Klarinet Archive - Posting 000611.txt from 1999/11

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Mystery clarinet in case
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 19:04:25 -0500

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As the others have said, the Normandy is one of Leblanc's line of =
clarinets. This was a student model clarinet until Leblanc introduced =
their Vito line. Prior to the introduction of the Vito, the Normandy =
was sometimes made of wood and sometimes made of plastic. Once the Vito =
was introduced, the Normandy was upgraded to a step up horn. It is now =
made of wood only. There may have been some other minor changes.

The Leblanc's basic "line-up" goes like this:
Vito - beginner
Normandy - between beginner and intermediate
Noblet 40 - low end intermediate
Noblet 45 - high end intermediate
Sonata - between intermediate and pro
Esprit - low end pro
Infinite - standard pro, direct competitor to Buffet R-13

Leblanc also makes several other pro models such as bigger bore =
instruments for jazz, etc.
Concerto - premium grade pro
Opus - premium grade pro with extra keys, etc.

As far as cases go, just about any Bb Boehm system clarinet (such as the =
Normandy) will fit in any case designed for Bb Boehm clarinets. =
Clarinets in A will need a little more length and old Albert system =
clarinets may need a little bit different configuration.

Over time, it is quite common for instruments to end up in cases totally =
different than the orginal. Cases get banged up and worn out. This is =
why the case is an unreliable source of information on the brand and =
model of clarinet inside it. Old Bundy and Conn cases abound and often =
end up with something else inside. I've even seen an oboe using a =
"recycled" clarinet case.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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