 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-06-07 18:10
I am looking to upgrade, and because of budget constraints, have been looking at vintage intruments, mostly on online auctions and local music stores. There are 2 I have never heard of, and am having a hard time finding any information on. Really, almost anything would be an improvement from what I have, but I would like to get the best I can afford:
P Gerard Paris
Leblanc Normandy special - I have found info on the Normandy 4, but not normandy special, and I don't know that the difference is, if there is any.
any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-06-07 18:37
I've had a couple Gerards [small? FR maker] over the years, and would classify them, as with the Normandys [of the Vito, Norm, Noblet, Leblanc lineup], if woods, as "intermediates", some might be VG, G, others mediocre. Try-out them , you might find a VG one. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-06-08 01:27
I believe some of the Normandy Specials had ebonite bells. And some actually had silver plated keywork ... so I guess they varied over the years
I really like the Normandy 4s - they are very nice "upper level" student maybe low level intermediate clarinets. Placed below the Noblet 40 & 45 clarinets
I've had a N4 for 29 years and still going strong.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-06-08 03:01
selmer signet soloist. you'll like that clarinet alot. upper intermediate.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: glin
Date: 2007-06-09 04:57
What's your budget?
Without knowing that, it is hard to give you a helpful suggestion.
Here's my advice:
1)If you go to internet auction sites, try to get a return / refund policy agreement with the seller before bidding. Your satisfaction should be met and you shouldn't be stuck with a lemon.
2)Get a respected opinion from another clarinetist on the clarinet once you have purchased it. It may look great, but may sound so out of tune or have other faults that you may not realize.
3)Prepare to budget at least $200 for additional work depending on the condition of the clarinet. It may be substantially less like $50 for having a few pads replaced and keys swedged.
4)If you are committed to intermediates, I would suggest the Noblets or the Evette and Schaeffer/Buffet E-11's. I'd think they would sell used for $350-500 on the internet auction site that won't be named.
5)If you can squeeze several hundred more, you could also get a good pro used clarinet for under $1000. Or, you could purchase a good advanced new clarinet like a Forte or Ridenour for less than a $1000.
Good luck!
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Author: Robyn_765
Date: 2007-06-09 13:00
Unfortunately, my budget is prety low considering the purchase...I have a guitar I am selling to finance my "new" clarinet purchase, so my budget is less than what I'll get for that - most likely $350 or less.
In looking, I have tried to only "watch" items that mention being recently repadded/recorked, springs replaced, etc. to try to avoid some after purchase work, although I do realize, the nature of the site is to make your product look great to a potential buyer and the claims may not be entirely true. I will definitely look it over pretty thoroughly once I get it, unfortunately, the area in which I live does not really cater to woodwind players, so I don't know if I would have an easy time finding someone I trust to look it over.
The appearance of it doesn't worry me so much as the sound of it....the calrinet I play now is a vito, no idea what model, and it sounds tinny and does not stay in tune - very sharp sounding. I've had it for 20 years now - since I started in 5th grade.
One I am seriously looking at now is a Leblanc Noblet 40 which is described having been repadded and recorked recently. I gave up on the other 2 since I didn't know much about the P Gerard and the other ended more quickly than I thought...
Thanks to everyone for the replies - very helpful!!!!
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2007-06-09 13:44
For your budget I recommend a TR147, available at aucton on-line.
richard smith
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2007-06-09 14:52
Before you give up on the Vito you might consider trying it (if you haven't already) with a new mouthpiece. That could make a big difference -- and the money is probably money you'd spend anyway, since you very likely would be better off getting a new mouthpiece even if you do buy a used clarinet. You might get lucky and get an instrument with a good mouthpiece in good condition, but usually if there's a mouthpiece at all it's the stock mouthpiece (probably not so good) that's been beat on a little too much.
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