 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2005-12-05 20:21
I had retained the very same Leblanc Concerto that I had played on more than five years ago. There is no logical conclusion why this is so, but playing on this clarinet is just more fun than playing on the Buffets.
The intonation is much closer to the Buffet than I recalled. The twelves are almost as wide and the notes that tend to be "low" are almost as low. There may be cause to say that at least a modicum of improvement makes it better and yet this in itself would raise no particular flag for me at all.
Then there are all the negatives such as the particularly low E and F below the staff, the "closeness" of the C#/G# left pinky key (I have big hands - not comfortable), the throat A key rod that can protrude into the G# key and make it bind (poor design)......... I may be able to go on but I can't, it is making me teary.
Everything that I play on this clarinet just seems to have more life to it. It may be the definition between notes. This is much more obvious in fast, consecutive running figures than arpeggios (oddly enough). It almost seems knife like or like a whip. From note to note there is considerably more definition than with the Buffet.
Well there it is. I am sold on Leblanc and I don't even know why.
Now when I play, if you look real close, you may detect just ever so subtley, a slight ..........smile.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2005-12-05 20:54
Exactly. You hit the nail on the head.
Just wish more Buffet players would stop complaining and at least TRY Leblancs! Most of my friends always joke with me about being the odd one out or saying derogatory things (always joking), but there's an element of truth yet they complain about tuning etc. etc. when they haven't even TRIED Leblanc.
And, for what it's worth, so far I haven't liked any Concerto II or Opus II's that I've tried. And one was a 'special' one from IMS and I normally love Lisa's choice!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-12-05 21:09
Morrigan wrote:
> Just wish more Buffet players would stop complaining and at
> least TRY Leblancs!
Many, many do (along with trying out pretty damn near every thing else) at conventions. There's switching to/from brands all the time, just not many. Of any ilk.
I wish people would stop trying to justify their choices - if you like what you have and you've an open mind, what more is there to say?
I always liked Hamlet (III, ii, 239).
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-12-05 21:24
Mark, did you mean Hamlet (III, ii, 234)? ...doth complain too much?
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-12-05 21:39
I don't regularly play any of the Big 4 soprano clarinets but on those occasions when I have, I've always preferred the Leblancs to the Buffets, with Selmer in second place. Have not tried a professional Yamaha model. The Leblancs generally seem to tune a bit better than the Buffets and maybe have a warmer sound -- but I'm no authority as I mostly play the lower clarinets (of which I have a very different opinion of the Leblanc products, but this is off-topic.....)
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Author: William
Date: 2005-12-05 22:18
MC wrote, "I wish people would stop trying to justify their choices - if you like what you have and you've an open mind, what more is there to say?"
As a clarinetist who regularily plays both LeBlanc Concertos and Buffet R-13s I say, Right On, Mark. Well said!!!
(enough)
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-12-05 22:20
I wonder how many top players choose instruments based on ergonomic considerations, and then have tuning adjustments made to suit?
Given the permutations of reed and mouthpiece combinations, interactions between these and aftermarket barrels, and tuning adjustments made to the toneholes or pads, how many pro's instruments are in fact STOCK models?
Much like hockey, it ain't the stick that makes the player...
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-12-05 23:32
I did consider getting a pair of Concertos about 10 years ago, they did play well and had a nice fat bottom register, but I couldn't justify forking out on them as I wasn't doing much playing back then, if at all, and my Centered Tones did the job for me (and had a bigger, fatter tone to boot).
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-12-06 15:28
Many players opt for the Buffet R-13 over the Leblanc Concerto because of the price tag on the Leblancs. Leblanc is always a bit pricey--although there are also very pricey Buffets. It took me a long time to finally make the leap back to the Leblanc Opus II due to the price factor--it had nothing whatsoever to do with being ashamed of playing Leblanc. I consider Leblanc a respected manufacturer of clarinets--for over 250 years. But, I'm also not ashamed to play a Buffet. They're both good instruments. When you find what you like--go with it. I've just paid off the final bit on the Opus II and am now going to enjoy it. I have to say it's the best clarinet I've played in many, many years.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-12-06 18:42
If price is the problem with new Leblancs, buy used! They seem to depreciate more than Buffets, so there are lots of good low-priced Leblanc soprano clarinets out there. I personally know a couple of guys who might have one for sale.
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Author: ClarinetRepublican
Date: 2005-12-06 19:58
Morrigan,
Weren't you just recently telling me how you regretted buying those leblancs and was searching for a way to get buffets?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-12-06 20:56
David S., if you're looking for a late model Opus or Opus II, they're pretty hard to find. I found a great buy on mine through woodwind and brasswind at $2,885.00--closeout sale. But, you're right about there being lots of good high-quality Leblancs out there. However, if you're going to buy a new one you'll have to look for a good price.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-12-06 21:53
Thanks, Brenda, but personally I'm not looking for anything -- perfectly happy with my pair of Penzel-Mueller "Artist Models" (one wood with silver-plated keys, the other all-metal, silverplated). We don't need no stinkin' modern clarinets! 
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2005-12-06 21:56
I sure was ClarinetRepublican, but I'm going through a phase where I love them again! Which is good - it'll stop me spending money. Although I nearly bought a new Bb a few weeks ago, but couldn't decide between a Tosca, Festival, and a Yamaha.
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Author: bass9396
Date: 2005-12-06 22:30
I play an R-13 Bb and a ~1927-1928 Selmer A. I love the Selmer and the Buffet. And, I play Leblanc Bass Clarinets. I can't make up my mind! I'm with the rest of you, play what you like. I like my R-13 and my elderly Selmer.....and my Leblanc Basses. I wouldn't trade any of them for anything.
Regarding the question posed about "stock" instruments, I'm with Synonymous. We all use our own stuff...I have Fobes Barrels and a Bonade ligature, plus my trusty dusty Hite mouthpiece....so I definitely don't play a stock instrument. I figure, as long as the instrument responds to my after-market stuff, then I'm happy with it. I've always found it my responsibility to make the instrument do what I want, but sometimes I need a little help ;o)
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