Klarinet Archive - Posting 000078.txt from 2004/12

From: "DWH" <dwh46@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] History of two old clarinets
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 21:22:10 -0500

Derek -

If you'll send me the serial number from your old Normandy off-list, I'll be
able to date it fairly close for you. Since it has a composite body, it was
made by Leblanc, and they will not make a serial number list available to
the public as Selmer and Buffet do. I used to work for a long-time Leblanc
dealer, and still have my notes from dating Leblanc clarinets we had as part
of a private collection.

Don Hatfield
dwh46@-----.net

>
> Hi. I've been playing on this old plastic Normandy for
> the last 8 years (i think it's time to upgrade...) but
> I've recently been curious about where this instrumnet
> has been. First of all, it is atleast 40 years old.
> Er...48, if you count the 8 years I've had it. A
> relative gave it to me when I first showed some
> interest in clarinet when I was in fourth grade. Every
> one of the pads was completely rotted out, the cork
> was in bad shape to say the least, but ever since I
> got it fixed it's been the best clarinet I've played
> on. He said he played it when he was my age (meaning
> 10) so that would make it atleast 40 years old at the
> time I received it (48 now). He said they had it just
> "lying around", and no one is really clear on where it
> came from. I have the serial number and I know it's a
> Normandy, as it's inscribed on the bell. Is there any
> way I can find out when and where this clarinet was
> made? I'd like to know the history of this instrumnet.
> There is also a metal clarinet as well, which I think
> is about the same age, and I'd like to know the
> history of this one too, alhtough I don't currently
> have any info on it. Thanks.

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