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Author Topic: Noblet and R. Malerne values  (Read 63 times)

Offline chrisallen112

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Noblet and R. Malerne values
« on: October 27, 2023, 06:20:13 PM »
Hello, I have two vintage clarinets that I’m trying to value for sale. One is a Noblet and the other is an R. Malerne “Standard”. They are both wooden and in excellent condition. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Offline Windsong

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Re: Noblet and R. Malerne values
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2023, 07:08:40 PM »
Hi Chris-

We need more information or photos.

The Noblet line continued into the 1980s, I believe.  If it is a vintage one, you should either see an engraved oval logo or a diamond logo.  The oval is a model 40, while the diamond is a model 45. The 45 is the better and more sought-after.  The Robert Malern Standard is worth about 80-100 bucks, unrestored and in excellent condition, and no more than $250 if restored nicely--I am sorry to say.  It's a solid, reliable horn, but not (currently) sought after, and it's well documented that much of his life's work went into stenciling horns for other firms, and that some of those were better than his own. 

The Noblet, depending on the model, should fetch about $200.00 unrestored, and upwards of $500.00 if restored professionally, with matching numbers and no discernable blemishes.  They are very good players with noteworthy (pun intended) intonation for a mono-cylindrical bore.

These are both intermediate/advanced intermediate level horns. 
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Offline DaveLeBlanc

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Re: Noblet and R. Malerne values
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2023, 12:07:42 PM »
I'd say that's spot on, and I agree it's a shame that self-named Malernes aren't worth more. But, it's great for those who want a good product at a good price!

There are a ton of Noblet models. Some are highly sought after, some are pretty standard. Tough to say without pics
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