The R13 is the most widely played professional clarinet in the world. It was created in 1955 by instrument maker Robert Carrée, who joined Buffet as an apprentice in 1921. A later model—the RC—bears his initials.

The tone of the R13 derives from its characteristic bore, and is focused, rich and powerful in all registers. Its flexibility lends itself to all repertoires and contexts: symphonic or chamber, soloists, teachers, military bands, students or amateurs.

The R13 Prestige emerged in 1985: it is made from a higher grade untreated wood, has a precisely hand-finished bore, and metal-reinforced tenons to limit the risk of splitting.

• Wooden body (unstained African blackwood)


• Silver-plated keys


• 18 keys, 6 rings


• Metal-capped tenons


• 'Prestige' bell


• Standard Boehm mechanism


• Adjustable thumb rest