The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rick
Date: 2003-02-13 13:39
In case some of you missed it, the newswires have reported that the LeBlanc Factory was destroyed in a fire last night. The entire inventory of 1400 clarinets was lost as was the entire inventory of replacement keys.
Here is a link to the AP Wire story:
http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonNews/es.es-02-13-0086.html
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-02-13 13:45
You need to remember to look at the posting titles (look about 10 lines down ... :^)
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Author: Julie DeRoche
Date: 2003-02-13 23:03
Hello Everyone,
If Mark will permit me, I would like to assure you all that the Leblanc factory in France was not destroyed. While this whole thing has been bad news for Leblanc, and the details are still unclear, the reports in the paper were exagerated. The keys that were in France were lost, but the key factory is actually in Kenosha, so keys can be replaced. None of the aged wood was lost. I do not know yet how many finished clarinets were lost. The machinery is intact, as far as I know now. Clean up has already started, and the mood is better. I do not really know the extent of the damage, but I do know that Leblanc will continue, and will continue to try to improve.
Julie DeRoche
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-02-14 02:30
Factory destroyed, no. Inventory lost, yes. The news media, in their not uncommon drive to be "first with the worst," have reported several inaccuracies. I was told by a friend that KFI radio in Los Angeles reported today that the fire was in Spain. Go figure.
Regards,
John
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Author: Julie DeRoche
Date: 2003-02-14 13:10
Hello,
This factory is the only factory that produces all of Leblanc's wood models. This includes the Leblanc line (Opus, Concerto, Sonata, etc.) and the Noblet line. However, the keys are made in Kenosha and shipped to France to be assembled.
Leblanc plastic clarinets are make in Kenosha, WI.
Julie D.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2003-02-14 16:02
This is good news because I had been a bit encouraged by the recent crop of Leblancs I've played. While they were in a bit of a slump post Ridenour, the last batch of Esprits I've tried were really quite nice. I haven't played a new Opus in a couple of years and was even thinking perhaps it is time to look at a new one.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2003-02-15 16:16
I spoke with Mr. Suber at TMEA. Although a loss, he told me that their supply of wood was spared. What was lost was some instruments that were currently on the assembly line. He was awaiting further details himself at the time.
jbutler
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