Klarinet Archive - Posting 000362.txt from 2006/10

From: Steve Boardman <sboardman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Leblanc/ Backun clarinets
Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:32:31 -0500

Hi Nancy,

The noises that I heard from the Leblanc that I played several years ago
were metallic sounds from the action of the keys and levers--very
annoying. Perhaps it was just that particular instrument.

I am a (very) mature amateur playing a Buffet E11 and have been wanting
to upgrade (if and when I can afford it). From what you have experienced
playing the new Leblanc's, do you think that the Cadenza would be an
upgrade that would justify the expense, or would the Symphonie be more
reasonable, albeit more expensive (as well as more expensive than an
R13)? With one kid in college and another right behind, I'm going to
have to do a lot of justifying to myself, not to mention my wife, about
the expense.

Best,
Steve

Nancy Buckman wrote:

> Hi Steve,
>
> The only remarkable thing I can say concerning noise in the keys is
> that the clarinets that were padded in cork had the characteristic
> cork pop. The same models padded with Valentino pads were silent.
> The actual keywork is beautiful. the pivot post have screws in the
> screw too. Also, I didn't ask, but I think the long keys are put
> together vertically instead of horizontally. The point of
> articulation appears to be actually above the key instead of at it's
> side. They made not a sound and had not the slightest bit of lost
> motion. These clarinets are exceptional in every respect.....as
> wonderful to play as they are to eyeball. The thing that really
> amazes me the most is the shear numbers of players who have ordered
> these before they are even available. Many ordered them before they
> were even available to be tried. Personally, I just couldn't see
> ordering something I couldn't actually try and inspect. At one point
> I had talked myself out of getting a set or maybe just an A clarinet.
> My Bb is a restored Buffet that is very nice. I thought it was
> fine.......until I played these new clarinets. They are definitely
> worth a look and a listen. And there were an awful lot of peo[ple
> there who don't use my set-up who were most satisfied with these
> instruments.
>
> Best,
>
> Nancy
>
> Nancy Buckman
> Orchestra AACC
> Opera AACC
> Baltimore Flute Choir
> eefer@-----.net
>
>
>
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>
>
>

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