Klarinet Archive - Posting 000083.txt from 1998/02

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: Noblets (long)
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:29:29 -0500

I agree with you about the neck. Furthermore, its one-piece
construction results in condensed water flowing back into the reed
area rather too often.
Roger Shilcock

On Mon, 2 Feb 1998, Matthew Hanson wrote:

> Date: Mon, 02 Feb 1998 08:29:19 -0600
> From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@-----.com>
> To: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: Re: Noblets (long)
>
> Yes, yet another post on Noblets. I, at the defense of them must say
> that I believe that Leblanc's student and intermediate clarinets are the
> most durable of the mass produced instruments today-at least at this
> playing level. These instruments LAST! I don't want to start debates
> on sturdy keywork, but Leblanc DOES use a lot of metal, and the plating
> is usually very thick. In repair, I have found fewer bent keys on
> Leblanc instruments in general than on Selmers and Buffets...(just an
> observation).
>
> I do, however, feel that Leblanc instruments can at times play a bit
> stuffy. I have several Noblet clarinets in various keys and really like
> them a lot, aside from their occasional stuffiness. I have heard many
> people say while comparing Leblancs to Buffets that the Leblanc horns
> are often a bit difficult to "get them to do what you want them to do"
> in terms of playing flexibility. For others, they are just fine.
> At times, and it really does depend on what music I'm playing, I prefer
> one make over another. There are definately playing qualities and
> characteristics of Selmers, Leblancs, and Buffets that I like, and would
> sometimes like to transfer over to different clarinets (I hope that made
> sense). For example, there have been times that I REALLY wanted to play
> my Leblanc BASS for something, but wished it had the Selmer "esque"
> flexibility in the instrument. Lots of people do complain about Leblanc
> basses sounding a bit dry or "dead". Yes, sometimes they don't as
> readily have such a "singing" feel and sound to the tone that Selmers
> are known for in their projection capabilities, but when in proper
> adjustment, Leblancs ARE indeed still very nice instruments, and I
> sometimes prefer it over my vintage Selmer bass.
> Also to be remembered- Leblanc made basses in two extreme bore sizes.
> Naturally, they each play differently.
>
> The Noblet basses in particular have recieved a lot of bad criticism
> due to the one piece cork tenon neck. They do wobble and are awkward to
> tune. The replacement of the neck with a two piece neck makes these
> basses much more fun to play. Many people seem to use the Bay equipment
> for this, and while it works quite well, I haven't been a fan of the bay
> necks as they are soldered at wierd angles. I like smooth bends at the
> angles of my bass neck. :) I think the Bay necks bend the airstream too
> sharply and the tubing isn't the same length on both sides. This is
> something I've always wondered if anyone else noticed. I'm not talking
> about the mpc angle, but instead the quick turns at the soldered joints.
> Needless to say, they are basically the only alternative, and do PLAY
> quite well, but I'm just funny about these kinds of things. Perhaps I
> get *TOO* anal about keeping the tubing as straight as possible in hopes
> of keeping it as much like the Soprano clarinet as possible. However, in
> escaping turbulance inside the instrument the Bays do accomplish this
> over the stock equipment.
>
> Just to note, I am not bashing any make of clarinet. I own Selmer,
> Buffet and Leblanc instruments and play them all, along with the other
> oddball and obsolete horns I have. I use Charles Bay's products. His
> mpcs are great!
>
> And not all of us in Texas hate Noblets... am still looking for a good
> used C instrument.
>
> Matthew Hanson
> Houston, TX
>