Buffet Crampon was born in 1825 in a musical instrument workshop in the heart of Paris, France. Skilled artisan Denis Buffet-Auger developed a quality 13-key clarinet. At that time, clarinets were made entirely in the hands of skilled craftsman. Although musical instrument manufacturing techniques have changed significantly since then, this tradition of craftsmanship has remained a Buffet Crampon hallmark.

The now-famous namesake Buffet Crampon started in 1836 when Denis’s son Jean-Louis Buffet married Zoe Crampon and took over the business. The Buffet Crampon logo, still in use today, was first used in 1844.

Another Buffet Crampon tradition is the incorporation of design ideas from virtuoso musicians. For example, clarinetist Hyacinthe Klosé, an instructor at the Paris Conservatory, encouraged Buffet Crampon to adapt the movable rings developed for flutes to the clarinet. First exhibited in 1839, this successful new system necessitated the building of a new factory to keep up with demand. With this increased capacity, Buffet Crampon was soon making saxophones as well as clarinets.

Buffet Crampon instruments were first available in the United States in 1918, making the company a world leader in professional clarinets. Famous models like the R13 clarinet and the RC clarinet were released by Buffet Crampon between 1921 and 1975 and are still in production. Buffet Crampon Prestige and Festival professional clarinets followed later.

Buffet Crampon has since adopted modern instrument-making technology, but they have remained faithful to their original quality standards while embracing innovation.

For example, with the release in 1994 of their Green Line, Buffet Crampon revolutionized clarinet manufacturing with a material composed of a mixture of ebony powder and carbon fiber. This new material allows Buffet Crampon Green Line instruments to exhibit all of the acoustic characteristics of wood, while diminishing the risk of cracks due to temperature fluctuations or problems caused by changes in humidity. These innovations make Buffet Crampon Green Line clarinets and oboes a top choice among the most famous professional musicians worldwide.

In 2003, Buffet Crampon created the Tosca clarinet. This 21st century instrument incorporates highly elaborate technological advances, yet remains elegant and stylish.

Buffet Crampon professional instruments are still made in the fine French tradition in their historical site in Mantes-la-Ville, while Buffet Crampon also partners with manufacturers in Germany, India and China to make their student instruments affordable for beginners and intermediate players.

Woodwind & Brasswind is proud to offer you high-quality woodwind instruments from Buffet Crampon, including A, Bb, C, Eb, alto, tenor, and bass clarinets; basset horns; and oboes for musicians from beginner to professional at all performance and playing levels. All Buffet Crampon instruments and accessories ship internationally to 90 countries and Canada. All musical instruments and accessories are backed by The Woodwind & Brasswind’s 110% Price Guarantee, assuring that you won’t find artisan-quality Buffet Crampon instruments at a lower price anywhere else.