Klarinet Archive - Posting 000027.txt from 1994/07

From: Josias Associates <josassoc@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: C clarinet
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 1994 20:53:41 -0400

On Friday, 1 July 1994, R Adam Pease wrote:

> Subject: C clarinet
> How available are C clarinets? How about this model in particular? Any
> rough guidelines for how much various models should cost? Does any
> manufacturer still make C clarinets? Any answers would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Adam
> R_Adam_Pease@-----.gov
>
Adam,

I searched for several years for a C clarinet, thinking I would
settle on a Buffet or Selmer. Buffet at one time had made an excellent
"C", but had either forgotten the recipe or lost interest in that
particular market. And although I had played other people's Selmer Cs
that I liked, I couldn't find a new or used instrument that was acceptable.

For a period of about a year and a half, Bob Gilbert kept touting
Noblet C clarinets to me as what Southern California professional players
who wanted new Cs were buying from him. I dismissed the Noblet C as being a
student instrument not worthy of serious consideration. But then I had a
Chamber Music recital looming with one entire piece (the Martinu
Serenade) scored for C clarinet (actually two C clarinets), and, after
having done C transpositions on my Bb on two previous performances,
I was determined to play the piece on a C instrument this time.

I was ripe for Bob Gilbert's sales pitch and bought a Noblet. I was
delighted with the instrument mainly because of its sound, which was at
least as good as that of some older Buffets. The scale was fairly good too,
but the keywork was inferior to that of the Buffets and Selmers. The
rings were so high that I had initial difficulty in covering the holes.
After adjusting the metalwork, the instrument at last felt comfortable.

At the time of purchase, which was about five years ago, the
instrument sold for a price in the mid-$800s. If the quality has not not
gone down in the intervening years, I would highly recommend the Noblet.
Bob Gilbert usually stocks a few instruments at his store in Los Angeles,
and I'm sure other reputable distributors in other communities can get them
also.

Please contact me if more information is needed.

Conrad (Connie) Josias
josassoc@-----.com

   
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