 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: fogdelune
Date: 2009-03-30 03:37
Ah, yes, it has been some time since I've had the joy of playing a tune on my licorice stick. So long, in fact, that I had to buy a clarinet. I researched a lot on this site, and thank you all for your extensive knowledge.
I was able to get a Leblanc Artist from Ebay for an excellent price. The seller specializes in used instruments, and has very good feedback.
Were it not for this site, I may have ended up with a Sky for just a little less than what I paid for a much nicer horn.
So, as I wait for my wonderful new horn to arrive, I wish to extend my thanks to all of you.
Post Edited (2009-04-06 22:00)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2009-03-30 15:06
Welcome back--one more soul to share the "pain"........... :>)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: susieray
Date: 2009-03-30 15:26
You know, I saw that so-called "Leblanc" on ebay and I don't think it's a Leblanc at all. There were no markings on the body sections and it didn't have Leblanc keywork either. There was something on the bell that began with the letter "L" but the picture quality was poor (intentionally maybe?) with the flash glare on it and was really hard to read, but it didn't look like any Leblanc logo I've ever seen. Besides, I've only heard of the Noblet Artist, and that is definitely not a Noblet. The seller put a disclaimer in there saying something along the lines of "we don't know if all the parts are original and if you have any doubts don't bid".
It could be an ok horn to start out on if it plays alright; you certainly got it cheap enough. But I don't think it's a Leblanc, I could be wrong though. Let us know more when you get it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: fogdelune
Date: 2009-03-30 22:36
I did research the serial number provided for the instrument, and it falls in the 45 range made in 1982. In trying to decide on an instrument, I looked on Clarinuts.com's section for "selecting an instrument", which said this:
"Best
# Buffet C-13/International top of the German made Buffet line. Very similar to the R-13 model. Limited distribution but very good value.
# LeBlanc Noblet Artist, 45 and Millennium - Recent price increase for the model 45 make it a poor deal, but earlier models are very good values.
# Selmer Soloist and Omega- the best clarinets ever made in the USA. Not many available, but worth looking for.
# Yamaha YCL-32, YCL-34, YCL-450 all are similar. The YCL-34 is the most available of the 'best' intermediate models and usually an excellent value."
After looking at the excellent feedback rating of the seller, and researching the serial number, I decided to purchase the horn.
I will surely let you know after I get it, as it is now an intriguing mystery.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Philcoman
Date: 2009-04-01 16:38
Well, I hope that the clarinet you bought -- and your experience with it -- turns out to be what you hoped for and more! As one who also came back to the instrument after a hiatus, I know from experience that you'll find both support and sympathy on this board. The folks who are warning you about buying on ebay aren't trying to stomp your entusiasm -- we're just watching out for our own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: lrooff
Date: 2009-04-01 18:12
Welcome back to music! When I resumed playing a couple years ago, it was after a 40-year absence. You'll be surprised at how fast everything comes back to you. (Everything but the lip, of course. That'll take about ten times as long as you think it should, but don't get discouraged.) Have you found a community band or other group to play with?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: fogdelune
Date: 2009-04-02 01:11
I appreciate all the advice, for sure. I am actually pretty interested to see the horn, and to research it. The seller's feedback all spoke of accurate descriptions of the instruments. The serial number comes back to the range of the Noblet Artists made in 1982.
In any case, I only paid about 40 bucks more than I would have for one of the crummy ones at Target for a wood clarinet.
I will update once I get it, and any mystery is solved.
:)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: fogdelune
Date: 2009-04-06 21:58
Ok, so now this has become a "help me solve the mystery" thread.
It plays well, with a good tone, (considering I haven't played in some time) and is in good condition, which was my main concern, as I paid little for it.
The serial number on the horn is B14254, which falls in the Noblet Artist range of Serial Numbers. However, the only visible name on the horn is on the bell, and it is not very legible, and the wood doesn't appear as dark as I've seen on photos of the Noblets. The logo is oval shaped, with a lyre at the top of the oval. At the bottom of the logo "ARTIST" is legible, however, IN the oval, only "Le" is legible, in cursive. The last letters look like "rix" or "ric". On the top of the bell, in very small capital letters is written "MADE IN FRANCE". The horn is obviously pretty old, and I'm quite curious now.
Below I've linked some of the pictures.
Any opinions on what this clarinet might be?
This is like doing a family tree.
http://auctionwagon.s3.amazonaws.com/G2SM61af8a1e-6998-4183-bc97-564ca44570ef-7467.jpg
http://auctionwagon.s3.amazonaws.com/G2SMf4913bc7-8457-43c8-9718-dd3355e841a7-7467.jpg
Post Edited (2009-04-06 22:12)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: fogdelune
Date: 2009-04-06 22:18
Thanks ChrisP.
I think I need to put tissue paper against it and rub a pencil over it. Then, the lettering is so fine, I'm not sure that would work.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
