Noblet soprano

[stevesklar]

Did a Noblet ever make a soprano? and who actually would have make them ? any idea if any are around ?

Thanks

[JMac]

Hey Steve you just missed this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/Noblet-Bb-Straight-Soprano-Saxophone-VG-EX_W0QQitemZ7364018547QQcategoryZ16203QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)on e-bay last week. I thought about it, but the palm keys looked a little awkward, and the price was a bit high for a 'what the heck...' purchase.

Can't get a clear shot of the pinky cluster - so I have no guess as to who made it. I assume no info on Saxpic's site? I believe most Noblets's I've seen were made by Beaugnier?

[bkiser]

It looks very similar in construction to my Beaugnier-built alto of a similar serial number. The engraving is of a similar pattern, but identical in quality.

[stevesklar]

looks like the LH palm keys, well, they're inline just like the RH side keys. Could have been interesting to play that.

So how "rare" are these horns ?

any idea on the tonal quality?

[djez4fun]

Hey Steve you just missed this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/Noblet-Bb-Straight-Soprano-Saxophone-VG-EX_W0QQitemZ7364018547QQcategoryZ16203QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)on e-bay last week.
I believe most Noblets's I've seen were made by Beaugnier?

Hi Steve

I got a Beaugnier soprano. It has the same engraving as the one JMac reffers to. Except fot the name Noblet (of course) In the middle of that floral engraving mine has a sailboat with EB (for E. Beaugnier) on the sail.
There are many similarities with the Noblet soprano, but also some different things fe. Mine has the low C# pad on the tube, in line with the 2 lowest pads. Pinky cluster is more modern on the Noblet (G# included in the cluster) and the palm keys look more ergonomic. So I guess my Beaugnier must be a it older. But it would be very odd if this Noblet wasn't built by Beaugnier.

My beaugnier is the only straight sop I found so far, and I guess there aren't many Noblet sops either. Suppose they ain't worth a lot (in money that is!) but they're definitly very rare!

Here are pictures of my Beaugnier soprano (http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/Leblanc/beaugnier/sopranos/20958-Edwin_van_Druten/)

[JMac]

That is a nice looking horn! How difficult was it for you to get accustomed to the left hand palm keys? I am also curious about the tonal qualities - I had imagined it would be more similar to an older Buescher as opposed to todays asian horns (it looks as if it is built like a tank). Finally - any idea of year of manufacture?

I keep looking to steal a nice vintage sop somewhere, but as you say, they are rare! I also think they're probably undervalued as they are overlooked!

[djez4fun]

That is a nice looking horn! How difficult was it for you to get accustomed to the left hand palm keys? I am also curious about the tonal qualities - I had imagined it would be more similar to an older Buescher as opposed to todays asian horns (it looks as if it is built like a tank). Finally - any idea of year of manufacture?

I keep looking to steal a nice vintage sop somewhere, but as you say, they are rare! I also think they're probably undervalued as they are overlooked!

Hi JMac

After several months (but not that much of playing) I'm still not used to the palm keys nor the LH pinky cluster. My low C# is always a low B :(
It's hard after 10y on Selmer SA80II alto. But I'll get there, that for shure!
Tonal qualities: Nice sound, warm and round. Gives me a classical, french feeling. Easy to let the sound come out. Intonation problems on the middle C# (if taken with octave-LH4). But all the rest sounds fair enough. It's my first sop, so I can't compare it, but imho it's a nice sop for the price I payed for it (the same as I payed for the total overhaul, which was cheap, but well done)
The keywork is extreme light, no fingerpressure requiered. Had to addept to that as well. But once used to it, I like this butterish kind of playing!
It's a tank, that's for shure. Feels heavy, the silverplate is (cfr. my tech) extreme thick, the kind of silverplate you won't find anymore on modern instruments. I guess you could knock a nail into oak with this one, but that, I won't try!
Age?! Good question, no-one knows. Had suggestions going from late 20s till 60s. My guess is 40s (based on keywork, other Beaugniers and building details)
If you're ever in the neighbourhood, feel free to try it out (as long as you won't steal it :) )
And don't give up looking. I searched ebay for awhile, but found this beauty on a more local online auction.

Good luck

[JMac]

djez4fun-

Thank you for the detailed information! I recently got a good deal on a vintage 1923 Silver-plated Buescher C-soprano. Although only keyed to high 'E', the layout of the left hand palm keys is very similar - and the pinky cluster has the old button - style G# :sign6: ! It is in need of an overhaul, naturally, before I can get any quality time playing it. I sure hope I'm as happy with it as you are with the Beaugnier / Noblet!

I now have another reason to visit Belgium (to add to the hundreds that I already had). I've been there once, for far too short of a time- what a fun bunch of people! Likewise- if you're ever in the Baltimore-Washington, DC area -feel free to drop by and try out any of my horns - just bring a mouthpiece (and maybe some fine ale:toothy7: )!

[stevesklar]

Could someone post a pic of the Left Hand pinky cluster?

I haven't seen any Beaugniers on ebay lately. What's the price they would sell for about anyways?
Thanks