 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: AS
Date: 2007-11-04 08:30
Good day everyone! This is my first post here.
I have been playing clarinet for about 6 years while studying in school, which was about 20 years ago. Time flies, doesn't it? Recently going through my old stuff in the attic I found my old student clarinet, no brand, just a piece of instrument for a beginner. Tried to play something from some sheet music and, what a pleasant surprise - I've still got it! After some 10-15 minutes I could get out everything from the low E up to the high D. Appears just like a bicycle - you never loose it once mastered. Of course, some techniques have to be brushed up etc. But that is just a matter of time and some effort.
Now when there is more free time and the attention is more drawn towards all kind of beautiful things in the life, the clarinet seems just a wonderful way to help to fill the life with a kind of that beauty.
The sound of that student clarinet, however, did not impress me much (perhaps because I am one of those crazy audiophiles?). So I bought a second hand Leblanc LX. It came without mouthpiece, so I am in search for one. For now I am using the mouthpiece from that student clarinet which appears to be made of ebonite (hard rubber). Or, perhaps plastic, I am not sure how to figure that out. The sound is way better, however I feel that there is still room for improvement.
After searching around for a while, I discovered lots of information about mouthpiecies that I did know before. After all this search my problem is to decide - a mouthpiece of what material should I get. And that leads to my question: is there a big difference in sound quality between (a) ebonite, (b) wooden and (c) crystal mouthpiecies? Perhaps some of you, guys, could shortly explain the differences? The question is rather about material in general, however I would also appreciate information about the brands.
Also, perhaps someone could help me to figure out the age of my clarinet? As I said, it is Leblanc LX, serial no. 62071.
Many thanks in advance!
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Author: AS
Date: 2007-11-04 08:56
I apologise, forgot to ask also if there are other considerations regarding choice of a mouthpiece specifically for a Leblanc LX?
Thank you!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-11-04 13:04
Welcome to our friendly BBoard, AS, we have many well-qualified "posters" who can and will answer most questions. For a comprehensive history of Leblanc-France [and US], I'd suggest www.saxmaniax.com . As to your LX's age, [late '80's/early 90's?], our "How Old Is My" [and other ser# lists, please help, GBK] may have more specific info. I have an L7 [early L series] and find that most quality mps play well on it. Others, please help. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: AS
Date: 2007-11-04 16:40
Thanks Don! I checked the link you provided. The serial number corresponds to the end of 1983. However LX model was not even mentioned there, the matching serial was for some Leblanc Model 7131RK that I've never heard of. Confused. I have heard of Leblanc Model 7 which is a predecessor of the LX, so perhaps those are just some factory indexes.
Searched for "Leblanc LX" in Internet, unfortunately there is nearly next to nothing about this model there. But it's not really important. The important thing is that it sounds great.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-11-05 00:05
Yes, AS, I also ended up confused trying to sort out models vs #'s. Have you Searched our BB archives? There are many earlier responses to the search-term - Leblanc LX - which may have the info you are seeking. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: 2E
Date: 2007-11-05 23:08
You could try a vandoren brand mouthpiece, they have a great range of pieces to work on student/proffesional clarinets alike. The best way to pick one (regardless of material) is just to go to a store and try out as many as you can. Do it blindfolded and just concentrate on how it sounds and feels, good luck!
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