Klarinet Archive - Posting 000260.txt from 2005/01

From: "David C Kumpf" <dkumpf@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Inquiry into bass clarinet
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 08:39:12 -0500

I am contemplating purchase of a used bass clarinet made by LeBlanc but need
some help in identifying the instrument's parts. It appears that it is an
assembly of two different instruments...I believe that both were out on
rentals and opposite joints of the originals were damaged beyond repair,
hence this instrument. (The instrument in question has been offered to me,
by a music store, at a price that might make it reasonable to overhaul.)

The only identifying marks are these:

Grenadilla wood body for upper and lower joints

Low Eb mechanism

Top joint s/n 7964

Bottom joint s/n 5891

There is a mark "92" in the receiver for the tuning neck

G. Leblanc logo is on upper joint only, however keywork for both joints
appears similar

Any ideas on:

- in what year each joint was made
- what model the instrument is, and whether both joints are from the same
model
- anything else I should look for to help authenticate/identify the
instrument

Playability: instrument sounds fine in chalumeaux except right and left-hand
Eb/Bb are fuzzy. Crossing the break only works sporadically and I suspect
either leaking pads, maladjusted bridge, or maladjusted register mechanism.

No cracks. Some plating wear on the keys and bell, no real dents in the
bell. Small chip in the lower tenon where it joins the bell.

Anything else I should look for?

Thanks,

Dave Kumpf
dkumpf@-----.com

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