 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SimC
Date: 2005-08-10 09:43
I am about to buy a Leblanc Noblet "Artist" which is about 15 years old . I was considering buying a Yamaha YCL 650 before I was offered the Noblet but I would be saving myself £300 sterling ($530), I like the clarinet, it is in very good condition, but only have a wooden B&H regent to compare it with, what other models are equivelant to the "Artist" and how much couls I expect to pay 2nd hand?. Surely the Yamaha would not be worth the extra money. The Noblet has an ebonite barrel which I don't think would be standard as they were all wood, should I replace it?
many thanks
SimC
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2005-08-10 11:13
Are you sure you have a wooden B&B Regent? I thought they were all plastic.
You mention a price difference of £300, but don't quote actual prices. The 650 lists at £960 but sells at more like £750. Is this what you've been quoted?
If you've been offered a Noblet at £400, this is comparable to what you might pay a shop for an as-new Buffet E11. You don't say whether the Noblet is a shop sale or a private sale.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-08-10 11:27
SimC, Welcome to the BBoard!!!
From where and from whom are you purchasing your clarinet. If it isn't a reputable music store that stands behnd their products, beware!!! Please either check it over yourself (search the BBoard for more info) before forking over the money, or pay your private teacher (if you have one) to check it out. There is nothing worse than playing on a clarinet that you don't like (except not having one of course!!!), so be thorough. Good Luck, and Happy Clarinetting!!!
Clayton
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Author: SimC
Date: 2005-08-10 12:47
Thanks for the replies. The Noblet is from a trusted source, in fact a good friend who would not rip me off, he wants £350 for it which appears to be a very good deal. I am starting the clarinet again after along interval. My first study was sax at college and I also play flute. I've seen the Yamaha advertised for £630 and could buy locally for £650 but it seems an awful lot more at the moment for what may not be a much better instrument. I was hoping this would be a good instrument to get back into the clarinet.
The B&H is wood and is a Regent, I bought it over 20 years ago 2nd hand. I've been told they're worth about £200 so Id only be spending £150 on the new one. Im really looking for someone to say if they think this Noblet is worth getting. Like I say I haven't got a lot to compare it with, I'm also wondering if the barrel should be replaced.
cheers
Simon
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Author: CJB
Date: 2005-08-10 12:50
David
Yes confusingly there are both wooden and the more common (at least in my experience) plastic B&H Regents.
SimC
I don't know what the Bb Artist is like. My 1st Eb was an Artist of a similar vintage and a very nice little instrument. I would be wary of the fact that it sounds like the barrel is a replacement (is it stamped as a Noblet Artist barrel?). I suspect the Yamaha is the superior instrument, but without knowing what you require from an instrument it's difficult to know whether its worth the extra cash.
I'd 2nd ClariBone's suggestion of trying to get someone else to try it for you. If you don't have a teacher give us a clue as to where you are based - there maybe someone reading this BBoard who could point you towards help.
Additional comment after reading your 2nd post - would it make more sense to get the Regent overhauled to get you back into playing?
Post Edited (2005-08-10 13:01)
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Author: SimC
Date: 2005-08-10 12:57
I am near York at the moment, the barrel is noblet stamped.
Simon
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Author: b.roke
Date: 2005-08-10 23:49
As the former owner of a wooden Regent (with a plastic bell) and the current owner of an older Noblet (all wood), I found it a huge step up. If the Noblet is owned by a friend, ask for a trial and see what you think. You could then go to a shop and try a Yamaha. Or look on Ebay for a cheaper Noblet - I paid $63 for mine but I think I was lucky.
If you buy for a good price you can sell for a good price. My advice is to buy the one that is the most enjoyable to play.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-08-10 23:54
Most importantly is how well they play. I don't know what your status is playing wise or whether you consider yourself a viable judge of the quality of the instrument. If you think you can tell the differences, ask to playtest them both, and while playing them, remember the good and bad of each (is one out of tune in the upper clarion? Is one exceptionally resonant? etc.) If you don't trust your opinion as to the sound, see if you can find someone to help you evaluate them (a clarinet teacher, a friend who plays, etc.)
Sometimes $$$ means absolutely nothing in terms of the quality of the instrument.
Alexi <- who much prefers his $800 used, cracked and pinned 30 year old professional clarinet to many other more expensive,new professional clarinets that he's tested out over the years (most of them nearly three times what I paid!)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-08-11 00:08
I think the Yamaha 650 is a higher priced instrument and also is considered an entry level professional. The Noblet is considered an intermediate, or step-up instrument. I've played and owned both and would go with the Yamaha if I could afford it. Sometimes it doesn't pay to save a few dollars if you still don't get what you're looking for. Many people have loved Noblets, and I don't mean to put it down--but the Yamaha 650 would last you a longer time in your studies.
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Author: jangjiman
Date: 2005-08-11 22:00
I use a yamaha 650. I've been playing for about 8 years now. I'm upgrading mouthpieces and such so that I don't have to go buy a new clarinet. But the overall tone and playing quality is nice. I think the keys are kind of big compared to buffet models but I'm used to it now and kind of like it better.
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