 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: stein33
Date: 2009-03-03 07:02
Attachment: 1410add2392-11.jpg (40k)
Hi folks,
This is my first time posting here. I'm a bass clarinetist in Chicago. I recently bought a used Noblet bass clarinet from the early 60s. I'm generally happy with the instrument except for the keywork on the side trill keys (i think that's what you would call them). The lowest of these keys is the Eb/Bb key (played with the right hand index finger). On my Noblet these keys are all held down by a series of screws and the Eb/Bb is extremely flat. I've seen pics of other Noblets where these keys look different (no series of screws limiting the Eb/Bb).
Additionally (I hope I'm making sense here), the Noblet I have has trill keys that are connected to rods that are horizontal. They keys open horizontally. I've seen pics of Noblets where these side trill keys are not connected to horizontal rods. They are straight up and down the entire length of the the rods. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience playing both (or either) of these types of Noblets and if anyone knows what era the Noblets with NON-horizontal trill keys are from. Any help would be much appreciated as I'm considering looking around for a Noblet bc with the other keywork.
Thanks in advance!
-Jason
ps. I've attached a pic of a Noblet that is from the same era as mine. You can see the long rods attached to the trill keys that are connected to perpendicular short rods up on the body of the instrument.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: 78s2CD
Date: 2009-03-04 05:42
I had a Noblet bass similar to yours. It was a decent horn, but had a lot of "miles on it." I ended up replacing it with a mid-1970s Leblanc that has the "jump" style trill keys. A vintage Leblanc might be a good economical alternative to another Noblet.
Regarding the problem you indicated, if the Eb/Bb key doesn't open enough it may be that the pad is too thick. A thinner pad might take care of the problem.
Best regards,
Jim Lockwood
Rio Rico AZ
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-03-04 06:55
I'm not sure if this is the same as the Selmer trill keys, because the photo is small. Some instruments have trill keys the same key cup angle (with arm) as the Selmer (and the Noblet photo in this thread), but they are one piece, and the touch-piece actually moves, in playing position, forward and left, as opposed to down and left on most instruments (including the Selmer). I have an instrument like this and it felt a little weird at first.
For the flat Eb/Bb, could be the too thick pad as mentioned. Also could be the key is bent, or the cork/felt too thick. Basically all causing the key not to open enough. This usually (but not always) also mean the note is stuffier than it should be. Do you trust yourself to remove the key? If you do, you can, and then play the note with the key off. If much better then probably one of the above, causing the key not to open enough.
Post Edited (2009-03-04 07:03)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
