Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet Serial Number
How to Identify and Date a Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet by Serial Number
If you are a clarinet enthusiast, you may have heard of the Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet, a popular intermediate model made of grenadilla wood. But how can you tell if you have a genuine Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet, and when was it made? The answer lies in the serial number, which can reveal a lot about the history and value of your instrument.
Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet Serial Number
What is a Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet?
A Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet is a Bb clarinet that was manufactured by the French company Leblanc, which traces its roots back to 1750. The Noblet 40 model was introduced in the 1940s and was one of the first modern Noblets with four posts on the throat keys. It was designed as an intermediate model for students and amateurs who wanted a high-quality clarinet at an affordable price. The Noblet 40 has a characteristic warm and rich tone, thanks to its grenadilla wood body and silver-plated keys. It also has an adjustable thumb rest, undercut tone holes, and a polycylindrical bore.
How to Find the Serial Number on a Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet?
The serial number on a Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet is usually stamped on the back of the upper and lower joints, near the tenons. It is a six-digit number that starts with a letter, followed by five numbers. For example, A31977 or B56216. The letter indicates the year of manufacture, while the numbers indicate the order of production.
How to Decode the Serial Number on a Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet?
The serial number on a Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet can be decoded using the following table:
LetterYear
A1960
B1961
C1962
D1963
E1964
F1965
G1966
H1967
I1968
J1969
K1970
L1971
M1972
N1973
O1974
P1975
R1976-77
S
How to Verify the Authenticity of a Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet?
Unfortunately, there are some counterfeit or fake Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinets on the market, especially online. These are usually made of inferior materials and have poor craftsmanship and intonation. To avoid being scammed, you should always check the following features before buying a Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet:
The serial number should match the year of manufacture according to the table above. If the serial number is missing, illegible, or inconsistent, it may be a sign of a fake.
The emblem on the upper joint should have the words "Noblet" and "Paris" in a lyre-shaped oval. The emblem should be clear and well-defined, not blurry or faded. The emblem may vary slightly depending on the age of the clarinet, but it should always have these elements.
The wood should be grenadilla, which is a dark brown or black hardwood with a fine grain. It should not be cracked, warped, or discolored. The wood should also have a smooth and glossy finish, not dull or rough.
The keys should be silver-plated and have a shiny and smooth surface. They should not be tarnished, corroded, or bent. The keys should also have a good spring action and fit snugly on the tone holes.
The pads should be white or tan leather or synthetic material. They should not be worn out, torn, or stained. The pads should also seal well on the tone holes and produce a clear sound.
How to Determine the Value of a Leblanc Noblet 40 Clarinet?
The value of a Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet depends on several factors, such as the condition, age, rarity, and demand of the instrument. Generally speaking, a Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet in good condition can range from $300 to $800, depending on the market. However, some factors that can increase or decrease the value are:
The serial number: A lower serial number indicates an older and rarer clarinet, which may increase its value. However, this also depends on the condition and quality of the instrument.
The emblem: A simpler emblem indicates an earlier model, which may increase its value. However, this also depends on the condition and quality of the instrument.
The model: Some models of Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinets are more sought-after than others, such as the Super 40, the Plateau 40, or the Artist 45. These models may have some extra features or improvements that make them more desirable.
The market: The value of a Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet may vary depending on the supply and demand of the instrument. For example, if there are many sellers and few buyers, the price may go down. Conversely, if there are few sellers and many buyers, the price may go up.
Conclusion
A Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet is a valuable and versatile instrument that can serve you well for many years. By knowing how to identify and date your clarinet by its serial number, you can ensure that you have a genuine and authentic Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet. You can also verify the quality and condition of your clarinet by checking its emblem, wood, keys, and pads. Finally, you can determine the value of your clarinet by considering its serial number, emblem, model, and market. With these tips, you can enjoy playing your Leblanc Noblet 40 clarinet with confidence and pride. d282676c82
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