The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: klook
Date: 2010-12-13 19:24
I've done a search of the archives on this, and I can't find a definitive answer so.....
There's lots of info on the Noblet metal clarinets. Word seems to be that the diamond engraved ones are pretty good.
People mention the more square engraved ones are more recent, well, 1960's maybe, but noone ever really says if these ones are decent or not.
Basically I've found an old Noblet with the square emblem, made in france, with case and a nice MPC. I like to tinker, is it worth it? I know its not an old Silva-bet or other nicer silver clarinet, but is it better than your average "lamp donor" metal clarinet?
klook
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-12-13 19:59
Define your standards, your level and environment of playing. One man's trash is another man's treasure...
I found my Leblanc-made army horn (made 196x) quite acceptable for most environments. No severely off-key notes, nothing incurable with subtle embouchure tweaks. And the "show factor" is priceless...
I wouldn't play it in a symphonic environment, more because how it looks, not necessarily because of its sound.
--
Ben
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Author: klook
Date: 2010-12-13 22:27
Well, my standards are not so high. I like funky old clarinets mostly.
My level of playing is not so high, really I'm a drummer who tinkers with fixing up clarinets. I play alot too, but maybe I'm just past the novice stage.
I wouldn't use it for "legit" playing. In fact, what I really want to do is just fix it up. I'll play it too, but probably just pass it on to someone else in the end!
klook
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Author: Klarnetisto
Date: 2010-12-14 01:55
Here's a webpage with some info on metal Noblets, in French:
http://www.clarinette-metal.fr/galerie_de_photos.htm
Here's a translation of the relevant passage:
"The Leblanc and Noblet companies merged in 1900. A very large number of metal Bb clarinets were produced under the Noblet brand up until 1972. These are good student instruments, playing well in tune with a rich tone. Well suited to classical music and lighter in weight than wooden clarinets… For all these good reasons they were used in abundance by young student clarinetists.
"Most Noblet clarinets were nickel-plated (at left), sometimes silver-plated (at right), and exceptionally in lacquered brass (middle). Practically all of these have a single-piece body plus detachable barrel, the model with two-piece body plus barrel at the far right being the exception to the rule.
"Below: two Noblets in their original cases, the one at the bottom being the oldest."
Here's a link to is the American webpage about metal Noblets. It's the source of the idea that the older diamond-logo instruments are best:
http://www.silver-clarinet.com/
Klarnetisto
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Author: jim lande
Date: 2010-12-25 05:22
Great website.
I had a 'diamond' model Noblet, which played pretty well. My son used it in Jr High and left it on a school bus the last day of school. By the time he told me, it was gone. I have never messed with one of the newer ones. They were the last maker of metal clarinets in that era and the metal clarinet was the cheapest model at that time. But that doesn't mean that it was poor quality.
I know someone who found a Noblet metal clarinet with albert system keywork.
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