Klarinet Archive - Posting 000063.txt from 1998/02

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Noblets
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:29:09 -0500

Jennifer Rose McKenna wrote:

> .... tried 4 noblet bass clarinets and 1 Selmer Bass clarinet, and not at all to
> my surprise i obviously found the PROFFESIONAL level Selmer to be easier to play and with a
> better tone than all 4 noblets.

Well of course. But it is not a legitimate comparison to put
intermediate instruments of any brand
up against professional instrument of any kind. The point of the
intermediate level is to have a
horn better than the beginner level but that won't break the bank.

> .... 12 clarinets- 2 selmers, 2 LeBlancs, 2 noblet 45's, 1 Buffet e-11 (the
> brand on which i was already playing) and 5 Buffet r-13's (on which i decided) of course i
> found the Leblancs and Buffets the easiest to produce the best tone on, with the Noblets being
> on the botton of the ladder.

See above comment. Not everyone can afford the pro grade. And the
Noblet does not claim to be
equivalent to a pro horn in playability (and they are a lot less in
price).

After all some people have to drive Volkswagens while others can buy a
Cadillac. And we don't
expect everyone to drive Cadillacs, Merceders, Porsches, etc. Yet here
in clarinet land, too many
seem to think that anything less than a pro instrument is unthinkable.

Also just because an instrument is brand new, does not mean it is ready
to play. After the rigours
of shipping from the manufacturer to the dealer, they often need
adjustment. Not all dealers are
as qualified as they should be to do this.

Dee Hays
deerich@-----.net