Klarinet Archive - Posting 000113.txt from 1998/02

From: Matthew Hanson <mchanson@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Noblets (long)
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:29:59 -0500

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