A skilled instrument maker named Buffet-Auger, set up shop in 1825 right in the heart of Paris, Passage du Grand­ Cerf (where still today Buffet-Crampon has its head office and its sales warehouse). Soon this craftsman became known in musical circles by the outstanding quality of his clarinets made with 13 keys according to the Ivan Muller system. In 1830, Buffet-Auger left the firm to his son - who married in 1836 Miss Crampon. Creating the well-known name of Buffet Crampon.

From Clarinet Specialist to Master of all Instruments

About this time gifted clarinetist Hyacinthe-Eleonor Klosé and Louis-Auguste Buffet were working on a new system for the clarinet that would cement Buffet Crampon’s name in clarinet-making for years to come. The two of them aimed to implement the system of articulated rings which German inventor Theobald Boehm had created for the flute. The problem proved far more complicated for the clarinet but the cooperation but ultimately proved successful and superior the existing Muller system. The Boehm clarinet was thus born and brought before the public in 1839 and in 1844 a patent was taken out.

In 1866 Buffet Crampon built its first saxophones, 22 years after the first exhibition of this instrument by Adolphe Sax and one year after the patent for the saxophone at large by the inventor expired. By 1871 Buffet’s Mantes factory turned out all key instruments, including saxophones. From the outset of building these instruments, Buffet Crampon focused on making only high-quality instruments. So in 1878, by a unanimous vote, the firm obtained the Gold Medal at the Paris Exhibition for its presentation of 42 instruments: complete families of clarinets and saxophones, oboes, flutes, and bassoons.

From 1866 to 1887, all Buffet saxophones were built just under the Buffet Crampon name. These early saxophones were quite like the original Adolphe Sax saxophones. This is understandable as not only was this a novel instrument, but Buffet was an Adolphe Sax licensee for Sax’s remaining applicable saxophone patents. Starting in 1887, all saxophones built would bear the Evette-Schaeffer name as they purchased the company in 1885. Improvements in this model set the tone for new Buffet saxophone models to focus on improvements and general tinkering with keywork. In 1910 Buffet started releasing saxophones with distinct model names. It was this year that Buffet introduced the Apogee premium model saxophone, which itself had innovative keywork features that commanded a higher price than the concurrently sold Evette and Schaeffer models. In 1918 the company began selling their premium line instruments (at this time the Apogee model) under the Buffet Crampon name while marketing lower grade instruments under the Evette and Schaeffer and Evette brands.

Buffet’s saxophone production really took off in the 1950s with the Dynaction and then Super Dynaction models. The company began production of the Dynaction model saxophones in 1950 which would be followed by the Super Dynaction (1957), then the S series (1973) models. The Dynaction preceded the famous 1954 Selmer Mark VI saxophone and the Super Dynaction would be its competitor. While the saxophones clearly maintained a similar soul from the Dynaction on, Buffet did go in a new direction in the 1970's with the "S" Series by developing their saxophones primarily for classical players. After the S series, Buffet would take some time to focus on the student market and realign their options for professional horns.

In 2010, Buffet prepared for its re-entry into the professional saxophone market with the acquisition of German saxophone manufacturer Keilwerth. By 2013 they were set up to launch their new professional saxophone line - Senzo. While the design team for Senzo was entirely, pioneered by retired craftsman Ghislain Rousseau, much of the manufacturing occurs in the Julius Keilwerth factory in Germany. The design was also inspired by previous Keilwerth models, for example the keywork is similar to the Keilwerth CX90. Full key fitting, padding, and precise adjustment is all done in Germany on the Julius Keilwerth production line. When the assembled instruments reach Paris they undergo a second round of fine tuning and are individually and extensively play tested.

While Buffet Crampon remains principally famous for its clarinet manufacture, it has been a mainstay and driving force of innovation in the saxophone market since it was possible for competition to enter the saxophone market.