The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jeff Stachowiak
Date: 1999-02-13 02:25
Purchased new 1971. Serial 30000. What's it worth? and Where is a good place to start looking to donate it to school or such.
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Author: ted
Date: 1999-02-16 13:21
Hi Jeff,
Try calling LeBlanc. Their number was 1-800-553-9421 about 2 years ago. I assume it's still the same. Dee has given good advice on pricing used instruments, so I will paraphrase her advice. Since LeBlanc changes models frequently, find the comparable new model. Then find out the mail order price. Don't pay anymore than half the mail order price for a used instrument if it is in good condition. The Buffet R13 in in the most demand and seem to go for $800 to $900. Used Selmers and LeBlancs sell for a little less, though they are not inferior to the Buffet.
LeBlanc has made several L series instruments - LL(which they still make), and the L7 (which I have), LX, L70 ... all of which are discontinued. As an example, I called a LeBlanc a few years back concerning my L7, and got the following info. Mine was manufactured in 1974 and discontinued in 78. In 74 the l7 cost $725 and the LL cost $625. The L7 was the top of the line and in comparable to the LX2000 today and had a retail price of $2825 in 1993.
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Author: Josh
Date: 1999-02-18 04:05
I have purchased a LeBlanc Lx and in my oppinion, no more than $800. I like it but it's not the best.
--Josh
P.S. Ted-
Is the Lx really discontinued? Do you know why?
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Author: ted
Date: 1999-02-18 12:55
Yes, the LX is discontinued. I think it replaced the L7 and was replaced by the LX2000. I know the L7 (my favorite) is a "small" bore cylindrical instrument and the LX2000 is polycylindrical. I'm not sure about the LX. The LL, which is still being made is a "bigger" bore cylindrical instrument.
My "A" clarinet is an LX and my "Bb" is an L7. LeBlanc seems to change their model lineup more frequently than Buffet. There is nothing wrong with the discontinued instruments; I love my LX. It's my understanding that the "newer" instruments that replace the older are different in some ways but not necessarily better or worse. Changes have also been made to the Buffet R13s, but the name never changes.
Also keep in mind that even the same model instrument may vary quite a bit in tone and intonation. I tried two different LX "A" clarinets and the sounds were noticably different to my teacher. His comment was that they both had very good intonation, but I produced a better tone on one of them. He plays a Buffet R13 "Bb" and "A." Interestingly, I've played both of my teacher's instruments when searching for an "A" clarinet, and his comment is that though the R13s work best for him, I sound better on my LeBlanc than I sound on his R13s. So enjoy your LX.
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