 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2005-10-25 01:41
Ok, I just got my Noblet bass clarinet. It's the older "Diamond" model. So does that date it around the 60s or 70s? I had a Noblet diamond alto and it was dated around then.
The first thing I noticed, is that the case seems a little too big for the clarinet. It seems to be the right case, but the joints wiggle around. The last ppl put hand towels in there for it to not shift, but I am wondering if there is a way I can maximize storage space by rigging something in those spaces so #1. the joints don't shift, and #2 I can fit small things in those spaces (ie reeds, mouthpieces, etc). Has anyone had this problem with a bass case?
It looks like I can get through my gig on the horn without seeing a tech, but I know I need to take it in. It has some clicking going on now. And I noticed some surface cracks on the inside of the bore. So it might need some oiling, and some tweeking.
All in all, I think I got a pretty good deal for $475, what do you think?
Maybe I will post pictures of my new baby.
--Contragirl
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-10-25 05:25
AWWW,
CG,
show us your baby!
So glad the adoption agency came through for you.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-10-25 13:20
Congrats, C G, we are pleased that you are pleased. You might tell us what you have found, as several of us had suggested you might, previously [if that makes sense]. P E , how do you like the register key mechanics and the response of the lower clarion notes? Does it have the fork fingering for the Ab/Eb [or the alt. L lf lever?]. Other things?. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-10-25 15:32
I don't think the forked Ab/Eb mech is fitted on Noblets - I've never seen them like that, though it makes sense to have this on all makes of basses, and even on sopranos if it can be fitted (I might have a go at fitting one of these to an old B&H Marlborough I have lying in pieces, and a Regent which I'll scavenge the bits off, after I've made a LH Ab/Eb for my 1010).
But I think $475 is a STEAL! Nice one Contragirl! That's probably less than the price of a new plastic B10!
The surface cracks on the inside are probably surface vessels (I see a lot of pro clarinets, oboes and cors with these), but keep an eye on them. And the mechanics are robust on Leblanc/Noblet basses, so you should have no problems with reliabiliy.
What is the current Noblet logo? I've only ever seen the diamond logo and that was well into the '90s - maybe the European market Noblets still kept the diamond logo longer than the US ones. Has to be said I can't stand the new Leblanc logos since the Concerto was launched - around the time the Leblanc Corp. came about. They're a bit brash - I like the old lyre/octagon logo - and the fact it was engraved rather than stamped on.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-10-26 16:03
Go to your room and make the bed.
First, use the sheet to polish the bell joint.
Seriously, cG, the horn looks really classy. The upper joint trill keys look quite vulnerable with the horn laying in its box!
I haven't had a bass in hand for decades, but the posts look kinda frail for the long rods they support.
I hope this critter serves you well!
Bob Phillips
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-10-26 16:16
I've never seen the Selmer-style side/trill keys on a Noblet bass before (but hinged the other way round on this one) - all the ones I've seen have the usual in-line side/trill key arrangement. I wonder why they did this? It's a bit OTT for an intermediate model bass - and I've never seen this arrangement on Leblanc basses. Just as long as it works well, that's the main thing.
But I still maintain it's a steal at the price you paid for it, and it looks to be in good condition with the usual plating wear (not a problem), and with brown leather pads as well.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-10-26 16:27
A few years ago I overhauled two Leblanc bass clarinets that had the "Selmer-style" rocker-type side trill keys, so it's not a 'one-off' anomaly on CG's Noblet. Those two were older instruments (maybe 1960s-vintage).
It doesn't necessarily work better or worse than the more typical single-piece key design, IMHO.
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2005-10-26 16:38
I have that same case, CG. The supports are meant to be moved around unless someone has already nailed them in place. You should be able to switch them around to fit it better. I'll attach a pic of my case arrangement if it would help. I moved mine around a LOT before I found an OK configuration that allows me to keep a lot of crap --- umm, NECESSARY ACCESSORIES in it.
Congrats on the bass!
Michelle
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2005-10-27 04:15
hehe thanks all.
I would like to see the pics Michelle. I dunno if the supports are permanently placed, I'm too lazy to check now, but I will tomorrow. But it seems even if they were nailed, the joints would still shift. I'll just have to mess with it.
The next thing I want is the "ball." They sell them at cello stores, and they work great for bass clarinets.
I would make my bed, but I am always too tired or in a hurry to do it. Plus it's just gonna get messed up again when I go to bed, so what's the use? :P
--CG
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-10-27 14:24
It has been proven that it's best NOT to make your bed - dustmites don't like unmade beds as it's too light, dry and cold for them.
The 'ball' (Wolf Rockstop) is an excellent concept - my bass came with a detachable one (with three set-screws to hold it in place), and the floorpeg is fitted with a special turned fitting rather than a point, but I think Buffet do a permanently fixed version now on their basses.
A cheaper alternative to the Wolf is to get one of those super power rubber balls from a toy shop - you know the ones - lob them and they bounce forever! Drill a hole the same diameter of the floorpeg (only drilling half way) and fit it on the end.
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Author: Ray
Date: 2005-10-27 14:35
I'm pretty sure I have the same (DEG) case for my Malerne bass.
I find that my clarinet fits better if I put the top joint in the front of the case and the bottom joint in the back.
Also, I swapped the ends of the bottom joint for a better fit.
So. My top joint is oriented the same as you have done it, but it is in the front of the case. My bottom joint is flipped from your position and is in the back.
Then there is no movement in the case.
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2005-10-27 15:54
Attachment: IMG_2336.JPG (1340k)
Attachment: IMG_2335.JPG (1104k)
Here's my pics - one with the beast and one without so you can see how I maximize my space, filling it with desperately important and vital stuff. Hope it helps. As for the footpeg, I have a small round end on mine, it works great. I don't think it shows in the pics though cuz it is shoved down in the case.
It's definitely some sort of sickness that compels me to keep 2 extra boxes of reeds plus another dozen singles IN ADDITION to my Pro Tec reed case that holds 10, 3 Legeres, 2 mouthpieces, 3 ligatures... and so on.
Hi, My name is Michelle and I'm a packrat!
But, as you can see it does all fit in there. I buffer the neck and tuner with the silk cleaning cloth so they aren't bumping each other.
Have fun!!
Michelle
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-10-27 16:22
Michelle, did you say Buffer? My R16-1/2, Boofy, has reformed and is in need of a new name. Maybe you've solved my problem. thanks
I'm buying her a more commodious box this week. I like the idea of having a couple boxes of reeds, two barrels, a back-up mpc. Hi, I'm Bob, and I'm paranoid.
Bob Phillips
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-10-27 16:24
Contragirl, been following this interesting thread. Here is my 2 cents, others have already offered advices on how best to utilize the extra spaces in your case, but if you are worried about the pieces flopping about in the case when you are carrying it, I’ve found packaging the case tightly with thick pieces of cloth or a sheet of bubble wrap laying on top of the vulnerable areas work very well.
It will make the case more difficult to close, you got to ready push it shot and latch it, but your instrument will be locked in placed pretty tightly and well padded too, and won’t flop around. You won’t need to worry about joints shifting left and right and causing dents and damages.
Willy
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2005-10-30 00:14
Good news: Bass clarinet plays awesome. Definately needs some adjustment, but I think it's the cork on the top joint's tenon. It's loose and wabbles, which causes my clarion register (mainly B) not to speak. Otherwise, it tunes fairly well, and belt out a mean low F.
"Annie Get Your Gun" will now be "Bonnie Get Your Bass"!
--CG
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Author: Markael
Date: 2005-10-30 10:25
Bonnie,
Out of curiosity, how many clarinets do you have now?
M
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2005-10-31 19:34
I have like 9 or 10 now. I would buy so many cheapos from ebay, and resell them, that I had more... but I never had the money to fix them up. :-P I just sold a metal clarinet I had sitting around. lol
--CG
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Author: Markael
Date: 2005-11-01 02:09
Wow.
If you had them all overhauled it would cost a small fortune.
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Author: April
Date: 2006-12-30 16:56
I need help identifying how old my bass clarinet is. Back in the early '90's I bought it from my high school for $400.00. The instrument is an Eb wood bass clarinet with the NOBLET Paris inside a diamond on the top near the neck. When I looked this up it gave me a vast time span from the 60's to the 90's.
The numbers on the clarinet don't match any I could find for year. It is marked US PATENT RE.23.725. On the top joint near the upper register key. The number on the horn near the bottom of each joint is the number 1377.
The instrument is in fine shape as i have always cared for my instruments. I have a Bachelor of Music Degree in performance from Central Michigan University and played this instrument for years. It is a student model horn.
hoping for a response, april
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-12-31 02:46
The patent number looks like a design patent rather than one for the mechanism. These are granted for the appearance of an item, rather than any mechanical improvements. Or, it could be a French or other European issue.
For a way to establish value on a used instrument is to monitor what they are selling for. The auction services allow this to be done pretty readily, but you do have to visit them frequently.
I've never seen a Signet bass, only Selmer (Paris) or the various plastic Bundy and Selmer USA machines. Noblet horns are solid instruments for their price, and one that you've taken care of over the years would certainly be worth owning. I've never liked the register key system or the fork Eb mechanism, but I've never really used one for more than a month or two, so I'm not the world's expert on them.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: April
Date: 2007-01-01 00:51
Thanks Terry for your response! Do you have an auction site that you regularly visit?? I have NEVER sold or done any buying on the internet at all (yea I know) so I don't really know how to list the item, then what happens after someone expresses interest. There is one place locally here that posts things for free to sell, but I need to do some research like you suggested. I was very interested to read your remarks. Any sites to visit would be most appreciated.
april
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-01-01 03:00
April - Terry is close re: the pat #, but it is a "Reissue" of a presently [regularly-numbered] pat of the "utility" character. It can be searched on USPTO via its "Re23xxx". Usually a reissue only has different [likely broader] claim language from it's "parent", so the "spec" and drawings will be the same [or nearly so]. If you have difficulty retrieving either one, I'll be happy to help. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-01-02 19:15
The serial number list I have seen for Noblet bass clarinets only goes back to 4700 (1964 -- models 55 and 60) . At that time, Leblanc appears to have been making 300-400 each year and annual production may have been growing. Projecting backwards, 1377 would appear to be sometime in the early 1950's and may have been an earlier model using the diamond logo (which Leblanc appears to have used for many years).
A check of completed auctions for older Noblet bass clarinets on eBay (one must use caution because some of the instruments listed initially as bass clarinets actually turned out to be altos) indicates that in "neglected" (i.e., not recently given a complete overhall but possibly in playing condition or needing only minor work) condition, these instruments tend to bring around $400 - $500. That's probably about what you can expect in an online auction for yours. In a local sale, where you can demonstrate to the buyer that the instrument is in very good playing condition, you might be able to ask (and get) a couple of hundred dollars more.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: April
Date: 2007-01-05 01:27
Thank you to all who responded! Thank you Jack as this information is very interesting to me who has ALWAYS wondered at the history alone of this fine instrument. It won many awards with me:) It is with a heavy heart that I am thinking to sell it. Ok enough nastalgia. I will see what I can do locally here for auction as I know I need to be careful.
thanks again,
april
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