Noblet, Plateau B Flat Clarinet
A good condition Noblet, by Leblanc, Paris France, Plateau B flat clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The clarinet was formerly owned by a London based professional jazz player. This is a model 40 Noblet, with a covered hole mechanism, i.e. plateau. Noblet was founded in 1750, which made them the oldest clarinet manufacturer in the world. All the key work, which is in Nickel Silver plate, is in excellent condition, with no discernible wear. The wood throughout is in fine condition, with no cracks or repair, only one tiny chip to the outer rim of the lower upper joint tenon, see photo 4. The clarinet is made entirely of Grenadilla wood, but an additional, longer resin barrel is supplied. The clarinet has just been partially overhauled in Pisoni Premium De-luxe fish skin pads. The matching serial nos. are A83684, which make this example date to the late 2000's. The case is in fair condition, & the mouthpiece is a used ebonite example. This clarinet continued to be manufactured by Leblanc right up until they ceased manufacture in 2009. It was described by them as "specifically designed for the younger player, doubler or even the arthritic player who may have difficulty covering the standard open-tone-hole".