 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: TomD
Date: 2009-02-27 18:42
Has anyone tried Julian's line of leBlanc clarinets yet?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: blacksillouette
Date: 2009-02-27 19:40
Yes. I have had the opportunity to try both the 320 and the 310 (with the grenadilla barrel). Very solid instrument. Beautiful warm sound for a student model especially the 320 with the wood barrel! Cool design and look. Some really interesting features in terms of upper and lower joint alignment, added positive pressure on the low F key and such. I did however notice some disturbing tuning issues. For the most part, both of the instruments were extremely sharp all through the clarion and into the altissimo register. I tried using my mouthpiece (Vandoren M30) and the one that came with the instrument and noticed the same thing. I will be getting more from LeBlanc to try so maybe they will be different?!?
Kim
NB: Technicians that I work with also tried these instruments and made the same remarks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2009-02-27 19:50
Hello,
Thanks for the comments about the Bliss Clarinets. There are 2 lengths of barrels, as pitch requirements vary in different parts of the world. My guess is that you were trying the short barrel (for higher pitch playing)
I would suggest that you might want to try the Bliss Clarinet again with the longer barrel (66MM) and please remember that the tuning is set to A42 as virtually all band percussion instruments are tuned to that. (as are many wind instruments) Additionally the developing player typically plays softer reeds and has an underdeveloped embouchure which usually has them playing flat, so Julian and I tried to leave some extra "room for compensation," to help them along.
Glad that you liked the features and looks which were designed to attract more players to take up the Clarinet. The response has been tremendous and we appreciate the feedback.
Morrie Backun
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
604-205-5770
morrie@backunmusical.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-02-28 07:54
Does anyone know if these and the other Leblanc/Backun models will be available to try at Franfurt Musikmesse 2009? I don't see Leblanc listed as exhibitor but Conn-Selmer is, and I think they are the owner of Leblanc now.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clockwiser
Date: 2009-03-02 09:55
The All Composite model LB320 go for $825.00 at kesslermusic at the moment.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: blacksillouette
Date: 2009-03-06 17:03
Thank you Morrie for the suggestions. I was pretty sure that I tried both instruments with the longer barrel as I currently play an R13, in which case the 66 is standard and most comfortable for me, but I will have another go at them, set the tuner higher and post my comments.
Kim
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pplateau
Date: 2009-03-07 21:40
Am trying one out for backup/outside etc use, I find that I need to use my own barrels, wood Chadash, or plastic Muncy 66mm to get it well in tune ie to 440 where my band and groups tune; the plastic Bliss barrel goes way sharp on my McClune SP mouthpiece with my shaved #4 V12 reed/ embouchure so am wondering whether Morrie had the stock barrel reamed for a starter's embouchure? I am going to ask him about that.
Post Edited (2009-03-08 20:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jsc
Date: 2009-03-15 01:47
I saw the Bliss at a music educators convention and didn't have my mp on me, unfortunately. Looks cool, though. I think I'd have some students that would switch over if I had them in my school inventory.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: zepdrmr85
Date: 2009-03-25 20:41
Just wanted to state that as a professional percussionist and teacher for more than 15 years, I have yet to encounter a mallet instrument, in band or orchestra, that is tuned at anything other than A440. I'm certain they exist somewhere, but I would argue that they are not at all prevalent.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetist88
Date: 2009-03-25 20:50
Where can I get the 66mm Bliss barrel? It looks like all of the models available in stores only come with the 65mm barrel.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2009-03-25 21:28
Hello,
For your reference.
A quick check shows that Yamaha, Malletech and Adams tune their percussion instruments to A442 as well as other leading makers. This is now a very common standard. Of course, as everything else in music individuals and groups have different tastes.
Regards to all.
Morrie
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
604-205-5770
morrie@backunmusical.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wes
Date: 2009-03-27 20:22
440 is still the standard in the Los Angeles area and in many other USA areas. The grand piano, for example, in the Local 47 recording studio/auditorium is tuned to 440. Good Wishes!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan
Date: 2009-03-28 00:37
About one month ago, I purchased the Bliss 310 with the wood barrel, and I love this clarinet. I’ve only started playing clarinet about four years ago. At which time, I purchased a Selmer CL300 off ebay for $110.00.
So far, the only problem I have is the wood barrel crack, but that’s probably my fault as I tend to be lazy in swapping out after playing. I work all day, get home to deal with kids, wife and home, eat dinner, and if lucky, I can practice for a couple hours before bedtime. When I finish playing, I place the clarinet in a clarinet stand and go to bed - without swapping.
Anyway, the Bliss sounds much better than the old Selmer. It’s a joy.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-03-28 14:53
When your clarinet gets moldy from not swabbing it will be too late.
Get a silk swab , take off the reed and swab in one piece. That will help lots and be quicker than separate parts.
That should be the lazy version of cleaning.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2009-03-28 17:47
Per their audition materials, the Los Angeles Philharmonic tunes to A = 442.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: reedguy
Date: 2009-09-23 20:17
I just purchased a synthetic Bliss clarinet, plus a Bliss wooden bell and a Bliss wooden barrel. The all synthetic clarinet is marvelous, and there is added resonance and projection as you add the barrel and then the bell. The progression through these makes for many choices of pricing for a remarkable instrument at ANY price.
The pricing starts between the "student" and "intermediate" level, and by the time you get up to the all-grenadilla Bliss you are purchasing a professional quality instrument at 1/3rd price. To my knowledge, this is unparallelled on any instrument of any kind. I would never call this a student instrument...it is just a remarkably affordable amazingly good clarinet. Julian calls them "wicked," and I would add "sexy."
The key fitting right out of the box is the best I have ever seen...I have never seen or purchased a new instrument before that did not need swedging.
People will differ on their feelings about and descriptions of the sound quality and playability of various instruments, of course. I own fifteen wonderful professional instruments, and consider the Bliss to be amongst them. 'Nuff said.
Regarding intonation: my students play the Bliss perfectly in tune. With a more developed embouchure, pull the 65 mm plastic barrel out 2 mm, or the 66 mm wooden barrel out 1 mm. Julian uses a 67 or 68 mm barrel when he plays the Bliss for his encores. Perfectly in tune.
Just my opinion!
Chuck Currie www.saxnoir.com
reedguy@telus.net
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-11-08 19:22
I just went to the 2009 Instrument Fair in Yokohama, Japan, and had a good time trying out so many things.
I did have a great opportunity to try the Bliss clarinets and I was really surprised. I tried the all plastic and the the all wood versions, but they had the plastic body, wood barrel models too.
This is one of the first times in my life that I honestly like the cheaper model of something over the more expensive one. They were both really great, but the all plastic model had a surprising ease of emission, very smooth and clear. Also, it was so much lighter than a normal clarinet that I almost felt like I wasn't holding anything at all! The prospect that the bore of this clarinet will never change is all too terrific. I have spent enough money on wood clarinets and barrels to know that they all change a lot over time.
It was a very noisy display showroom, so it was very hard to hear the finer details, I would have to try it again in the store, but the prospect seems very good.
This might be my new clarinet some time soon!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: llgusa
Date: 2009-11-12 06:47
I purchased the Bliss 210 (all wood) and have been playing it for 2 weeks. I've checked it repeatedly with a tuner and it is amazingly in tune for me. I play in a New Horizons Band and it also seems to blend very well with the numerous R-13s in the band. So far I'm very pleased with the sound and the clarinet. I'm not a professional--just my experience so far. The local university clarinet professor recommended it. He had played it at a conference.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rob4
Date: 2012-07-14 19:56
There are good reports here after 2 wks of ownership or quick trials, but I'd be interested to hear what bliss clarinet owners think of them longterm.
I played the LB310 (student range, composite with wooden barrel) yesterday in a shop and immediately it seemed louder and with a fuller tone than an e11, a yamaha 450 and a eubel classic.
My fingers werent falling onto some of the keys, like the trill keys, as they do on a buffet (which i am used to), so it seemed slightly a step into the unknown. Maybe thats just me!
Can any long term owners report back, or can others tell me what the reputation of these instruments is now?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Phurster
Date: 2012-07-15 04:56
I got to try the instruments a couple of years ago when julian Bliss did a master class for a number of my students.
I was very impressed with the mechanism of these instruments. It was as smooth (if not smoother) than a number of professional instruments I've played on. The sound was excellent, especially if you add the wooden barrel. I didn't notice any major intonation issues. I would have to say it is the best student level instrument that I have come across.
As a side point I would also have to say that Julian is a fantastic teacher. Great demonstrations and practical advice. I posted a review on the board so it can be easily found with the search function.
Chris Ondaatje.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: donald
Date: 2012-07-15 06:14
I have about 10 students with these clarinets, and while they are not professional instruments I have found the intonation to be better than the other options in the same price range.
- on 1/3rd of the clarinets the plating has not lasted well, one having serious pitting and on another the black nickel coming off several keys within a year. A minor issue, but worth noting.
- Silencing cork/felt has been good (clearly longer lasting than on B10 for instance) but on several instruments the silencing material on the Left hand E/B and F#/C# keys came off fairly soon making these keys noisy (and making the left hand levers click against the left hand F/C key)
- the keywork has lasted well except for a problem that has occured on 1/3rd of the clarinets (though, not the same 1/3rd as the first problem, oddly enough). On several clarinets the right hand index finger Efat/Bflat key has bent so that it can get jammed open by the chromatic F# key. While this has happened (very very infrequently) on other brands when mistreated, it's significant that I have seen this on several of the Bliss clarinets. While (obviously) the key can't bend on its own and this must be the result of some treatment by the student, the 3 students who have had this issue are all "good" kids who care for their instruments, and didn't have this issue on the Yamaha/Bundy/Vito clarinets they were using before. I imagine that the metal must be weak, though I don't know why it would be so for just this one key.
- of the 6 students with a wooden Bliss, half of them have had problems with the joints swelling. Out of the first 10 students I can think of playing Buffet student/intermediate models only 2 have had this problem.
This may sound negative- but, to put it in perspective, I do believe that these clarinets have better tone/intonation/response than the equivilant priced clarinets from Buffet.
dn
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-02-12 05:56
I just purchased the Bliss L310NS (Wooden Barrel). I am a newbie to the clarinet (I play Keyboard, Pipe Organ and Soprano/Tenor Recorders), but the tone is wonderful. It's also quite forgiving. I chose the composite because it's extremely dry in Montana, and at this point I didn't want to chance a totally wooden clarinet.
Tristan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
