Stubbins model Noblet
Thanks to Gordon Reeves for giving me the opportunity to review this clarinet.
Serial # 19303
Barrel: 66.5mm This was too long for me to play in tune for this test. I use one of my 64mm barrels for this test.
Bore LH joint top: 14.75mm
Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.75mm
Gordon found this excellent article linked here from the Ann Arbor News, November 24, 1967.
I am attaching the JPG scans of the article below.
Intonation results taken when playing loud and not lipping. See how to interpret these results on the Model Comparison Page.
For this test, I pulled 0.4mm at the barrel, and 1.4mm at the center tenon.
Intonation summary: The flatness of the clarion C and D are disappointing. I believe they could be undercut, because the Chalumeau F and G are always flat and so both would profit from raising. The throat tone D and corresponding upper register A should be lowered. Once these things are done, this clarinet will fall into the intermediate intonation category in today’s standards. In other words, this is not a poly-cylindrical instrument.
Key work quality: I always like Noblet key work. This is no exception, but I have a complaint against the Stubbins action: Any time there is one spring that must be closed based on the strength of another spring, you are asking for trouble. I always find it difficult to regulate such things! Fortunately, Stubbins did provide the technician with two adjustment screws, and that really helps.
This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone who really values a great responding throat tone Bb. The advantage of Stubbins’ system is that resonance fingerings for that note can still be used.
Condition issues noted: None.
