snLeblanc Normandy

For Information on Noblet (Leblanc and Normandy) company history
please click here

Visit me on YouTube at
Visit us on YouTube  Clarinet Perfection on YouTube
or email at
gottalovetheknowledge@gmail.com

Quicklinks:

[ General Information ] [
Detailed Information
] [ Normandy Emblems ] [
Normandy Serial Numbers ]

[ Original ] [ Special ] [
Reso-Tone]  [ Transitional
] [ Model 5, 7 & 10 ] [ Model 5P ] [
14 ] [ 14P ] [ 6 ]

[ 140P ] [ 10P ] [ 8
] [ 208 – Stubbins ] [ 7 version 2 ]
[ 4 ]

 

 



(Leblanc) Normandy clarinets (current
student line known as Noblet 4)

 

(my brief synopsis of
Normandy) Normandy used to be a
separate brand before Leblanc bought them in 1978.  I believe they
were a closely cooperating company with Leblanc as the bodies seem to be
very similar to the Noblets in dimensions including the tenon rings and
certain era of keywork. Tonal-wise of the various vintages of Nomandy 4,
8s and 10s I have discerned very little tonal qualities differences.
Though they were of various vintages, various conditions and various
times; so little could be learned.Earlier Normandys had the Normandy sheidl emblem and the world FRANCE
just below the shield.  These ones seem to be from the 1950s and
before.  They may have had plastic bells, etc with no designation
differences until they were later stamped Special, 4, etc.Before the buyout Normandy had an entire line of Clarinets. Normandy
(ebonite), Normandy 4, 8, 10, and 12. They also had “Special” models in
which some may have had silver plated keys (a step up), others ebonite
bells (a step down) and Buffet/Selmer type keywork.  After the
buyout I believe only Normandy 4s existed.  Bores are identical to
the Noblet 40/45 line; very good rich tone though thicker wood bell and
tenons not as tight fitting the tone is slightly not as complex nor as
spread.Normandy also had a 5 and 7 model.  The Normandy 7 had the
Buffet/Selmer type keywork (not inline trill keys but offset).  The
Normandy 5 had inline trill keys and a plastic barrel and bell.

Since Selmer USA’s purchase of GLeBlanc USA (primarily a distributor)
the Normandy line seems to have been dropped.  The Normandy 4 is
now a Noblet 4.

Overall, these are very good instruments for the money when properly
set up.

– Some Normandy Special sn 9541A  had a stamp “Made by Noblet”
at the very top of the top joint.

 


Normandy
was a marque within in the Leblanc
range of musical instrument brands. The Normandy model lineup included
soprano clarinets in B-flat, E-flat, A, and C; alto and bass clarinets;
oboes, and flutes. In this article, we’ll examine the Normandy soprano
clarinets.The Normandy was the entry-level wooden clarinet within the Leblanc
range. Some of the early Normandy models are stamped “MADE by NOBLET”,
and early Normandy brochures include ample references to the instruments
as being Noblet products.The early generations of Normandy soprano clarinets had simplified
keywork compared to the Noblets. The Normandy went through multiple
revisions during the 1950’s, with successive generations losing the
simplifications used on the earlier instruments. By the late 1950’s,
wooden models without simplified keywork had been introduced. These were
very similar to the Noblet instruments of the day.
THE ORIGINAL NORMANDY
The first Normandy model is commonly referred to as the “Original
Normandy”. It has several specific identifiers such as a
shared post for the throat G# and A keys, three sets of posts for the
trill keys, and a composite, rather than wooden, bell. Unlike later
low-priced offerings in the Normandy lineup, the Original model featured
inline “jump” trill keys.The Original Normandy had a logo with a narrow shield with a diagonal
“Normandy” in a narrow script font with serifs on the first and last
letters. The instruments were also marked “MADE IN FRANCE” at the top of
the joints, barrel, and bell.Most of these instruments are encountered with unplated German silver
keywork, but some are known with bright nickel plating. The body and
barrel of the Original Normandy can be found in unstained and
black-stained finishes.
 
THE NORMANDY SPECIAL
Introduced sometime later than the Original Normandy was the Normandy
“Special”. As a further cost-saving measure, the “Special” was equipped
with angled, Buffet-style trill keys, mounted on three sets of posts.
Throughout the Normandy model run, Normandys with the Buffet-style trill
keys were offered at lower prices than otherwise-identical Normandys
equipped with inline trill keys.Some Specials can be found with the shared post for the G# and A throat
keys as used on the Original Normandy, but most were made with separate
suspensions for the throat keys. As with the Original Normandy, the
Special was equipped with a composite bell.The Normandy Special had the same logo as the Original Normandy, with
“SPECIAL” stamped above the Normandy shield on the upper joint. This
logo was not used on later generations of Normandys with Buffet-style
trill keys. The instruments were also stamped with “MADE by NOBLET” at
the top of the upper joint.Normandy Specials are commonly found with bright nickel-plated keywork,
but some were made with unplated German silver keywork. Some Specials
with silver-plated keywork have also been reported.

 

THE NORMANDY FRANCE RESO-TONE
The first Reso-Tone was much like the Normandy Special. The keywork was
identical to the Special and featured Buffet-style trill keys mounted on
three sets of posts, and throat G# and A keys mounted on separate
suspensions. The body, barrel, and bell were made out of a heavy, rather
brittle plastic.The France Reso-Tone was stamped with the wider Normandy shield with
serifs on the “N” and “y” .Early Reso-Tones had “MADE IN FRANCE” at the
top of the upper joint, while later Reso-Tones were marked “MADE IN
FRANCE” above the register key and “MADE by NOBLET” above the Normandy
logo at the top of the upper joint.The France Reso-Tone was equipped with unplated German silver keywork,
as found on the Original Normandy and some of the Specials. The wide
Normandy shield with serifed “N” and “y” was used on this model.This was a short-lived model. By 1958, the USA-made Normandy 14 Reso-Tone
had been introduced.


 

THE TRANSITIONAL NORMANDY
The next evolution of the wooden-body Normandy was the “Transitional”
model. It featured the same inline trill keys mounted on three sets of
posts as with the Original Normandy, but seperate mounting posts for the
throat G# and A keys.The Transitional Normandy is found with unplated German silver keywork
and bright nickel-plated keywork. Examples are known with composite and
wooden bells. The narrow Normandy shield with serifed “N” and “y” was
used on these models. The instruments were also marked “MADE by NOBLET”
at the top of the upper joint.
NORMANDY 5, 7, and 10
By the middle-to-late 1950’s, Normandy models 5, 7, and 10 had been
introduced. The keywork on these models were identical and lacked the
simplifcations found on earlier Normandys–the inline trill keys were
now mounted on four sets of posts, and the throat keys each had their
own separate suspensions. The Normandy keywork had now evolved to the
point of being very close to that of the Noblet.Models 5, 7, and 10 differed only in the composition of the barrel and
bell. Initially, the Model 5 was equipped with a composition “Tone-Brite”
barrel and bell; the Model 7 had a wooden barrel and composite bell, and
Model 10 featured a wooden barrel and bell. All have bright
nickel-plated keys, while both black-stained and unstained finishes can
be found on the body. The wide Normandy logo with serifed “N” and “y”
and the word FRANCE underneath the shield was used on these models.Model 5 disappeared from the Normandy lineup by 1961, replaced by the
Model 7 which was then equipped with a “Tone-Brite” composite barrel and
bell. This iteration of the Model 7 was gone by 1966. Early Model 7 and
Model 10 Normandys were not stamped with a model number, but by 1966 the
Model 10 was marked with a 10 on the upper joint above the wide Normandy
shield.A c.1962 brochure lists the Normandy 7 at a price of $172.50 and the
Model 10 at $182.50. In 1966, the Normandy 10 carried a list price of
$189.50

Serial number analysis shows that the Model 10 remained in production
until at least 1967.Model 10


 

NORMANDY 5P
The mid-to-late 1950’s also saw the introduction of the Model 5P. This
model was equipped with plateau keys throughout. Unlike the standard
Model 5, which had inline trill keys, the 5P was equipped with the
Buffet-style trill keys mounted on three sets of posts.The body and barrel of the 5P were wooden. Early 5P models were equipped
with was composite bells, but by around 1962 these had been changed to
wooden. The keywork was nickel-plated.In 1960, the Normandy 5P had a list price of $159.50. A c.1962 brochure
shows the 5P, now upgraded with a wooden bell, offered at $200.00 list.By 1964, the Model 5P had been replaced by the Model 10P.

 



 

NORMANDY 14
By 1958, the Normandy 14 Reso-Tone had been introduced. This is the
familiar USA-made “Viton” plastic Normandy. The 14’s bright
nickel-plated keywork incorporated inline trill keys mounted on three
sets of posts as seen on the Original and Transitional models.The Model 14 featured yet another new logo, a wide-type shield with
“Normandy” in flowing script without serifs. A 1958 ad shows that the
Model 14 could be obtained with a black, gold, red, or white plastic
body.
NORMANDY 14P
By 1960, the Normandy 14P Reso-Tone was in production. This was a “Viton”
plastic clarinet with plateau keys. Unlike the regular Model 14, the 14P
was made in France and equipped with Buffet-style trill keys mounted on
three sets of posts. With the exception of the plateau key system, the
14P keywork was identical to the Normandy France Reso-Tone.The 14P had the serifed Normandy shield used on Models 5, 5P, 7, and 10
stamped on its body. On the upper joint, FRANCE appears below the
Normandy shield. The bell of the 14P, oddly, had the same script
Normandy logo as used on the USA-made Normandy 14.In 1960, the list price of a Normandy 14P was $149.50.


 

NORMANDY 6
Sometime during or after 1961, the Model 6 was introduced. During its
production run, it was the lowest-priced Normandy with a wooden body. It
was essentially a reintroduction of the Special, with a wooden body,
composite barrel and bell, and Buffet-style trill keys mounted on three
sets of posts. The keywork was bright nickel-plated. A short-lived
model, the Model 6 was replaced by 1965 with the Model 8.A c.1962 brochure offers the Model 6 at a list price of $162.50.
NORMANDY 140P
Sometime during or after 1961, the Model 140P was introduced. Made of
“Vi-Plex” plastic, It seems to have been identical to the Model 14P
except for the logo details. The 14P has FRANCE under the Normandy
shield on the upper joint as seen on Models 5, 5P, 7, and 10, while the
140P has a much smaller MADE IN FRANCE stamped near the top of the upper
joint.A c.1962 brochure shows the Normandy 140P at a list price of $179.00. In
1966, the Normandy 140P had a list price of $199.50.
NORMANDY 10P
By 1964, the model 10P was in production. This was a plateau-key
clarinet with inline trill keys. The body, barrel, and bell were all
wood.In 1966, the list price of a Normandy 10P was $245.00.
NORMANDY 8
The Model 8 was introduced by 1966 as a replacement for the Model 6 and,
like the Model 6, was the lowest-priced wooden Normandy. The Model 8
differed from the Model 6 in having its Buffet-style trill keys mounted
on four sets of posts rather than three, and was equipped with a wooden
bell rather than a composite one.In 1966, the Normandy 8 had a list price of $175.00.Serial number analysis shows that the Model 8 was in production by 1965
and was produced through at least 1967.
NORMANDY 208
Stubbins

The Model 208 incorporated the Stubbins double mechanism for the
register key, with separate register key vent and B-flat tone tone,
similar to the systems found on the lower-pitched members of the
clarinet family. Depressing the register key without depressing the
thump ring actuated the B-flat tone hole.Unlike the Model 8, the 208 had inline trill keys mounted on four sets
of posts. The 208 sported a very large circular logo with a large “S” in
the centre flanked by “Wm. H. Stubbins” in script. The Stubbins logo was
located under the Normandy shield on the upper joint.In 1966, the Normandy 208 was offered at a list price of $199.50.
NORMANDY 7 REINTRODUCED
Sometime during or after 1966, yet another version of the Model 7 was
introduced. It is easily distinguised from the earlier model 7’s by
having a wooden barrel and bell, and the Normandy logo now incorporated
the number 7 within the shield below the word “Normandy”.Serial number analysis shows that the new Model 7 remained in production
through at least 1970.
NORMANDY 4
Perhaps the most familiar of all Normandys, the Model 4 was introduced
by 1969 and continued in production until the phaseout of the Normandy
brand in the mid-2000’s. The Normandy 4 is equipped with nickel-plated
keywork, inline trill keys, and a wooden body, barrel, and bell. All are
marked as a model 4 with various iterations of the Normandy logo.Keywork details have changed somewhat over the decades. Early Model 4
instruments appear identical to the Model 10, with needle spring
suspension for the C#/G# key and trill keys that are flat for their
entire length. The C#/G# spring was eventually changed over to a coil
spring, and the trill keys acquired the contoured profiles of their
Noblet cousins.
After Conn-Selmer bought out Leblanc the Normandy 4 became the Noblet
4 before being phased out with the Bliss line of student clarinets. 
NORMANDY 4 Special
A Model 4 Special was also produced. The 4 Special was equipped with a
composite bell rather than a wooden one.The 4 Special has the familiar Normandy 4 shield logo with “Special”
above in flowing script.
Serial number analysis shows that the 4 Special remained in production
through at least 1977
much of the Information was provided by:
Gregory G, Michigan
Normandy Resonite emblem
Early Normandy – SN # 1697 (approx 1940s).
Only with a Normandy emblem and FRANCE underneath it.  Probably the
precursor to the Normandy 4 branding.  Some early Normandy 4s had
the 4 emblem on the lower joint only.  Some early ones were later
called Specials with a plastic bell.  SN# 15xxx was a Special
without the designation which dates it to approx 1960 or earlier (see
pic below)

Normandy 4 emblem (top)

  • “4” in sheild
  • The 4 is now a Noblet 4 intermediate clarinet sold by LeBlanc
    (3/2006)

906xx Normandy 4
(purchased in 1978)

New Normandy 4 logo (bottom)

  • Has that trumpet bell shape above the Normandy 4 stamp
Normandy 5

  • “5” below the Normandy emblem in a circle
  • Keywork has inline trill keys.  Plastic barrel and bell

 

Normandy 8 emblem

  • “8” above shield similar to N10 model  OR
  • “8” in circle below Shield and Made in France

Normandy 10 emblem

  • “10” above shield
  • “France” is below the shield emblem
Normandy 12

  • “12” above the shield
Liberty Noblet (Normandy) Clarinets –
In late 2005 the Music Group had a essay contest about band directors
for “why your band director is the best”. The winning school received a
complete set of special branded instruments, they were branded
“Liberty”.  This included Armstrong Flutes, Bach Trumpets, Noblet
Clarinets, Bach Trombones, Selmer Alto and Tenor Saxophones.  These
are not professional instruments.  These are not intermediate
instruments, but student instruments. The Noblet clarinet is somewhat
stripped down Noblet.  The clarinet, model LCL-100 had a “retail”
price list of $730
Link # 1
Link #2

 

 

Serial Number
Log for Normandy 8, 10 & 4 (and probably the other models too)
1964 24000 35500
1965 35501 42000
1966 42001  (42849 N10) 47000
1967 47001 51500
1968 51501 55398
1969 57401 59750
1970 59751 53804
1971 53805 65499
1972 65500 69699
1973 69700 82363
1974 72364 74728
1975 74729 76007
1976 76008 78349
1977 78350 86946
1978 86947 91100
1979 91101 93648
1980 93649 96859
1981 96860 9760
1982 97761 98257
1983 98258 B26150
In the late 1980’s Normandy changed the method of
springs (cheaper) Instead of the normal needle spring they went to a
coiled
spring for the C#/G#
key

Leblanc

Leblanc

Vito

Vito Clarinets Models 7212,7213,7214,v40,cl612,cl614,7242
1972 A80000 B00235
1973 B00236 B19755
1974 B19756 B43177
1975 B43178 B67359
1976 B67360 B89670
1977 B89671 C00000
1978 C11804 C30365
1979 C30366 C54833
1980 C54834 C75803
1981 C75804 D01578
1982 D01579 D25635
1983 D25636 E13604
1984 E13605 A07632
1985 A07633 A22037
1986 A22038 A37938
1987 A37939 A61456
1988 A61457 A86496
1989 A86497 B14492
1990 B14493 B40076
1991 B40077 B64823
1992 B64824 B89436
1993 B89437 C18260
1994 C18261 C45957
1995 C45958 C74050
1996 C74051 D04016
1997 D04017 D33263
1998 D33264 D62070
1999 D62071 D86150
2000 D86151 E09559
2001 E09560 E33519
2002 E33520 E53900
2003 E53901
Model 7131RK
1970 1 500
1971 501 2155
1972 2156 3529
1973 3530 4421
1974 4422 12000
1975 12001 25603
1976 25604 30827
1977 30828 33947
1978 33948 38844
1979 38845 42434
1980 42435 47975
1981 47976 52455
1982 52456 58306
1983 58307 62177
1984 62178 68524
1985 68525 72535
1986 72536 78579
1987 78580 85091
1988 85092 89758
1989 89759 501000
1990 501098 510332
1991 510333 511518
1992 511519 515800
1993 515801 519845
1994 519846 526925
1995 526926 533097
1996 533098 537807
1997 537808 552998
1998 552999 560613
1999 560614 575843
2000 575842 587455
2001 587456 624567
2002 624568 654084
Model C-602R

 

1980 12283 12908
1981 12909 13475
1982 13476 14839
1983 14840 15621
1984 15622 15765
1985 15766 15816
1986 15817 15960
1987 815771 822151
1988 822152 824515

FYI, I obtained all the Leblanc, Noblet and Normandy serial number lists
from a nice lady at G Leblanc USA about a year before they were bought by
Selmer USA.  These were paper lists faxed to me.  The computers
only had a few years in them by comparison.  No list exists before
these lists – at least not at G Leblanc USA at the time per that nice lady.
Not sure if they exist at all now at Selmer USA since they closed the G
Leblanc facilities.