 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2016-03-29 22:48
Attachment: Noblet-N -04.jpg (216k)
Attachment: Noblet-N -03.jpg (248k)
Attachment: Noblet-N -02.jpg (247k)
Attachment: Noblet-N -01.jpg (218k)
I want to buy a Noblet-N Eb clarinet from a friend but have no idea how much it is worth. It's in good condition with serial no. B52##. I've searched ebay,
clarinetpages.net, clarinetperfection.com,forum.saxontheweb.net and www.dannychestnut.com trying to find any hint of date of manufacture or worth, without any success at all.
Any help will be much appreciated.
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Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2016-03-29 23:32
Pretty Noblet, looks in good shape.
The serial seems to suggest an early to mid-1980s Noblet.
If you search "noblet Eb" and refine the search to 'sold' and/or 'completed items' at _that_ popular online auction website you can currently see two near identical Noblet Ebs that recently sold for between $475 and $600usd.
Bear in mind though your friend's horn may be worth more since you can potentially playtest it and therefore have security in knowing it won't require any serious work. That is not without merit.
V
Post Edited (2016-03-29 23:34)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-29 23:42
The Noblet should be a fine little player -but...
Things to consider - if you are going after being an Eb person.
It will need good (cork upper) pads, and a pro set-up. That's around $500.
It will need a Backun barrel, with cut-out for using Bb reeds. (This takes care of the "ocarina-effect" in the sound.) That's $225.
You definitely will need a Fobes lower extension, to tame the wee beastie's bottom. Thats another $225.
If you can get it for $800, that's a good deal. But - don't go over a Grand. If you're in that neighborhood, search out a Leblanc branded Eb. Yes, there is a difference. If over a Grand, search out a Selmer or Yamaha, not so much that they are better quality, but they retain value better.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2016-03-30 00:18
Hi Ken,
You are absolutely correct. New corks, new setup, etc. need to be factored into cost.
Although I'm not terribly sure about the Fobes extension nor the Backun barrel. I would say those are not a given at all, personally. Optional for sure.
I do like the tonal/pitch improvements of Backun barrels (the two I've owned anyway) but Eb players certainly don't _need_ the Backun's reed cut-out notch. Bb reeds are simply enough shortened with a hacksaw or even a good kitchen knife.
However you are absolutely correct; it may be worth waiting for a Leblanc or Selmer or Yamaha to come along if the price heads up towards $1000usd.
I guess it depends how it plays and how much the seller would like for it.
V
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-03-30 02:27
Hi,
if it's in good condition and pads seal well already then it should work fine without expensive "pro" work at this stage. Just get a competent tech to give it a check over.
If you are auditioning for the CSO then might be different.
A good mouthpiece is the main consideration
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2016-03-30 22:06
Thank you all for your comments. The clarinet is in excellent shape - I only had to reseat one pad. It comes with two mouthpieces, a Selmer HS* and a Richardson Accu-Rated 2.
Before I even consider buying a boutique barrel or lower extension, I will see whether I can get it to play relatively well in tune with an assortment of (butt-end shortened) conventional reeds, alternate fingerings and embouchure adjustments.
Thanks especially to dubrosa22 who had me go back to ebay for another look. There I found a Noblet-N Eb (with the TV-screen shaped logo) in so-so condition. It sold for US $485 in January of this year. http://ebay.to/1Y11RRn
If anyone can help me understand where the N fits into the Noblet line I'd be most grateful.
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Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2016-04-01 01:53
Attachment: Noblet clarinet catalog.jpg (428k)
Glad to have helped.
The most common Noblets around are the model 40 and the model 45.
The N above the 'TV-screen' logo is called a model 40.
The N within a Diamond shaped logo is the model 45. (There were also model 45 Artist and Laureate variants).
Attached is a good pricelist with model descriptions for 40, 45 and beyond
V
Post Edited (2016-04-01 04:13)
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2016-04-01 03:55
Thank you dubrosa22. I'd seen this price list before but couldn't equate the various logos with particular models.
I find it interesting that in 1966 they were charging exactly the same amount whether the clarinet was in A, Bb, C or Eb. Nowadays, e.g., a Buffet (R13-silver) has almost a $1,000 retail price difference between the Bb and the Eb with the A somewhere in between.
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Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2016-04-01 04:20
Yes, true.
I suppose Leblanc/Noblet had so many variations of A, Bb and Eb clarinets that so much of the keywork was the essentially the same so that justifying a price difference wasn't fair but mostly not competitive.
These days an Eb clarinet is seen much more as an auxiliary - or even luxury - instrument. Not available in as many flavours that Leblanc/Noblet offered nor from as many brands so now a premium price can be charged.
V
Post Edited (2016-04-01 06:19)
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