Klarinet Archive - Posting 000302.txt from 1995/03

From: "Donald B. Kinghorn" <don@-----.EDU>
Subj: Noblet Bass
Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 22:13:32 -0500

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this list and new to clarinet playing (sort of). I am
finishing up my Doctoral thesis in theoretical chemistry and to
maintain my sanity I recently started playing Bass Clarinet (gee
maybe it's to late to save my sanity, oh well) I know that sounds odd
but let me explain. I made a living as a musician for many (12) years
before I started this quantum mechanics stuff that I do now. I was a
very good electric and acoustic guitarist, a lousy oboe player, a
little better flute player, and a little worse bass clarinet player.
I had a bass and contra alto clarinet that I loved to play. I played
mostly jazz. I even did a gig with the conta alto once, a duet with a
drummer at an art gallery, (way out there stuff!). Anyway, I haven't
had a bass clarinet around for over 10 years and I've really missed
playing it so I went out and rented one. I'm 10 years out of practice
but my embouchure is coming back remarkably fast. I think I want to
"seriously" work on my clarinet playing. OK, now that I've introduced
myself I'll get on to my questions.

The bass clarinet that I've rented is a Noblet low Eb. It is very old
but in very good condition. The mechanism is solid and it plays in
tune easily up to the E in the altissimo register, beyond that it's a
little wild. (this is good for a bass anyway isn't it?) (It's much
better than the worn out Kholert(sp?) that I had years ago)
The serial number on this bass is 460 so it must be very old!?

Does anybody have any idea how old it might be?

I can buy it for $600. Should I do it?

I would appreciate any comments, suggestions, or recommendations.

P.S. This mail list is a lot more fun than the computational
chemistry list!
P.P.S You might be surprised how many scientists are
amateur/recreational musicians. One of our organic professors here
plays clarinet in the local community orchestra.
-Don
Donald B. Kinghorn
Dept of Chemistry
Washington State University
Pullman WA 99163-4630
(509) 335-0958
don@-----.edu