 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nova
Date: 1999-09-24 18:43
Hello. I have been playing the same clarinet since 5th grade not thinking any special about it untill my newest band instuctor told me that it may be worth something. I know for a fact that my grandma played the very same clarinet when she was younger, she is now 76, and then gave it to my mother when she was a little girl. It has the Normandy name, and on the mouthpiece it says Paris, France. (I suspect that is where it was made.) It comes in the orginal case with a Lebance label (whch does not show on the clarinet itself), and has violet velvet in the inside.
Can anyone tell me how old this may be, and how much it may be worth now? If it helps, it is in good condition, and still produces beatuifully pitched low and high tones.
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-09-25 09:05
" ... band instuctor told me that it may be worth something."
Well, it certainly is worth something, any clarinet in "play condition" is. Now, would it bring a premium as an antique or "specialty instrument"? Based upon the limited info, you gave probably not. The Normandy model, while a nice student instrument put out by Leblanc is not a higher-end model .... approaching professional quality or being of a professional quality. Now that doesn't mean anything bad, just that its not a Buffet R-13, Leblanc Opus., or Selmer Signature.
GENERALLY speaking, vintage clarinets do NOT increase in value that significantly. In most cases they do NOT reach the values of new instruments. Certain instruments may have an "attraction" to players or collectors because of (historical, physical) features in the development of the clarinet, like the wraparound register key, etc.
"I know for a fact that my grandma played the very same clarinet when she was younger, she is now 76".
That is wonderful, the clarinet was obviously well-made and well-taken care of. NICE. But, it still doesn't rise to the point of giving it much extra value. Sounds like it may have been purchased in the early 1930's.
".... and gave it to my mother when she was a little girl."
You don't sound that old, so your Mom isn't that old either. (smile) Definitely a family heirloom, passed from one family member to another. That is always nice.
"It has the Normandy name, and on the mouthpiece it says Paris, France. (I suspect that is where it was made.)"
Generally speaking, the NOBLE line of clarinets by Leblanc have a greater value. That is true today with their new instruments and was definitely the case as far back as 1946. I purchase such a Noblet, and did the research on it, not too long ago.
" ... how much it may be worth now? If it helps, it is in good condition, and still produces beatuifully pitched low and high tones."
My guess without seeing would be no more than $300. AND, e less depending on replacement condition of corks and pads.
The old mouthpiece might add to the value for a collector, depending upon the materials used in manufacture of the mouthpiece and its present condition.
Hope that helps.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-09-25 17:39
Fine Commentary, Mark W, agree with all. Some of the older cl's have intonation problems [usually above the staff] which may be alleviated by the development of polycylindrical-tapering UJ bores. See "Clarinet Acoustics" by Lee Gibson, and posts "Buffet Aparis" above. Don
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-09-25 18:05
I agree with most of what Mark says though I would say his estimate of the value is a bit on the high side. Its value is due to being a fairly decent used clarinet. It really has no historical value. Of course for you it has sentimental value. A brand new Normandy can be purchased from the mail order houses for just over $500. Given its age, I would put it at no more than $200 if in perfect condition. Of course on the auctions they go for a lot less since the buyers can't be certain of the condition.
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-09-25 20:46
"My guess without seeing would be no more than $300. AND, less depending on replacement condition of corks and pads."
Dee, I wholeheartedly agree.
My $300 was for FINE condition in a private transaction, remembering that, too, leeway of $100 can be found anytime and anywhere.
New Buffet E-11's can be purchased for $535 --- yet used models sell for over $400 on eBay and PRIVATELY folks who aren't clued in on the difference between List & Street Prices ... well, privately E-11's go for over $700. (please no coughing)
Most of all, I did not wish to offend Nova who owns a clarinet that I know is a treasure to her! AND, I certainly understand why!
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-09-25 20:59
"Of course on the auctions they go for a lot less since the buyers can't be certain of the condition."
Dee, thats a generalization. In some cases this may hold trued true where photos are not provided or where the "auction copy" leaves one with a distinct feeling that the seller is less than a layperson. Howevere, give photos, good descriptions, & invite e-mail inquiry & the situation changes dramatically.
I have studied 1000's of auctions since January, 1999 & I find (in manay cases, take plastic Evettesthat are junk) that the lower the value of the instrument, the more likely the seller may realize more than they could otherwise. Intermediate clarinets are a bit of an anomoly and the mass of Bundy's dont't do all that well.
In fact, certain NAMES connote with a premium on eBay.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-09-25 21:18
I have also followed the auctions for the last couple of years. Actually I think that the beginner instruments typically go for less than they are really worth (although the need for some work does have to be factored in) as do most of the intermediates. I do recall seeing the one E-11 go as high as you indicate but that one was the anomoly. Even the E-11s have more typically been under the $200 mark despite the Buffet name. However sometimes a buyer gets caught up in the bidding or fails to do his homework and these anomolies do occur or actually believes the hype in the write up. I've seen low end intermediates and even beginner horns (if wood) listed as professional instruments.
Of course I've seen anomolies in the other direction. Right now there is a pro grade Leblanc listed and the seller apparently has no clue. The buyers don't seem to realize it either (or at least not yet). However the lettering style and the key style indicate that it was one of their pro models. Although Leblanc uses jump style trill keys on their lower ranking horns, the detail of the jump keys differs noticeably.
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-09-25 21:52
Dee, you have to study the pricing with the TIME of the year factored in. What you say may be true in June or July when an unused clarinet joins the masses of others (a sheer GLUT of clarinets for sale and the lack of money buring a hole in the sllers pockets) for sale.
BUT, come late August & September and thru the last 4 months of the year, what I said comes true.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. BUT, the Buffet clarinets bring MUCH more (even for plastic) than their "brothers" of other brands. Like I said, a premium.
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Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-09-25 22:02
One final note: I have tracked opening & closing bids with seller reserve prices, where used, by maunfacturer for auctions on eBay in a database. Its very interesting, and my corrolations stated here were drawn by using median values per instrument, compared to the "population" that falls without the median.
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