 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CWH
Date: 2007-12-31 17:16
Here is the question I have for all you like minded Leblanc fans. What if any substantive changes are there between the L7, L27 and the Opus II? The reason I pose this is I have a chance to purchase a very nice Opus at a reasonable price, but if it is nothing more than a regloryfied L7 or L27. Then why bother? I'd greatly appreciated any and all comments. If there are differences in specification I would love to hear that too.
Thank you and Happy New Year.
Chuck
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-12-31 17:33
I believe the Opus/Concerto models were designed by Tom Ridenour to be more "R13 like" than the previous Leblanc clarinets.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-12-31 17:55
Hi Chuck,
Apologies for not replying to an earlier email you sent. I say buy the Opus without fear that it is a glorified L7. I think there was just a complete redesign here (Ridenour?????) that obliterated old Leon's fluty, sibilant, prettified sounds.
My vote: go for the Opus. I'll bet it's fabulous and gives Buffet more than a run for its money.
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2008-01-01 13:46
They're substantially different, particularly in refinement of tuning.
The Opus II is a terrific instrument.
If you're spending more than $1000 USD, consider buying one of Tom Ridenour's Lyrique clarinets. They're essentially the same design, with hand tuning by TR his ownself...
I have a pair of Opus clarinets sitting in storage while I play my Arioso (also a TR hard rubber clarinet).
FYI - The L27 was a brilliant clarinet in it's own right.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2008-01-02 18:27
Opus II clarinets are very nice..scale is great and if they are in good condition can be a great bargain. I have always liked the tuning with the Opus clarinets.
David Dow
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Author: William
Date: 2008-01-03 14:39
As usual, David D is "right on". My set of Concerto clarinets are as in tune as clarinets can be with even response in all registers--a pleasure to play. However, and perhaps a bit off the subject of this thread (sorry), the big problem I have with my Leblancs--although worked on (and improved) by Tom Ridenour and being accoustical twins of the Opus model--is that they just do not seem to project through the ensemble with the clarity and "ring" of my vintage Buffet R13s. I do prefer to play my Concertos, but miss the Buffets, especially during soloist passages where I simply want to be heard by the audience.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2008-01-03 17:59
The Opus II is much improved over the L7 and L27. I've owned all three models and really love the Opus II. The Opus II has the extra Eb/Ab key and beautiful silver-plated keys plus the adjustable bridge key that really helps get the "action" to the right height for the individual player.
The L7 and L27s are great clarinets for doublers. They like the easy tuning and the big round sound they get from them.
The Opus II has a big round sound as well, and is excellent on intonation. It's also very well put together and will last a long, long time with proper care. If you're getting a good deal on the Opus II by no means pass it by. A repad job and some new corks on occasion are all it needs. It's a low-maintenance instrument. Love it, love it, love it.
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