Klarinet Archive - Posting 000326.txt from 1995/03

From: Lee Callet <LCallet@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Noblet Bass
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 15:30:56 -0500

You wrote:

"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."

If you can afford it, look for a used Selmer or Buffet, maybe one that goes
to low Eb only. While scarce, they are not as scarce or expensive as the low
C models. While $600 is a modest amount of money for a bass clarinet, if you
plan to stay with it for the long haul, a "professional" instrument may give
you more satisfaction, in terms of pitch, tone quality, and probably,
durability. Also, you will be able to sell a Selmer or Buffet for at least
what you paid for it, five or ten years down the road (and maybe for even
more), all the while having the pleasure of playing it. Lee Callet