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 Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: doublej 
Date:   2007-06-07 14:52

There was such a buzz about these instruments when they first came out but i have not heard anything about them in a while.

So, if you have any experience with them I am curious to hear about them. There was a little discussion about them months ago but I guess I am looking for an update.

thanks,
jeff

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: Old Geezer 
Date:   2007-06-07 17:14


I'm curious about what's happening with them too. I don't think they're selling that many. They might be a great instrument but their appearance is quite ugly; what with the thimble thread barrel and muti-colored bell etc. The inflated price is not pretty either.

It's completely subjective but all the stuff about the different wood grain etc. barrels and bells is just that subjective. All these colored barrels and bells with their lovely grains etc. are the placebos of the clarinet world.

Still placebos have their use...if merely adding a new bell makes you think you've become the reincarnation of Ralph McLane, well that's OK.
Sometimes after a couple of drinks I think I'm sounding like Ralph McLane!

Clarinet Redux

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: donald 
Date:   2007-06-07 23:28

I had hoped that these would do so well that they'd result in a glut of 2nd hand Tosca pairs at reduced price. The ones i tried reccently weren't really very much better than what i've got (and i'm not very fond of the clarinet i'm playing at the moment!)
the intonation was pretty good though, i was tempted to buy one, and then get a BUFFET R13 bell as an aftermarket item... heh heh heh
donald

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: bill28099 
Date:   2007-06-08 03:25

The Cadenza that I purchased last winter has held up well during a 3-4 hour per day, 7 day per week playing/practice schedule. Tuning seems to right on and every person that has played it thinks it is a great horn and can't believe the price. The only problems were solved promptly by the staff at Backun Musical Services while I waited. I still believe the Cadenza is the best buy on the current clarinet market and I'll likely buy a Symphonie in A over the next year to replace my antiquated Symphonie II.

A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: Liquorice 
Date:   2007-06-08 12:03

Old Geezer- I think you are contradicting yourself when you say that:

"They might be a great instrument but their appearance is quite ugly"

and

"All these colored barrels and bells with their lovely grains"

Are these "lovely grains" aesthetically pleasing or not?

In any case, I'm sure you won't disagree with me that the most important thing is how the instruments play. If the maker believes that the use of other woods contributes towards improved tonal qualities, then I don't care what the clarinet looks like.

Have you actually tried one of these clarinets? I haven't, and until I have I can make absolutely no judgement as to how successful the design of these instruments is.

Regarding price I think it's a bit ridiculous to complain about clarinets when you look at what other instruments cost. Is this clarinet worth the money? Let's try it and find out...

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: cigleris 
Date:   2007-06-08 12:21

Haven't tried one but they are availiable in Howarths in London.

Peter Cigleris

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: OpusII 
Date:   2007-06-08 13:18

Sorry didn't try them... and not going to in the future, I think...
I'm just terrified that I like them better than my current Opus II, it's to much money involved.

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: doublej 
Date:   2007-06-08 14:02

bill28099 would you mind sharing what the problems were when you baught the the horn

thanks
jeff

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2007-06-08 15:35

I play-tested one for a couple of weeks and really liked the tone. I had some intonation problems in the upper register, but similar to the problems with the run-of-the-mill Buffet R-13. The Cadenza has a big tone and several innovations that are used in the higher dollar Backun/Leblancs like the strengthening bar on the lower right hand keys. It comes with a rather standard bell, however, I used my Backun cocobolo bell on it and really opened up the tone with more color.

It's a great buy for under $2,000.00, IMO.

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: pelo_ensortijado 
Date:   2007-06-09 23:05

----
opusII wrote:
Sorry didn't try them... and not going to in the future, I think...
I'm just terrified that I like them better than my current Opus II, it's to much money involved.
----

yes and you'll have to change the name here on the bboard to! that woudl be a pity. :P



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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2007-06-10 14:16

I didn't like the Cadenza better than my Opus II. Haven't tried the Symphonie, but Dave Kessler told me it had a brighter sound than the Opus II or Concerto II, so I don't think I would like that. And, haven't tried the Legacy because I can't afford another high dollar clarinet.

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 Re: Leblanc/backun clarinets
Author: Cosmicjello 
Date:   2007-06-11 06:44

The Symphonie that just came in has "Backun Musical" engraved on the barrels and bell, not "Backun Canada" that is on the Cadenza we have in stock or Backun's other bells and barrels.

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