 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-07-15 06:10
I have come across a Leblanc L-27, and wonder how it compares in quality to the L7 or LL models. I'm hoping there's someone who can help me with this comparison. I'm looking for an affordable (used) professional Leblanc model; not ready to pay Buffet R-13 prices yet, but want something of quality.
Thanks - Bill
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2007-07-15 12:04
The '2' was an indication of it's evolution from the L7 model.
It is a VERY distinct design from the "LL" model, but very similar to the L7.
Great horns, often at bargain prices.
If you're willing to step outside the box a little, consider the Ridenour clarinets in Hard rubber... inexpensive and VERY good.
Unlikely to crack, too.
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-07-15 13:19
Thanks for your reply. I actually have a Ridenour 147, a used model which I recently picked up. It's in excellent shape and definitely a keeper. I still want a decent wooden pro-model to add to my clarinet family - a step above the Noblet 27 which I also have. I knew that the older L7s usually got good reviews, but didn't know anything about the L-27.
Thanks again - Bill
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-07-15 15:35
Bill,
I believe the L27 was the third in the line - L7, L70, L27, L200, L300. According to a message I received from Dave Surber at Leblanc, the L7's were available for several years during the 70's. From what I have seen, the subsequent models were each rather short-lived so I would guess yours was probably made in the late 70's or early 80's. If you give me the first 3 digits of your serial number, I may be able to tell you the actual year. My information is that, when they were available, these clarinets were the top of Leblanc's professional line.
Also, if you use the search function at the top of this thread to search for "L27" without the quotes you will find additional information about the model. It has been discussed before.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-07-15 15:59
Thanks Jack -
Just curious .. if you had to decide between an LL or an L27, which would get your vote (all things being fairly equal)..?
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2007-07-16 12:16
The Double L "LL" will have a stronger residual value, if you resell.
The design was also the last (and presumably, ultimate) expression of Leon LeBlanc's design philosophy.
They're large bore instruments, so they can be tigers (hard to tame).
I think the L27 was one of the best made clarinets before the Opus line.
If you're playing a TR147, the L27 may seem a step back in facility.
FWIW - I own an Opus pair, and play the Ridenour clarinets, most always.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-07-16 16:40
I've owned all three during my playing years. I bought a new L27 in the 80s and upgraded to an R-13 later on when I could afford it. However, the L27 is an excellent choice and often at a very reasonable price (as you pointed out).
The L7s and L27s are very popular with doublers and jazz players because the bore is slightly larger than the LL. They are all three good choices with new pads and recent overhauls (pads, corks, springs, etc.) A good one will last you a long, long time.
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Author: denner22
Date: 2007-07-17 10:05
I played on three models - L7, L27 and L300. I still think the L27 was the best of them. Reputedly (according to the local Buffet shop!) it did not have a nice sound, but in my years of professional playing and concerto appearances no conductor or reviewer ever commented that my sound was not good!  Yes I know. What does a critic know anyway? The same could be said for many conductors as well BTW!
All that aside, the L27, set up well with a good mouthpiece is a fine instrument, generally playing well in tune, that should allow you to express yourself well in a musical sense.
Cheers
David
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-07-17 13:03
I had only a brief acquaintance with an L27, and found it to be very similar to my L7 [cork pads on U J !], so when asked to sell a good Leblanc, I sold the 27, judgement ?? My 7 measures about 14.85 mm bore [top of U J], and I was/am pleased with the well-in-tune 12 ths. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: sherman
Date: 2007-07-17 17:02
A bit of Leblanc History
This clarinet was reviled in the northeastern US and Canada years ago. Simply nobody played them. I was a Professor at that time and I could try any horn that was in the local shop. So once, perhaps 25 years ago, I took an L27 home for what must have been six months, because this was definitely a non-seller. I started to like it, especially the tuning which was next to extraordinary. The tuner would simply not move from pitch from note to note, throat and low register as well.(@ A=440)
Then, I played a concert on the clarinet. I never got so many compliments on the quality of sound, I mean good comments. Although I eventually gave it back, I recently purchased another L27, looking almost new, almost never played. It plays the same, exactly as well defined an intonation as was the 25 year old L27. I think it is the rule , not the exception, for these instruments.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-07-17 18:02
Jack Kissinger wrote:
> I believe the L27 was the third in the line - L7, L70, L27, L200, L300
For nostalgia buffs, here is original 1978 ad for the Leblanc L-200:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,235/Leblanc%20L-200%20advertisement.JPG
and the 1984 ad, with Stanley Drucker, for the Leblanc L-300:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,239/Drucker%20Leblanc%20L-300.JPG
Forget the clarinets, how does Stanley manage to look the same now as he did 23 years ago? ...GBK
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-07-17 19:05
"The Double L "LL" will have a stronger residual value, if you resell."
If recent eBay sales are any indication, this is apparently not true. Three different LL's show up in the recently completed auctions. One sold for $600 while a second offered by the same seller has failed to draw any bids at an opening price of $650 (offered several times). Both of these had apparently just been reconditioned. A third (that probably needed at least a little work) did not draw an opening bid at $499.
On the other hand an L7 recently sold for around $710 and an L27 (misidentified in the ad as an L7 but clearly an L27 from the pictures) sold for just under $770. Both of these appeared to be in very good condition.
Not that long ago, around $350 seemed to be the going price for both models.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-07-18 17:38
In 2000 I bought 5 left over new-old stock Leblanc L7s from Dominique's Music for $700.00 each. I sold all of them to advancing students right away (after setting the instruments up, of course). They were a real find! All played exceptionally well and I sold all of them for well over the price I paid for them. I haven't had a single complaint from any of the new owners.
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