Buffet RC vs R13: Which Professional Clarinet Is Right for You?

The Buffet RC vs R13 question is one of the most debated topics among serious clarinetists. Both instruments come from the same factory, both are made of grenadilla wood, and both are played by professionals worldwide. However, the Buffet RC vs R13 comparison reveals two fundamentally different playing experiences — and choosing the wrong one for your style is a costly mistake at these price points.

Buffet RC vs R13: The Core Difference

The distinction between these two instruments comes down to bore design and the tonal character that results from it. The R13 uses Buffet’s polycylindrical bore, which produces a brighter, more open, and more flexible sound with a characteristic “ring” that has defined professional clarinet playing for decades. The RC, by contrast, uses a slightly more compact bore that produces a denser, darker, and more focused core to the sound.

In practical terms, the R13 tends to suit players who want tonal flexibility and brightness — qualities that work well across a broad range of repertoire and ensemble settings. The RC, on the other hand, suits players who want a more compact, controlled sound with greater density in the core, which is why it has historically been popular among European orchestral players.

Buffet RC vs R13: Quick Comparison

	Buffet R13	Buffet RC Prestige
Bore type	Polycylindrical	Polycylindrical (different dimensions)
Tone character	Bright, open, flexible	Dark, dense, focused
Resistance	Medium — free-blowing	Higher — more compact feel
Popularity	Most popular in USA	More popular in Europe
Best for	All-round professional use	Orchestral principal clarinet
Price	~$1,500–2,200	~$4,000–5,500

The Buffet R13 in Detail

Developed in 1955 by acoustician Robert Carrée, the R13 is the most widely used professional clarinet in the world. Its polycylindrical bore was revolutionary at the time, and although many instruments have since adopted similar designs, the R13 remains the benchmark that professionals and teachers reach for first.

The R13 produces a sound that is colour-balanced — meaning it contains both bright highs and warm lows in roughly equal proportion. As a result, it works well across an enormous range of musical styles and settings, from orchestral section playing to chamber music to solo recital work. Additionally, because so many teachers and technicians have decades of experience with the R13, getting a well set-up instrument and finding someone to service it is straightforward.

One important note: individual R13s can vary. Because each instrument is hand-finished, playing the specific instrument before buying matters more than with Yamaha. However, a well-selected R13 from a reputable dealer is among the finest instruments available at any price.

View Buffet R13 Price on Amazon

The Buffet RC Prestige in Detail

The RC Prestige is a more compact sounding instrument than the R13. Although it shares the same grenadilla wood construction and general Buffet manufacturing quality, the different bore dimensions produce a denser, darker tone with a more focused core. Players often describe it as having greater control and precision — qualities that make it particularly well-suited to principal clarinet playing in an orchestra, where a player needs to cut through the ensemble cleanly without spreading or losing focus.

In the Buffet lineup, the RC Prestige sits significantly above the standard R13 in price. Furthermore, it requires a more developed technique to get the best from it — the higher resistance can feel restricting to players who are accustomed to the R13’s free-blowing character. That said, advanced players who spend time with the RC Prestige often find that the control it provides becomes exactly what they want.

View Buffet RC Prestige Price on Amazon

Buffet RC vs R13: Which One Should You Choose?

For most professional and serious amateur players in the USA, the R13 is the correct starting point. It’s the instrument most teachers play, most students aspire to, and most technicians know. Because it covers the widest range of musical settings well, it’s the instrument that makes the fewest compromises.

The RC Prestige, however, is worth serious consideration if you play principal clarinet in an orchestra and specifically need a compact, dense, focused sound to define your section. In that context, the higher price and higher resistance both become advantages rather than drawbacks.

If you’re currently on an intermediate instrument and considering either of these as your first professional clarinet, the R13 is almost certainly the right choice. It’s more accessible, more versatile, and has a broader support network. The RC Prestige rewards players who have been on the R13 for years and are looking for something more specific.

Whichever instrument you choose, pairing it with the right mouthpiece matters enormously. See our guide to the best clarinet mouthpieces for what works best at the professional level.

FAQ

Is the Buffet RC better than the R13?

Neither is objectively better — they’re different. The R13 is brighter and more flexible, while the RC Prestige is darker and more focused. The right instrument depends on your musical context and personal taste. That said, the R13 is the more universally applicable choice for most players.

Why is the RC Prestige so much more expensive than the R13?

The RC Prestige uses unstained grenadilla wood that is more carefully selected, features a higher standard of hand-finishing, and includes premium pad and mechanism specifications. Additionally, it’s produced in smaller quantities than the standard R13, which affects pricing.

Can I try both before buying?

Yes — and you absolutely should, especially at these price points. Visit a specialist clarinet dealer rather than a general music store, and ask to play multiple examples of each instrument. The difference between a good R13 and a great one is audible, so choosing the specific instrument rather than just the model matters significantly.