 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kobrien
Date: 2023-08-18 17:00
Hello,
I was trying to find information on the Clarinet I played growing up, that was also my moms. It is a LeBlanc France, and the emblem has the word Classic above it in cursive, so no model number. The pieces have the number 2164b on them. I have googled and cannot seem to find anything out about it (the results all mention model numbers where the word classic is printed). I am primarily looking for the year it was made but any other information would be nice..
The reason I am wondering is my son who plays the Sax was asked to play clarinet for one season of marching band as they did not have enough clarinets and too many altos, and was given a brand new Yamaha to use. I mentioned that we had a clarinet to the teacher so he may be switching to mine, but my son really doesn't want to play an "old" instrument. So curious if there is anything "cool" about my old clarinet or not. (Sentimentally I think it would be cool to have a 3rd generation play it).
Thank you,
Kristi
Post Edited (2023-08-18 17:02)
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-08-18 17:24
Hi Kristi,
I switched a few years ago from a 3rd generation family instrument to a brand new yamaha. I have to say that when playing in a pressure situation I would hands-down take the Yamaha.
It just depends which one is most reliable about actually sounding the notes. In both cases you'd probably want a good tech to look at them and see which has fewest leaks.
That's something we can't assess from here.
Jen
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2023-08-18 20:09
I'm not specifically familiar with the "Classic" - I believe it is a 1950s/1960s model clarinet. However, a few of the old Leblanc models are as worthy as anything you can find on the market today.
When I quit playing Boehm system, I was still using a Leblanc L200 that outplayed any new instruments I put it up against. So I don't believe it is prudent to rule something in or out based on age alone.
That said - I'd normally recommend against using a wood clarinet for marching band.
You'd want to take it to a good repair shop to make sure it was in top shape before offering it up to play, though - or it would likely fail in comparison to a new instrument.
I'm on the other end of the spectrum from Jen, though - I've had lousy luck finding newer instruments which meet my needs. In fact, I've gone back even further for some truly unique gems which make a 1950s and 1960s model seem positively brand new!
Good luck to your son now that he has been asked to play a "real" instrument! Hahaha (Just a gentle kidding from a mostly-former sax player.)
Hopefully someone will chime in with details about the Classic for you - good luck in your search!
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-08-18 21:13
Hi Kristi,
Thinking back, I also used to play in a community orchestra where the principle clarinet lady was playing a Leblanc, and all the other clarinets (there were about six of us) were teens playing shiny new instruments.
Everybody was basically fine, so I think really either option would probably work if the instrument was well set up.
The only other thing that I noticed was that I was very aware that my instrument was a bit tatty compared to the lovely shiny new ones that the teens were playing.
Somehow the fact that it was "vintage" didn't seem to cut it when all the very beautiful young ladies around me had lovely shiny instruments.
It might be good to take that kind of stuff into account with your son, even though it might seem a bit peripheral. It feels very important somehow, when you're in the thick of it.
Having said that, the Leblanc might also have a really lovely tone, and he will know himself if that makes a big difference when he plays the two side by side.
Jennifer
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Author: kilo
Date: 2023-08-18 22:40
I gifted my Selmer Series 10 to a niece when her teacher told her she was ready to step up to a wooden clarinet. She didn't say it was "cool" – she was thrilled to own and play a "vintage" instrument.
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Author: kobrien
Date: 2023-08-19 03:24
Good to know. That is what my son said, is that the yamaha was easier.
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Author: kobrien
Date: 2023-08-19 03:25
Thank you!!!! I assume you think its wood because of its age? I did email the teacher and he said that if it is wood we would not use it for marching band. I didn't even think about that a I never played in high school. But he is going to take a look at it tomorrow.
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-08-19 04:15
classic was an entry level pro leblanc model. its better than a student yamaha but let him march with the plastic yamaha.
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