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Leblanc Classic II

Author: jglover
Date: 2006-01-04 14:05

Has anyone any experience with this older model such that they can give me an idea of it's period of manufacture and it's level within the heirarchy of
the Leblanc line? And, of course, any significant impressions or experience with the instrument. Thank you for your help.

jglover

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Re: Leblanc Classic II

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-01-04 17:15

Hi - J G - I saw your thread earlier, I hoped someone might respond with better info than I have, so here goes. I bought a used Classic [no II or more on it], for a grandson, a fair player to me. I recently ran on to a Leb brochure [1961, I believe] which listed the Dynamic H [1276], then the LL [1176], then the Classic [476], with the comment "a superb value --- a genuine Leblanc for under $300". My conclusion is that the Classic "line" was introduced in the mid 1950's, when L Leblanc was trying to make something for everyone [in their early days in the US]. Possibly Dee and others will have better info for you. This brochure has much of L's history, details of their "flagship" LL and mentions US Patent 1,926,489 {1933} , "jump" trill keys and other features. Luck, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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Re: Leblanc Classic II

Author: jglover
Date: 2006-01-05 00:13

Thanks Mark and Don:

I got my first Leblanc clarinet before the war in 1940 when the company was truly an unknown quantity. However, the instrument itself was superb: silver plated and with 7 keys and an ease of playing and intonation and fullness of sound that was incomparable, particularly when compared with the Selmers and Buffets of that time. I know, I had played most of the better quality horns of that period.
I spent the next 20 years developing the skills to become first a
competent orchestral player and then, with the addition of a tenor
sax, a fair to middlin' jazz player and a few years with some of the major
big bands of the late 40s and 50s. That fine clarinet went with me
everywhere. But then, in 1982, my place was broken into and the instrument was stolen. I couldn't have suffered a harsher loss. Recently I have been trying to replace that instrument, but I don't know much about Leblanc's instruments anymore. So any information I can get about an earlier model is greatly apppreciated.

Thanks again for your help.

A grateful and sentimental old man.
J. Glover

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Re: Leblanc Classic II

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-01-05 14:16

Hi J G - I'm a "sentimental old man" also, may even have a few years on ypu. Your history is somewhat similar [as I recall] to mine, I have expressed bits and pieces of it via this good BBoard participation. As to Leblanc cls, yes, they "came on strong" gaining a good reputation here, most insts were VG. If you still like to blow a bit of jazz, may I suggest you look for a Leb Dynamic 2 [or H] which are "big bores" and very good players. They preceeded the Pete Fountains and are not as costly. I also have a slightly smaller-bore L7 [1st of a good series of L models] also a VG all-around horn. Keep on tooting, Regards, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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