The Buffet B12 Is Back – the Clarinet That Changed Everything
For over 30 years, the Buffet B12 has been one of the world’s most trusted student clarinets. Introduced by Buffet Crampon to fill the need for a high-quality yet affordable instrument, the B12 quickly became a favourite in school bands, community ensembles and teaching studios worldwide.
Though officially retired in 2016 and replaced by the Prodige and Premium models, the B12’s legacy never faded. Thousands of clarinet teachers around the globe, including right here in Wollongong, were disappointed to see it leave the Buffet line-up.
Now, in 2025, this iconic clarinet is making its eagerly awaited return, and we couldn’t be more excited!

🧐 What Makes the Buffet B12 Clarinet so Special?
➡️ Lightweight & Weather Resistant
Crafted from ABS polymer, the B12’s body is lighter than grenadilla wood and highly resistant to humidity and temperature changes. This makes it an ideal clarinet for outdoor use, marching bands, and travel, as it won’t crack or warp.
➡️ Easy to Play & Beginner-Friendly
Reviewers praise its free-blowing response, focused tone, and effortless playability, making it perfect for encouraging students and keeping them engaged.
➡️ Reliable Build Quality
Buffet chose nickel-plated keywork with blue steel springs over fragile nylon components, delivering robust and reliable mechanics. The bladder pads and metal tenon rings further enhance durability.
➡️ Sound That Surpasses Expectations
This student clarinet produces a warm, rich, and consistent tone across registers. Its sound is a cut above typical plastic models, making it ideal for both solo and ensemble playing.
➡️ Built by a Legacy Brand
Buffet Crampon, founded in Paris in 1825, is the leading name in Boehm system clarinets. Its German and French manufacturing heritage guarantees strict quality control, even when production began migrating to China in later years.
🆕 What’s NEW in the 2025 Edition?
👉 A return to the classic B12, with updates for better playability and finish.
👉 ABS polymer body with a sleek satin finish and metal body rings.
👉 Includes a Buffet mouthpiece, ligature, cap, reed, swab, cork grease, and pencil – everything a student needs.



📅 Australian Stock Arriving Mid-September
Our supplier is expecting to start shipping the new Buffet B12 clarinets in mid-August, which means we will have them in store by early September.
Demand is already incredibly strong, and stock is likely to sell out very quickly. To avoid missing out, we recommend placing your pre-order early. A 20% deposit is all it takes to secure your Buffet B12 clarinet from the first shipment.
💰 Unbeatable LCWB Price & Ongoing Value
The Buffet B12 has a recommended retail price of $1,195, but at LCWB, we’ve priced it at just $1,055 to help make it more accessible to players from all backgrounds.
And as always, when you purchase your instrument from us, you’ll receive $20 off your annual service for the lifetime of the instrument.
🧭 Is It Right for You or for Your Child?
The Buffet B12 clarinet is the perfect choice for:
- ✅ Beginners, students, and advancing players seeking a reliable and quality instrument.
- ✅ Teachers and schools needing sturdy, consistent instruments for classroom use.
- ✅ Anyone seeking a robust, weather-resistant practice or travel clarinet.
⚠️ You get what you pay for: the B12 is a serious instrument best suited to committed learners.
📦 Pre-Order Yours Today
The return of the B12 is more than just a product launch. It is a chance for a new generation of clarinettists to experience one of the best student instruments ever made.
📦 Click here to pre-order online or contact us on 1300 83 94 97 to learn more.
⏳ While You Wait…
Why not grab some accessories to go with your brand-new instrument?
👉 Check out our range of clarinet reeds.
👉 Keep your reeds safe in one of our reed cases!
👉 How about a few new pieces to play? Check out our clarinet sheet music collection!


