Detail 01
Pitched in A, not Bb
A half step lower and longer than a Bb clarinet. Reads sharp-key orchestral parts without brutal transposition.
Product detailSKU #1274228086024
Buffet CramponR13 Professional A Clarinet With Nickel Keys Nickel Plated Keys
Sale
1/8
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
The A clarinet counterpart to the R13, in grenadilla with nickel-plated keys. For orchestral players who need both instruments to cover standard repertoire.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Orchestral players covering repertoire written for A clarinet
- Doublers building a matched Bb and A pair
- Chamber and conservatory work where A parts appear regularly
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who only need one clarinet — buy the Bb first
- Concert band and jazz players, where parts are written for Bb
- Beginners; this assumes you already read and transpose fluently
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
High-quality grenadilla body, barrel and bell
Dense African blackwood throughout. Dark, focused orchestral tone, but sensitive to humidity and needs a break-in period.
Detail 03
Poly-cylindrical bore
Bore diameter varies down the body instead of staying constant. Tightens intonation and shapes resistance across registers.
Detail 04
Nickel-plated keys
Harder and more tarnish-resistant than silver plating. Less polishing, slightly slicker feel under the fingers.
Detail 05
Undercut tone holes
Beveled inside the bore so notes that would sit flat or feel stuffy respond evenly.
Detail 06
Blue steel springs
Stiffer, more consistent key return than standard springs. Action stays positive over years of playing.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01No mouthpiece included — case, ligature, cap and care products only
- 02Most players use the same mouthpiece across their Bb and A instruments
- 03New grenadilla needs staged break-in and a tech check before heavy use
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What is an A clarinet for?
Orchestral parts written in sharp keys. Composers wrote for A clarinet to keep fingerings manageable, so orchestral players carry both Bb and A.
02Can I use this instead of a Bb clarinet?
Not really. Band, jazz and most method books are written for Bb. The A is a second instrument, not a replacement.
03Is a mouthpiece included?
No. The case, ligature, cap and care products come with it. Mouthpiece and reeds are separate.
04Why does the A cost more than the Bb?
It's a longer instrument using more grenadilla, and it's built in smaller numbers since fewer players need one.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Tone Holes
- Undercut
1 detailsPlayability
- Key
- A
4 detailsBody & build
- Body Style
- Polycylindrical
- Key Material
- Nickel
- Body Barrel and Bell Material
- High quality grenadilla
- Body Shape
- Polycylindrical
7 detailsOther
- Key System
- Boehm (French)/17 keys
- Bore Shape
- Polycylindrical
- Springs
- Blue steel
- Level
- Professional
- Includes
- Case, cap, ligature and care products
- Pads
- Double fish skin
- Crafted in
- France
