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Help identifying age and model of noblet bass clarinet

Author: Eilidhp
Date: 2015-02-27 00:30

Hi guys

First post so hope it's in right place!

Trying to ascertain the age and model (and value if possible!) of my noblet bass clarinet. It's wooden, to low Eb. Not selling, or planning to- I'm wanting to insure appropriately.

Serial number 579- I can only find 4 digit serial numbers online :(

Have tried to attach pics to help!

Thanks in advance, Eilidh xx

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Re: Help identifying age and model of noblet bass clarinet

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2015-02-28 09:30

The serial number list that I have only goes back to 1964 and starts at 4700. Given that Leblanc was only turning out a few hundred Noblet basses each year back then, my guess for your instrument would be the mid-1950s (perhaps earlier). My list heading reads "Noblet 55 (60) Bass Clarinet." I don't know whether there were two different models in production concurrently (as was the case with Noblet soprano clarinets) or whether the 55 was an earlier and the 60 a later model in the same number sequence. It seems unlikely to me, however, that Leblanc would have been making two different intermediate model bass clarinets at the same time, given their total annual production. If your bass clarinet has a diamond shaped logo, it's probably a 55 but I won't swear to it.

Can't help you much with the value. Check eBay for comparables. My guess though is that the average selling price won't be much more than 400-500 USD for instruments similar to yours

If you aren't playing the instrument professionally, your household insurance may already be covering it for theft. Check with your insurance agent. Most financial planners will tell you that you should only insure against catastrophic loss. If an item is low-value, over its expected life, the savings in insurance premiums from not insuring will usually be greater than the amount you will recover in case of loss -- and the downside risk is relatively low.

Best regards,
jnk

Post Edited (2015-02-28 09:42)

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