 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: southernboi3
Date: 2016-06-16 16:52
Hello All,
I am looking to purchase a Leblanc Concerto. Preferably a silver keyed version. I would also consider the Opus. I had this clarinet in High School and played it through some of college. Unfortunately, I stopped playing and sold it. I now realize how big of a mistake that was. Currently I am playing a Leblanc G II Classic. I prefer the sound of the Concerto.
Does anyone have one available for Sale? I found one on Ebay, but got snipped in the last second (which I didn't even know existed or could happen- so needless to say I was upset).
My list of Preference on Leblanc Concerto/Opus
1) Leblanc Concerto- Silver Keyed
2) Leblanc Concerto- Nickel Keyed
3) Leblanc Opus-Silver Keyed
4) Leblanc Opus-Nickel Keyed
5) Leblanc Concerto II- Silver or Nickel Keyed
(I have heard that the II doesn't play as well as the original I don't know if this is true which is why I put it at the bottom).
Fingers Crossed!
Thanks,
Seth
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-06-16 18:33
Leblanc advertised the Concerto II as identical to the original Concerto, except that they keys were slightly redesigned. That will make zero difference in the playing qualities. Believe me, if the II models played differently from the originals, Leblanc would have pounded their chests hyping it.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-06-16 18:48
I thought silver plated keys were standard on Concerto and Opus (both original and II) considering they're pro level clarinets. Never heard of either being offered with nickel plated keys - not in the UK anyway.
The Concerto was also available with an optional LH Ab/Eb lever which is standard equipment on the Opus (the Opus being around £1000 more than the Concerto). The Opus has screw in metal resos on the largest pads like flutes have.
.
.
I wonder if there's a composer by the name of Leblanc who's written a Concerto No.1 or 2 and it was premiered by someone playing a Leblanc Concerto or Concerto II? And what catalogue number is it - Opus 1 or 2?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: southernboi3
Date: 2016-06-16 19:11
I found one for $1300.00 does that sound reasonable? It has been serviced no cracks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Morrigan
Date: 2016-06-17 00:36
FYI Chris P, I used to own a set of Concertos (Concerti?) that were nickel plated. They definitely exist(ed). Absolutely beautiful instruments, I can see why the OP would want one.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: richard smith
Date: 2016-06-20 19:40
Ridenour 147s , if they were tuned and adjusted by him, are excellent instruments. I bought 4 and kept them after selling my Concertos, which I also found very good, but not quite up to my 147s.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-06-20 20:17
The Concerto and Opus clarinets are indeed wonderful instruments. That said, the Acoustician/Designer of those clarinets, Tom Ridenour, says of his current "Libertas" clarinet - that it is the instrument he wished he could have produced back then!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2016-07-10 02:28
There were some difference between the original line and the second generation line. I'm convinced that the best concerto/opus horns were the early ones from the beginning that had "concerto" or "opus" etched in with gold paint. The ones that came after with the emblem or the II instruments were just not the same.
Also from the first to the second generation, they weren't identical even though they were advertised as such. Some goof ball at Leblanc wanted to streamline the all the key work being produced and changed the high end clarinet tone hole placement on a few keys to match the lower level line. It was insane.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: TomS
Date: 2016-07-10 17:59
The Rideonour Lyrique Libertas is the Concerto in hard rubber, instead of wood (IMHO, an improvement over wood) the keys are different, with in-line trill keys and balanced key action (also an improvement)
I like my Libertas, but only played the Leblanc briefly way back ...
A friend that has a Concerto for sale ... sorry Charlie, getting that one myself.
It stinks that you can't go out and purchase a brand new Concerto, Opus or even an LL Model nowadays.
.
If you gotta have wood, and not a lot of cash, close your eyes, forget what you are playing and try the Yamaha 450. Best value in a wood instrument, IMHO.
Ridenour made a wood clarinet for a while, the G1, which was reported to be excellent. You might find one, somewhere.
I like the idea of starting out on instruments like the ones Tom Rideonour makes, because they are inexpensive and play like a dream, with little fuss and heartbreak. Then, if you wish, add to your fun and pallet of sounds and get that Buffet/Backun/Selmer ... but you can use the Ridenour clarinets for a lifetime, and with no downside, other than Tom might retire someday.
.
The Ridenour instruments have good centered core sound, with a light woolen sweater covering ... That is, ping with warmth. It's baloney that they don't play powerfully and project, I tried out a dozen different models/brands a few week ago in a music store, and the Libertas had a big powerful, centered sound that put many of the other clarinets to shame ...
Good luck on your Concerto search ...
My three cents ...
Tom
Post Edited (2016-07-10 18:00)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
