 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2009-07-01 04:16
I have a "Symphonie model" Leblanc. Serial # 9180
I've done home work here,I know that it was made in late 50's or early 60's.
It is in excellent condition and plays beautifully. I'd like to know more about;
1.Anyone pinpoint the year it was made?
2.When this was made,was this their top of the line model?If not,what was?
3.The keys are made of solid nickel,when did Leblanc started plating silver/nickel?
4.Approximate current maket value
5.It needs some regulation and new pads,is it worth doing it?
(this is not my main horn.)
Thank you,
Koo Young
Post Edited (2009-07-01 04:19)
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Author: scott kurtzweil
Date: 2009-07-01 14:37
Hello Koo Young -
Unfortunately when the French facility was closed this past year, there were no records of any kind with regard to past models and serial numbers. The only information that we have here in the USA is what Vito kept in Kenosha and those date from 1964. If you can advise as to it being a Symphonie or Symphonie II, that may help us provide a better idea of the production date.
All the best - Scott
Scott Kurtzweil
Kurtzweil Musical LLC
www.kurtzweilmusical.com
269-340-9013
scott@kurtzweilmusical.com
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2009-07-01 15:52
Scott,thank you for the reply.
As you can see in the photo,it says"Symphonie model" not II.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2009-07-01 17:26
According to Vytas Krass, the "Symphonie Model" was the earliest in the line, predating the "Symphonie" and the "Symphonie II."
Koo Young, if you search the archives for "Vytas Symphonie Model" (without the quotes), you will find a number of threads on the Symphonie line that may give you some useful information (e.g., I think Vytas may have indicated somewhere when keys began to be plated). It's my understanding (and Scott may be the one who told me) that, when they were in production, the various Symphonie models were top-of-the-line professional instruments.
As far as market value is concerned, there was a fairly long period of time where older Leblanc Bbs (just about any model: LL, L7, L27..., Symphonies up through the Symphonie 3, Dynamic, Dynamic H, Classique (I may not have spelled all these correctly) tended to sell for around $300 - $350 if they were in decent shape. It's a little hard to tell for sure from the current hodge-podge of recent completed sales of Leblanc clarinets, but I don't think the number has moved much one way or the other. I did see one Symphonie that sold for a bit under $200 but it was in pretty rough shape. I bought one several years ago for around $160. It was enticingly advertised as "mounted." Sure enough, it came with a picture frame with burgundy velvet backing, a post near the bottom in which the bell could rest and a ligature at the top to attach to a mouthpiece. I reckon just a slightly higher use for the instrument than a lamp. There was nothing wrong with the instrument structurally but, after reconditioning it, I am forced to conclude that the seller probably had the right idea.
Scott, it's nice to see that you follow the board.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Bill
Date: 2009-10-05 03:54
[removed]
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2009-10-05 14:42)
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