Leblanc and Noblet were originally separate French woodwind manufacturing companies dating back to the mid-eighteenth century. However, the last Noblet, having no heirs, passed on his company to a Mr. G. Leblanc in 1904. Leblanc continued to make clarinets under the Noblet name. For more see Noblet/Leblanc History. |
Basic LeBlanc Models |
| Leblanc | Symphonie and other professional models | Noblet | upper
intermediate wooden models, many as good as LeBlanc models. In later
years, Noblets and LeBlancs have Poly-Cylindrical Bore technology. | Normandy
(made in France and assembled in Kenosha, WI) | The
Normandy is almost the same in quality as the Noblet. One difference
was being assembled in the USA rather than in France. Normandys are
straight bore instruments.
I consider that Normandys with a
wooden barrel are somewhat better than the ones with a plastic barrel.
A plastic bell doesn't change the value to me.
For a few years,
sometime in 1960s or 70s, some Normandys were made 100% in plastic.
These should be considered the same as a Vito, except they seem very prone to breaking in the lowest tenon.
| Vito
(made in Kenosha, WI) | good quality plastic instrument, and great for beginners |
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