 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David McC
Date: 2009-01-01 15:35
This is my first post, so thanks in advance for your response.
I am 61 and have decided to relearn clarinet.
In the early 60's my parents bought me a Leblanc Noblet for band. I still have it. It was stored in my parents home since about 1963. The pads and cork need replacing, it has a sticking lower key and could use a good buffing.
Upon close inspection, inside the barrel, the tenons, outside tube grain, it looks as though it is wood; the bell and mouthpiece are plastic. The serial number is 6584B and there is the word "Special" above the D in the lyre and Noblet Paris inscription and logo (upper tube ) On the back side it says "Made in France".
I have searched serial numbers to no avail. My question to all of you is this: Just what is this clarient due to the "special", is it real wood and is it worth having it refurbished? At the time it was purchased, I doubt my parents could afford an expensive clarinet, however, you did get more for your money back then.
It has a really good sound and plays really well despite the sticking key and worn cork.
Thanks in advance, my apologies for such a long first post!!
Post Edited (2009-01-01 20:29)
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Author: Rob Vitale
Date: 2009-01-03 04:45
Hi David,
It's great to hear that you want to pick up your old clarinet. Congrats and I wish you great success in your efforts. I have come across old Leblanc Noblets before when looking for my students. I think that the Noblet D model is a wooden intermediate level clarinet. All in all, not to bad of an instrument. To have a clarinet re-padded with the tenon corks and all will run you aprox. $400 bucks by a professional. Keep in mind you can probably buy a brand new student level yamaha for less than or equal to the same price (Which are fine instruments too). As per the "special" labeled on the instrument I'm not sure what this means, sorry. If you really like your clarinet, perhaps it has sentimental value as a gift from your parents, it sure doesn't hurt to get it appraised by some repairmen. If you like the idea of spending your money on a different instrument, by all means own two clarinets. Best of Luck to you.
-Rob
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Author: David McC
Date: 2009-01-03 13:43
Rob:
Thanks for your response. I am having more fun now with clarinet than I did as a teen. Practice now, is something I look forward to.
Yes, it does have sentimental value and I would not mind spending the $$ to have it refurbished.
Hopefully that $400 estimate would include a polish. Am currently searching for a reputable shop. Not sure about locals ( small town ).
I am assuming that "Special" probably has a meaning as to that particular line of Leblanc Noblets.
Through "body memory?" my hands seem to fit it perfectly. Not so with some others I have tried.
Again thanks for your input.
David
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2009-01-03 19:12
When you are asking for estimates, ask what it will cost to put the instrument in good playing condition. The cost will likely be less (probably considerably less) than a full overhaul. I would find out which shop does work for your local high school. We're talking about an intermediate instrument here that you want to play for enjoyment, not a professional instrument that you will be relying on for your livelihood. Repair work in small towns is likely to be less expensive than repair work in large metropolitan areas, where the cost of living is higher. (My father-in-law was, for many years, an appliance repairman in a small town in rural Kansas. His hourly rates were about half what we were paying in St. Louis at the time but his work was just as good.)
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: David McC
Date: 2009-01-04 13:18
Jack
Thanks for your input. I hadn't thought of contactiong the local school system.
We have only one music store here, and they seem only interested in selling, discussing, recommending high dollar Buffets.
Again, thanks
David
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