The trill keys are where the biggest difference lies, Selmer being a good 12mm further away from the right hand than Leblanc for example. Again the finger positions are different to most others, not neccessarily worse but worth looking at in comparison with others. The French wooden Selmers are lovely instruments. Some must be discouraged without realising that their problems are easily solved by a change of instrument. I wonder how younger players get on with the wide spacings probably forced on them by the attraction of a cheap instrument. Selmer needs no introduction and although I can't personally get along with the American open hole plastic 'Resotone' Bundys because of their wide hole spacings, there are thousands about which are used in school bands because of their robustness. I have refurbished a number of these and every one has been an instrument to give every satisfaction. Solid and reliable because of simple robust construction they still have beautiful tone and excellent even intonation. Like their big brothers pitched in the bass Bb, the alto Noblets are amongst the most popular advanced amateur/semi pro. As always a decent mouthpiece works wonders.Īlmost the same as the Vito are the Noblets. I was hard pressed to tell them from the wooden Pro. Subsequently I repaired quite a few of these, both alto and bass, and very good they were too.
My first alto clarinet was a 'Reso-tone' plastic Vito which had been snapped across the middle tenon. I think it's better on an old instrument than showing patches of plating wear.Įarly Leblanc A note about Leblanc family altos Earlier ones like this had solid nickel-silver keywork which buffs up nicely but does tarnish over long periods unless rubbed over with a silver cloth. The older Leblancs have the conventional straighter stance but they are still smashing to play when in good nick. The post 1965 swan neck shortens the instrument for my short arms and the large bore (18mm) is easy to play, with bags of finesse. Alto - my personal favourite! Warm and gentle, like me. Not available to purchase online without making contact beforehand.Click on any picture for a larger version in a separate window, or on links in text. An ideal choice for anyone needing to double on Bass Clarinet.Ĭheck out the sound demos below to hear this actual instrument being played.Ĭontact us for more information. The instrument has been played in a variety of settings from large orchestra, opera, chamber music and musicals. Original Leblanc hard case included (very heavy) but can be upgraded to a Reed and Squeak case by negotiation. Low C and C sharp are played with the RH thumb. The top joint offers an adjusting screw for fine tuning.
The crook, spike and bell are in excellent order. The nickel touch-pieces do show some limited wear which can be seen on the photos.
The grenadilla wood does show signs of small surface scratches but certainly no cracks.
The polished nickel-plated keywork responds well and all the recently replaced leather pads seal perfectly making this a very fine instrument for any intermediate or advanced player. Great intonation and smoothness throughout the registers with a lovely warm rich sound. This fabulous wooden instrument really is a pleasure to play and is a great alternative to other French marques at a fraction of the cost.
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