 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: popap15
Date: 2011-10-08 15:14
Hello everyone! I recently purchased a beautiful Leblanc LL Bb Soprano Clarinet. This is my first professional clarinet, and I have to say, it's truly remarkable. The intonation, sound quality, evenness in all the registers, and responsiveness are all excellent, but what really makes this instrument shine is the beauty of the wood and the key work. The grenadilla wood is so dark and beautiful; I'm sure it's unstained. I could just sit there looking at it for hours.
The key work, in my opinion, is what sets this clarinet apart from all the rest. It feels so comfortable in my hands, and the keys just pop right back up after being pressed. And the case! It's a beautiful gray case with locking latches that grabs attention from anyone that sees it. I guess they just don't make cases like this anymore. I imagine I'll be using this gem of a clarinet for many years to come.
So, I have a couple of questions:
* The serial number is 54***. What year would you say this clarinet was made?
* What would you say the value of this clarinet is? It's in pristine condition for its age.
* What's your opinion of the LL?
And the one which I'm sure will open a can of worms:
* What truly happened to Leblanc France? I've read many of your discussions talking about how unique and special Leblanc clarinets from "back in the day" were. And after playing this LL, I have to agree. But why did the company discontinue so many of these wonderful models? I wouldn't say Leblanc had a downfall, but it's still sad to see that the same company that made the LL is now only making the "Bliss," Vito, and only a couple of professional models.
Any ideas? Also, I've attached an old brochure included with my instrument titled "Care and Preservation of the Grenadilla Wood Clarinet." It shows just how highly Leblanc regarded each of their clarinets produced; then, anyway.
Post Edited (2011-10-08 15:19)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-10-08 15:27
According to the serial number list I have, your clarinet was made in 1983. To paraphrase one of my favorite literary characters, I wish you the joy of your new instrument.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-08 16:15
popap15 wrote:
> * What truly happened to Leblanc France? I've read many of your
> discussions talking about how unique and special Leblanc
> clarinets from "back in the day" were. And after playing this
> LL, I have to agree. But why did the company discontinue so
> many of these wonderful models? I wouldn't say Leblanc had a
> downfall, but it's still sad to see that the same company that
> made the LL is now only making the "Bliss," Vito, and only a
> couple of professional models.
Steve Sklar's site has a pretty good write-up of the history of Leblanc France and Leblanc USA. http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnLeblancInfo.htm
Currently Leblanc is making no professional clarinets and it is unknown if they will offer any models in the future although there has apparently been some talk of re-releasing the Opus and Concerto models.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2011-10-08 16:24
I bought a new L300 around 1980. Beautiful instrument but acoustically bad. It had been bored out and thus ruined, at the USA plant, I found out some years later.
richard smith
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-08 16:35
rtmyth wrote:
> I bought a new L300 around 1980. Beautiful instrument but
> acoustically bad. It had been bored out and thus ruined, at the
> USA plant, I found out some years later.
>
Unfortunate. I've heard stories that Vito Pascucci believed that the bores on the French made instruments would shrink during shipping and that he had many of them bored out to 15mm upon arrival in Kenosha.
The only Leblanc I have currently is an early Dynamique. It's a very nice instrument and I think the keywork on it is among the nicest I've seen on a clarinet. If Leblanc ever starts making professional clarinets again I hope they bring back the inline trill keys.
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Author: gwie
Date: 2011-10-08 18:26
I had a gorgeous LL full boehm A clarinet at one point. It was a stellar instrument, shame I sold it! :P
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-10-08 22:33
One of my closest colleagues played an LL while we attended University together. It was a joy to behold the instrument, and what heavenly music he was able to make with it. He used to infrequently mention the thought of trading it in for a Buffet, and I always thought that notion was absurd.
I only hope I sound as good on my horns as he does on his LL...
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Author: richard1952
Date: 2011-10-09 01:58
I have a 1972 Leblanc that I play as my primary instrument and a 1969 Leblanc Noblet Model 45 that is my back-up and outdoor instrument.
I recently sold a 1969 Leblanc LL and a 1977 Leblanc Noblet Model 40. I am very partial to Leblanc clarinets as evidenced by my owning four of them for a number of years. I find them a real joy to play and I am glad to hear that you are pleased with your LL.
richardseaman@cox.net
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