The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Harri-Clari
Date: 2013-01-20 22:34
Hi there,
I'm looking to find out what the value of a 1972 Bb LeBlanc LL Full Boehm might be. I purchased one recently and would love to know whether I over or under paid (if not bang on!). The serial number that I can see on the main pieces is 36623 which I can find on a number of serial number web-sites, but they don't show an estimated price for them. The instrument is in beautiful condition and has the sweetest tone I've ever known a clarinet to have.
I hope that someone can help.
x
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-01-20 23:11
Sadly in the UK Leblanc clarinets have always been very under-rated and hence tend not to fetch as much as you might expect or indeed what I believe they are really worth.
A Full Boehm as you describe really ought to be worth in excess of £1000 but I would think that in reality it might come in at between £500 - £800.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-01-21 10:38
I bought my LL full Boehm used for £750 around ten years ago, so they don't command much considerig they are excellent instruments.
And going back twenty years, a pair of LL full Boehms sold for around £1000 at Christie's in London.
The reason why used Leblancs don't command a more reasonable price is due to the popularity of Buffet clarinets.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Harri-Clari
Date: 2013-01-21 16:20
Hi,
Thanks for that info! Good to know. I was wondering if anyone knew the values of a LeBlanc Esprit Bb (2003) and also a LeBlanc L7 1973 Bb. I find myself with all three of these instruments, all in mint condition, and need to sell two but don't know which two. I am pretty attached to my Esprit as I got it as a gift from my parents to take my grade 5 exam and it's a lovely instrument. I don't play professionally - just in my university orchestra (approx. 6 concerts a year) and for my own pleasure. Another thing that may affect my decision is that I have the A pair to the L7 which I would keep.
Thanks!
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-01-21 19:23
My guess is that the second hand price of an Esprit (newer high intermediate level) and an Older L7 (a professional grade clarinet) could well come out about the same although technically the L7 should fetch more, but with Leblanc market you can never really tell.
I have seen used Esprits advertised at about £400 - 450.
I actually bought a brand new Esprit A clarinet last year for £350, it had been in a shop for several years but never sold and they accepted my offer. It's actually a very nice player.
If you have an L7 pair then that's a very strong musical reason for sticking with them.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-01-21 20:34
I think you're better off keeping the L7 set and also using your Esprit as a back-up.
I also think you should do as much orchestral playing so long as you enjoy it, that way you will benefit from having the A clarinet as well.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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