 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-05-02 21:26
My daughter is currently playing an older loaner Eb soprano. I don't have a lot of info on it but here is what I know:
It's a Normandy in wood. It has no serial number visible anywhere, and bears the inscription "Made in France" An unusual thing about the clarinet is that standard, new Vandoren Eb B44 mouthpieces are too large to fir into the tuning barrel. The J&D Hite Eb mouthpiece that was in the case fits very well.
The guy who is letting her borrow this horn said he is glad it is getting use and is thinking about letting her buy it from him. She produces a pretty decent sound on this clarinet, and loves playing the instrument. It's fairly well in-tune. Can anyone here give me an estimate as to value? I would like to make a reasonable offer to the gent and not insult him, but I don't want to overpay, either.
Many thanks.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: glin
Date: 2008-05-03 02:34
Jeff,
I know a good repair tech that says there are good values in the Noblet and Normandy e flat sopranos. Some are even better than the much applauded Buffets! (according to this tech) With some good tech work, they may be a best buy for those on a budget. I got a Noblet 45 eb soprano for a steal.
The Normandy is next to the Vito from the bottom of the Leblanc family, so I would advise you not to spend more than $500. Also, you may wish to have it overhauled or adjusted for max playing shape, so factor in additional monies for that moment, when it comes.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2008-05-03 13:47
I used a Noblet 30 years ago and it was a good horn, relatively good sound and pretty good intonation (except rfor the high E). I gave this to a friend who plays mainly Bb but occasionally uses Eb and she is enjoying it now.
It is probably not worth more than $500 however and I would offer less than that to se if they're interested.
EEfer guy
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Author: Wicked Good ★2017
Date: 2008-05-03 13:52
I play an older Normandy wooden E-flat clarinet that I would guess from the serial number was made in the 1940s - 1950s. It has the shield engraving but no model number. All I really know about it is that it used to belong to saxophonist/clarinetist Francis Polifroni.
It is a wonderful clarinet, easily the equal of my 1970s R-13 B-flat and A clarinets.
I don't know much about Normandys from the 1960s to the present, but I can agree that earlier ones are great values if in good shape.
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Author: Molloy
Date: 2008-05-03 14:28
Not less than $200, unless there's something wrong with it; Not more than $600 under any circumstances. Where it falls in the 200-600 range would on how recently and how well it was overhauled, its cosmetic condition and whether it has a good case... and of course on how much you're willing to spend and what the seller's willing to take.
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2008-05-03 17:09
Some years ago I purchased a basket case Eb Normandy on the auction site for $200. It had a repaired crack in the upper joint, a stinky case and the bell was in pretty sorry shape. I cleaned it up, repadded it, recorked it and had a pro work on the bell. It has a 4 digit serial number, the first number is illegible and would guess it was from the 1930-1950 era. The instrument plays very well until you get above C6 and then becomes flat and you must develop a set of alternate fingering.
If I were selling mine I'd ask $450 given what I see on eBay at the moment.
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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