 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: pulse
Date: 2020-12-27 06:09
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Hi There
I'm looking at a Noblet Paris Alto Clarinet. From the looks of it I think it is a Alto Clarinet ND? I was told its serial number is 3040.
I've attached some pictures to help. I'm wondering if this is a good quality instrument or should I stay clear of it
Just adding another small question. I've seen a couple of Selmer Alto Clarinets for sale. One is a 'Selmer Paris Depose' Where as the other is a 'Selmer Paris Depose Series 9' They look very similar except the first one does not have series 9 written on it. I'm wondering if the one with out series 9 written is the same except they branded it a little different?
Many thanks
Anthony
Post Edited (2020-12-27 12:20)
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2020-12-27 13:20
Well the Noblet altos (=more or less Leblanc) aren’t fantastic horns and often don’t have tuneable necks. Not a bad sound, but problematic intonation.
You’d better go for a used Selmer - the one with a low Eb key and the sax style register key. I think they started an X before the serial no. Currently, there’s also a „Series 9“ alto with the new keywork, but older register key on eBay. Consider this one, the price is fine. These are imho the best altos one can get for their money, unless you’re willing to spend 5-7k for a new Buffet or Yamaha...
Best regards
Christian
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Author: Hugues Fardao
Date: 2020-12-27 17:39
I have the same model (with a serial number in D from late '80s) and love it.
The HS* Selmer mouthpiece given here is a surprise : Selmer alto was usualy sold with a C* (1,70 opening). HS* is a closed one : 1,38 opening, it was at the time the Classic Series by Selmer were made for all clarinets from small Eb to bass.
Selmer Alto clarinets did'nt evolved since the '70s : a 17 mm. rather small bore, and I found the key system is comfortable.
Post Edited (2020-12-27 17:41)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-12-27 19:11
My experience has been the opposite, the Selmer has far worse intonation. The bore is just too small causing the 12ths to be too wide (Low E and F are usually around 30 cents flat which is bordering on unacceptable). Noblets along with other Leblancs tend to have very good intonation in general. I would probably choose the pro Leblanc model over the Selmer any day. You can even find them under $1000.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: pulse
Date: 2020-12-28 01:56
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Thanks for the reply. Also I must apologise... by mistake I posted an eBay link (which is against the rules). I've attached some pictures of the selmer so your answer makes sense
I'm wondering as this selmer doesn't have series 9 written on it... do you know what model is it?
Kind regards
Anthony
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Author: pulse
Date: 2020-12-28 02:02
Hi Christian
Thanks for your reply. I also found a selmer alto (pictures attached in a post bellow)... it doesn't say series 9 but looks very similar.
Greatly appreciate any thoughts.
Kind regards
Anthony
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Author: pulse
Date: 2020-12-28 02:03
Hi JD
Thanks for your thoughts... do you think the noblet pictures I posted are of a pro model?
Kind regards
Anthony
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2020-12-28 02:29
Well Noblets in general are intermediate instruments. The pro version is just labeled Leblanc and has a neck with an S shaped curve.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-12-28 03:02
Leblanc altos are different to Vito, Normandy and Noblet altos in that they have a shorter top joint and longer crook with an S bend (which puts the mouthpiece at a more horizontal angle), a differently linked throat Bb mechanism (linked to the throat A key instead of the left thumbplate), the LH main action is all mounted in a single line (the E/B vent key is linked to both LH2 and 3 fingerplates instead of just LH2) and the C#/G# tonehole is on the front instead of moved around to the back of the top joint as on Vito/Normandy/Noblet altos. The lower joints seem to be the same, but some lower order altos have soldered on touchpieces on the LH levers.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: pulse
Date: 2020-12-28 03:22
Thanks Chris for the extra insight. Most appreciated.
Kind regards
Anthony
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Author: Erez Katz
Date: 2020-12-28 06:48
I have a noblet alto, similar to the one in question.
Short version: it can be a great or poor instrument, expect sample to sample variation with old vintage instruments.
Longer version: it was pretty abused when I got it, most probably ex school band that endured horrid repair work over the years but the wood at least was crack free. It required a complete restoration.
That instrument frustrated my tech because it is a bit stuffy... and very stuffy in some areas. I think the right hand keys could stand to be raised, but the metal is very hard and Eddie preferred not to risk breaking it.
Finding a match mouthpiece was tricky. It came with a Vito mouthpiece that was free blowing but had a harsh sound. I tried a Vandoren B44 which didn't work at all.
I lived in Israel at the time, and alto clarinet mouthpieces are not a common item there. I had a vintage Selmer C* mouthpiece that was warped but when it didn't squeak had a rather nice sound. Eddie Gofman refaced it and corrected the warpage. That solved most of the stuffy feeling and I think it doesn't sound bad:
https://youtu.be/YjCzcPyxG9c
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Author: pulse
Date: 2020-12-28 08:16
Hi Erez
Thanks for your help. Great to hear the noblet worked out well for you. It sounded great in the video appreciate you sharing it.
Kind regards
Anthony
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2020-12-30 18:11
Nice sound! I had always found the LeBlanc altos stuffy and bought a Buffet instead. It has gorgeous sound.
Eefer guy
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2020-12-30 19:15
Yeah, the Noblets/Leblancs do sound very nice.
But as I've said, I find the Selmers to tune better (which, for my purposes, is more important) while sounding nice as well, at least in my opinion. Now that Eefer guy mentions it, I too found the stufiness of the Leblanc to be annoying.
Now the C* Selmer mpc is fantastic and works even with Legere Alto Sax reeds; in fact, it's an ideal combination for me, as this alleviates the somewhat intricate voicing of the alto clarinet. I've had it refaced by an austrian specialist, Mr. Gleichweit of Vienna.
Still, this doesn't mean the Leblanc is a no-no, just be aware that any alto clarinet needs... let's call it "special attention"
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Author: Hugues Fardao
Date: 2020-12-30 20:25
Agree too about Legere reed + Selmer C* on Alto clarinet. I play Legere Studio sax.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2021-01-05 11:29
Besides those mentioned I've had good luck with Hite and Grabner alto mouthpieces. Both gave rather nice and big sound.
Eefer guy
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Author: EbClarinet
Date: 2021-01-06 02:59
Having played a Noblet in jr hi 4 all region, just play on the instrument and c if da intonation is good and it mechanically works out. If this is da case, then keep it. If it's not then resale it. Remember it's the player and not the instrument.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/mbtldsongministry/
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