Reborn Noblet Alto

[BigBandPhil]

I just had a complete re-pad/overhaul done to my Noblet alto, S/N 71XX.
It was purchased new in 1954 or 1955 (recollection slightly fuzzy). Hadn't played it since I graduated from high school in 1962, although several relatives including my son have played it since. I definitely recall that the dealer also sold LeBlanc, and the Noblet was their less expensive line.

It's a little antiquated keywork wise, but not bad.
The sound is quite good, intonation is OK but not great.
Maybe someday I'll have it regulated(?).

My instructor and the lead tech at local music store both thought the sound was very good. The tech also mentioned that he thought it was probably made by SML based on the shape of the left pinky cluster.

Maybe I need to look for a matching tenor.
Hope this adds to the Noblet info.

[Tharruff]

Phil,

I have a Noblet Alto just a couple thousand serial numbers earlier than yours (mine = 71XX). It is not yet in good playing condition though I plan to get it such at some point in time.

I'm looking forward to playing mine and will report also once it is in good repair. I'm interested in your comment about intonation. It might clear up a bit once you get used to playing it and learn its quirks.

I have posted on some of the other 'Noblet' threads so you may have seen some of my other posts.

FWIW...My 'normal' Alto is a Mark VI.

[saintsday]

These are nice horns. I just gave a local teacher an old Noblet, a Vito Leblanc system and one of the old assembled in the US from French parts Vitos to pick from for one of his students. He liked all three, but picked the Noblet.

[goodsax]

...Maybe I need to look for a matching tenor.
Hope this adds to the Noblet info.
FYI -

Here's one (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-NOBLET-Paris-Tenor-Sax-Saxophone-NR_W0QQitemZ120058089545QQihZ002QQcategoryZ16234QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) on eBay.

And another (http://cgi.ebay.com/AWESOME-NOBLET-PARIS-TENOR-SAXOPHONE-ND-LOGO-READ_W0QQitemZ330056581622QQihZ014QQcategoryZ16234 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem).

[BigBandPhil]

Thanks for the info, GoodSax.
I had seen "one" but not "another".
Both had serial numbers considerably higher than my alto, and look to be somewhat different.

Next order of business is to sort out intonation issues with my two altos.

[littlemanbighorn]

I just picked up a Beaugnier-made Noblet Alto on eBay for $125.
I'm looking forward to trying it. (and seeing what condition the pads are in.)

[littlemanbighorn]

Phew. That horn needs a lot of work. I guess it'll be my first attempt at a repad.

[saintsday]

No offense intended, but you might want to check locally for pricing for a repad. It may work out less for you in the long run.