Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-10-09 23:48
I am probably the biggest fan of Normandy clarinets on this BBoard, having purchased five instruments and old trade publications for study, compiling a serial number registry, and done the model number research presented on Clarinetpages and ClarinetPerfection.
The wood quality on Normandy clarinets has always been variable. The Noblet works used the very best wood for Leblanc-branded instruments, then used the next-best stuff for the Noblet 45, followed by the Noblet 40, and Normandy got to use the leftovers. In the few years when Noblet built the Normandy 10 alongside the Normandy 4, the higher-priced 10 likely got the better wood versus the 4.
The Normandy 4, Noblet 40, and Noblet 45 share the same acoustic design. If you find the Normandy 4 works for you, I would go for a Noblet 45 instead of another Normandy. You will get an instrument made with better wood, gold plated springs, and more hand finishing.
In today's used clarinet marketplace, there is not much of a premium to be paid for a Noblet versus a Normandy. Seek and ye shall find.
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