The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: kdjl
Date: 2013-05-13 03:38
We purchased a Noblet 40 for $150. Although it is in decent condition, it will cost approx. $200 for maintenance and small repairs. Our son has a friend interested in selling his Buffet E11. I'm sure he wants less than $100, but I'm told it needs some repair.
Although our decision will be based on the repair cost, is there truly a difference between the two clarinets? My daughter has been playing for 3 years and truly enjoys playing the clarinet. Since she has demonstrated a sincere interest in playing, we're willing to invest in a better clarinet. She used a plastic BB Clarinet in Middle School and for the Marching band. We purchased the Noblet for the concert season about 4 months ago.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-05-13 11:53
I'm not a big fan of the Buffet E11. I think it's small improvement over their plastic B12, with a much larger price tag.
At the price that you're talking about, however, I think I would purchase the E11 over the Noblet for one reason: resale value. When you go to part with that horn, either for your daughter going to college, or (more hopefully) when she's advanced so much that perhaps a better horn is needed, the E11 could be sold for more than you're paying for it.
That said: The Noblet could be a better instrument. It may be worth your money to take it to a private teacher and have them evaluate both instruments.
It's difficult for me to say that one is automatically a better investment than the other, because the individual qualities of instruments vary so greatly from horn to horn -- even amongst the professional instruments.
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2013-05-13 12:41
There are two E-11 clarinets. The original from Germany and a newer one from France that's been discontinued but is still in stores. The French one had problems and has been replaced by a new E-12. Avoid the French E-11. The posts were glued in and sometimes came loose.
Steve Ocone
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-05-13 13:58
The Noblet will be the better bet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rtmyth
Date: 2013-05-13 14:43
Try before buy. Make and model mean little for any one instrument. I would therefore try some working ones if possible; otherwise you may be wasting money.
richard smith
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kdjl
Date: 2013-05-13 17:29
Thank you for your advice. It is a French Buffet E11. Therefore, we'll have the Noblet overhauled this summer.
This a wonderful learning experience for the family. We truly have a new appreciation for musicians. It has opened up a new world for our daughter. We've never seen her so happy.
Once again, thank you for your advice and the history lesson. Have a great day!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MoonPatrol
Date: 2013-05-13 18:45
I played a Noblet when I was in 4th grade and it got me through Jr. High. I always thought it was a nice instrument and much better than
the expensive Bundy I played for the first week.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-05-13 18:48
I actually knew a girl in college who played on a Noblet 40, and she was awesome. Like they say, try before you buy!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2013-05-14 02:29
I still would suggest trialing the instruments. At the price you're talking about, however, I never thought for a moment that it was the French E11.
I would probably go with the Noblet knowing that!
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wes
Date: 2013-05-14 22:17
I played a Noblet through college and beyond and studied with a major symphony professional with it. It was great, having doubled F/C keys for better venting.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2013-05-15 07:45
>> It is a French Buffet E11. <<
It could be a bit confusing because the buffet logo says Paris. Does the clarinet say "Made in France" anywhere on it and does the logo look like the one in the photo I attached?
I agree with the criticism about this model (the problematic post mounts being one of several issues), but this clarinet still sells new almost $1,500 and in spite of its problems plays pretty well. Are you sure this is the clarinet that your son's friend is selling for less than $100?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kdjl
Date: 2013-05-16 00:39
I have not seen the clarinet yet. However, he said it was made it Paris. My older son just finished college and has limited income. He wanted to purchase this clarinet for his sister for her birthday. Considering the circumstances, he asked if we would take care of the repairs if he purchased the clarinet.
Based on his text message, he said the clarinet says "Made in Paris Workshop". I'll see if he can send a picture of the clarinet and post the picture. Based on his response, I assumed it was a French clarinet. Thanks for the clarification.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2013-05-16 15:17
For what it's worth, I played a Noblet throughout high school and loved it. It was a wonderful clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-05-17 07:03
A couple of years back there was a rash of fake E11's from a large asian country. At this sort of price, could this be one of them?
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|