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Leblanc info

Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-10-24 19:16
Attachment: rare Leblanc 002.jpg (1214k)
Attachment: rare Leblanc 003.jpg (1285k)
Attachment: rare Leblanc 004.jpg (1042k)
Attachment: 114263984.jpg (141k)

I just acquired a Leblanc pro Bb clarinet and was wondering if anyone has ever seen this configuration and has any information about it. It is a Bb with the Stubbins mechanism and an extra tone hole that has a step in it. See attached pictures. I did find a picture of Edmond Hall playing this model in 1959. The serial number is 377X.

Post Edited (2012-10-24 19:19)

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Re: Leblanc info

Author: donald
Date: 2012-10-24 19:34

Hi, a great find! But Edmond Hall is playing an Albert system clarinet, not one like yours (you were probably fooled by the "double key/hole" on the bottom joint that vents low G/ upper reg D). That extra hole/key is there to improve the tone/response on these notes and also allows the maker to keep the bore slightly narrower in that part of the joint, giving low F and E a slightly more "solid" tone quality.
dn

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Re: Leblanc info

Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2012-10-24 19:35

I've worked on a few of those "in my time" but I can offer no more information other than that. I haven't seen one on the workbench in probably a decade or so.
jbutler

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Re: Leblanc info

Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-10-24 19:54

Thanks for the info. I am anxious to complete the overhaul and see how it plays. Will report back.

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Re: Leblanc info

Author: Wes
Date: 2012-10-24 20:57

In about 1948, I bought a new Noblet clarinet that had the double F/C holes. It came in a fine white case with a cover and served me very well through college. I would possibly buy it back if I could find it.

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Re: Leblanc info

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-10-24 21:25

The best Web source for Leblanc information is Clarinet Perfection, which has photos of your model at http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnLeblanc.htm.

The throat Bb mechanism is not the Stubbins design, but rather one that Leon Leblanc patented by in 1933 http://www.clarinetperfection.com/galleryclar/Leblanc/Stubbins/LeblancPatent_US1926489.pdf. Be sure to look at the links on Clarinet Perfection to the two Stubbins patents and an excellent article from The Clarinet by Deborah Check Reeves of the National Music Museum.

The double hole for F/C is part of the Reform Boehm design but unusual on standard French designs. I think it's necessary on the RB due to its larger bore. The Edmond Hall clarinet does not have the double hole. Rather, it's a Selmer, whose unique design put the F#/C# hole on the same side of the lower joint as the F/C hole, contrary to the usual Albert design. See http://test.woodwind.org/Classifieds/image/4241.jpg.

Ken Shaw

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Re: Leblanc info

Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-10-24 21:47

Thanks Ken and so that would put the year of manufacture around late 1930's or very early 1940.

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