Author: 78s2CD
Date: 2009-02-13 15:23
Hello Chris,
Thanks for your post. I'm familiar with the page you cited, and it looks like the information is substantially the same as on the Dr. Rick page I referenced. It seems odd that no information seems to be available for Leblanc altos (and bassets), especially since intermediate (Noblet) altos are listed.
Another interesting feature of Steve Sklar's Clarinet Perfection page is the set of logo images. I have three Leblanc instruments, one with each of emblems 1, 2 and 3. From what I understand, #2 should be the oldest ("G" in line with "Leblanc"), followed by #3; #1 being the newest. My Dynamique A clarinet, which I've come to believe dates from the early 1950s is the oldest of my three instruments and has emblem #2. The s/n of the A is "1A", obviously not part of the normal run of soprano clarinet numbers. The bass (Model 400), s/n-dated to 1975, has emblem #1. The basset, s/n 80xx, has emblem #3. It also has the older, thumb-key-coupled, automatic single register vent. All of this makes me pretty confident that the age of the basset lies somewhere between the other two instruments.
The date of 1964 based on the bass clarinet series seem quite plausible. I'm wondering if there's other evidence out there that would confirm or refute the idea that the bassets and altos may have been numbered within the bass series (which we already know contained a host of different models of bass clarinets).
Incidentally, when I got my BH from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, they were also selling a second BH the s/n of which immediately followed the one I bought. I wonder if the two instruments were made to order at that time. Surely Leblanc wouldn't have been carrying a large inventory of basset horns (?)
Best regards,
Jim
James C. Lockwood
Rio Rico AZ
"I play a little clarinet"
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