Detail 01
Pitched in A
A companion horn, not a substitute for Bb. Reads orchestral parts written in A without transposing on the fly.
Product detailSKU #1274228086085
Buffet CramponE11 A Clarinet
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A wooden A clarinet from Buffet's student-to-intermediate E11 line. For players stepping into orchestral and chamber repertoire that calls for a clarinet in A.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Advancing students joining orchestra or wind ensemble
- Players who already own a Bb and need the A
- Community and pit players reading original-key orchestral parts
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- First-time beginners — start on a Bb clarinet instead
- Marching band and outdoor use, where wood is a liability
- Jazz and concert-band players, who rarely need an A
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Grenadilla wood body
Denser and warmer than plastic, but it moves with humidity and temperature. Needs break-in and climate care.
Detail 03
14.65 mm poly-cylindrical bore
The bore narrows and widens along its length rather than staying straight, which evens out intonation between registers.
Detail 04
Undercut tone holes
The hole edges are chamfered inside, smoothing airflow. Helps response and tuning on cross-fingered and throat notes.
Detail 05
Double skin pads
Two-layer pads seal more reliably and resist waterlogging longer than single-skin, so keys stay quiet and leak-free.
Detail 06
Silver plated keys
Plating tarnishes with skin contact and needs wiping down. Wears through at contact points over years of play.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Includes a Buffet mouthpiece and ligature, plus a wood shell case
- 02No reeds, ligature swab, cork grease or stand included
- 03New wood needs a break-in schedule — short sessions for the first weeks
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I use this instead of a Bb clarinet?
No. An A clarinet sounds a half step lower and reads its own parts. Most band, jazz and school music is written for Bb. The A is a second instrument for orchestral work.
02Is the E11 wood or plastic?
Wood — grenadilla body. That is the main step up from the plastic student models, and it is also why the instrument needs humidity control and a break-in period.
03Will my Bb mouthpiece fit?
A clarinet barrels and mouthpieces share the same taper family as Bb, so most players use the same mouthpiece on both. A Buffet mouthpiece and ligature come with the instrument.
04Does it need work before playing?
Have a tech check the pad seal and cork fit after shipping. Wood and cork shift in transit, and a small leak shows up as a stuffy low register.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Tone Holes
- Undercut
1 detailsPlayability
- Keys
- Silver Plated
2 detailsBody & build
- Body Construction
- Grenadilla wood
- Body
- Wood
1 detailsIn the box
- Case or Gig Bag
- Wood Shell / Leather-Like Cover
3 detailsOther
- Pads
- Double skin
- Mouthpiece Ligature
- Buffet
- Bore
- 14.65 mm / Poly-cylindrical
