C Albert Buffet and love it.
I was wondering what kind of response you were getting on an Buffet model Albert clarinets. I have an old one and have the carrying case for it. The clarinet is marked BUFFET PARIS LP on all sections and has a C FISCHER NEW YORK MADE IN FRANCE LP. It is a very old clarinet that belonged to my Uncle when he played in Jazz groups in the 20s and early 30s. He put it away when the war started and it has not been played, tuned, etc since then. It has other markings on it but they are hard to read. I am curious as to the value of such an item these days, as I would consider selling it.
Hi, I’m an Albert System player. Actually I have 4 albert system horns; a SELMER IMPROVED (the same kind of horn played by Johnny Dodds or George Lewis), BUFFET CRAMPON (from the Woody Allen’s collection), a CARL FISHER and a rubber made from CONN.
My main horn is that SELMER, of course, but other people like Paul Cosentino prefer to play on BUFFET CRAMPON. My spare horn is the CARL FISHER. It means that I never play my BUFFET CRAMPON but I just keep it because it was from Woody Allen, but maybe I could accept an offer.
All the best!
Mkinney and Oscar — I would be very interested in buying your Buffet alberts if they are for sale. I absolutely love my albert and am looking to upgrade. I have been scouring around to find a Buffet — let me know if you are willing to sell.