Buffet E11 Review: The Best Intermediate Clarinet?

The Buffet E11 review question most players and parents want answered is whether it justifies its price over less expensive intermediate options. Having heard it played across a range of levels and settings, the Buffet E11 is a genuinely excellent intermediate clarinet — but it suits some players better than others, and understanding that distinction matters before buying.

Buffet E11 Review: What Kind of Instrument Is This?

The Buffet E11 is Buffet Crampon’s entry-level intermediate model, designed for players stepping up from a student clarinet. It sits in the same category as the Yamaha YCL-450 but with a distinct character: warmer, darker tone, and a more traditional feel that reflects Buffet’s French manufacturing heritage.

It’s the instrument many orchestra-focused students upgrade to after their first few years, and it’s frequently recommended by clarinet teachers who train players for conservatory auditions. The bore design is polycylindrical, borrowed directly from Buffet’s professional range, which means players developing toward professional level are learning on geometry they’ll encounter in the R13 and Tosca.

Build and Construction

The Buffet E11 uses a stained African blackwood body — grenadilla — throughout, including the barrel and bell. The silver-plated keys are forged rather than cast, which produces a stronger, more precise mechanism. Stainless steel springs give consistent, quick key action that doesn’t soften with age the way plated springs can.

Undercut tone holes improve intonation across registers, particularly in the transition between the chalumeau and clarion registers where most intermediate players struggle. The 64mm barrel is slightly shorter than the standard 65mm of many instruments, which suits most players who run slightly sharp — a common tendency at the intermediate level.

Construction is hand-finished in Germany, and the quality control reflects it. The instrument arrives well set up, with pads seated correctly and keys aligned — something that can’t always be assumed with budget instruments.

Sound

The Buffet E11’s tone is its strongest selling point. The grenadilla body produces a warm, centered sound with more depth and complexity than ABS or hybrid instruments at the same price point. The low register is rich without being muddy, the clarion register is focused without being pinched, and the altissimo responds cleanly with developed technique.

It’s notably darker than the Yamaha YCL-450, which suits players focused on classical and orchestral repertoire. For concert band or contemporary styles where a brighter, more projecting sound is useful, the Yamaha may actually be the better fit.

Buffet E11 Review: Pros and Cons

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Buffet E11 vs Yamaha YCL-450

	Buffet E11	Yamaha YCL-450
Body	Full grenadilla wood	Wood upper / ABS lower
Tone	Warm, dark, classical	Brighter, more even
Bore	Polycylindrical (professional spec)	Yamaha intermediate spec
Consistency	Some variation between instruments	Very consistent
Best for	Classical / orchestral focus	All-round use
Price	~$800–950	~$700–850

The honest summary: if you’re focused on classical music and plan to progress toward orchestral playing, the Buffet E11 is the better long-term choice. The bore geometry and tonal character prepare you for the instruments you’ll likely move to. If you want reliability and consistency, or you play across multiple styles, the Yamaha YCL-450 is the safer buy.

One Important Note About Buying the Buffet E11

Because individual E11s can vary slightly more than Yamaha instruments, buying from a dealer who does a proper setup and play-test matters. If buying online, stick to reputable music retailers rather than marketplace sellers where the instrument’s history and condition are unknown. A well-setup E11 is excellent. A poorly-adjusted one can be frustrating.

After purchasing, most teachers recommend upgrading the included mouthpiece. The Vandoren B45 pairs well with the E11’s tonal character. See our best clarinet mouthpieces guide for full recommendations.

Final Verdict

The Buffet E11 review conclusion is straightforward: for classically-focused players making the step up from a student instrument, it’s one of the best intermediate clarinets available. The tone quality, bore design, and build standard are all genuinely impressive at the price. The main caveats are that it needs proper care as a wood instrument, and buying from a reputable dealer matters more than with Yamaha.

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FAQ

Is the Buffet E11 good for beginners?

Not as a first instrument. It’s an intermediate clarinet that rewards players who already have solid technique. Complete beginners will be better served by a student instrument for the first two to three years.

How does the Buffet E11 compare to the R13?

The R13 is Buffet’s professional model and produces a noticeably more complex and responsive tone. The E11 borrows the bore design but uses different materials and less refined finishing. For most players below professional level, the E11 provides more than enough quality, and the price difference is significant.

Does the Buffet E11 need special care?

Yes — as a wood instrument it needs to be swabbed thoroughly after every session, stored at stable temperature and humidity, and oiled periodically during the first year of playing. This isn’t onerous but it is essential. Players who skip maintenance on wood instruments risk cracking.