 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-04-12 13:00
I've just picked up a Leblanc Sonata in fair condition for pocket change. It looks very similar to the Vito, although being made from hard rubber. Where in the Leblanc hierarchy does the Sonata sit in relation to the Vito?
Thanks.
Tony F.
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Author: William
Date: 2013-04-12 14:34
As I wrote in 2003, Tom Ridenour told me that "knowing what I know" about the new Leblanc clarinets, I would "buy a Sonata and save a lot of money". Tom was the designer of the Leblanc Opus and Concerto models for Leblanc and he said that the Sonata line of clarinets were manufactured with the same accoustical specifications as their pro line of Opus and Concerto models. They came from the same "woodpile" and played the same. The only difference was in the keywork with the Sonata having the traditional Leblanc design while the newer Opus and Concerto models had more streamlined key design. Tom said that with the Sonata's, you get the "superior Leblanc keywork". Bottom line, a set of Sonata clarinets should play the same as a set of Opus. That was what I got from Tom while picking out my Concerto Bb at the Leblanc facility in Kenosha, WI. Now, in 2013, I am still playing my Concerto Bb, but have adopted a vintage Buffet R13A to complete my set of pro clarinets.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-04-12 16:24
Many thanks to you both for the information. this one plays well, a little more resistant than I'm accustomed to, but not excessively so. The hard rubber has faded to a sort of burnt biscuit colour but it doesn't affect the function.
Tony F.
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Author: donald
Date: 2013-04-13 06:04
Hi, i have had a student who played Leblanc Sonata and i was very impressed with the clarinet. However, the quote above from William.... ummmm, didn't he say about the Espirit, not the Sonata? I remember him expressing this opinion to me (in about 1995 or 96) but he was talking about the Espirit.
Whatever, the Sonata is a good horn.
dn
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Author: mcaswell
Date: 2013-04-13 15:09
"The hard rubber has faded to a sort of burnt biscuit colour but it doesn't affect the function."
There's a hard rubber version of the Sonata?
--Michael
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-04-13 16:53
There's a hard rubber version of the Sonata?
--Michael
Sitting on my workbench as I write. I've dealt with the discolouration, it looks pretty good now.
Tony F.
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Author: donald
Date: 2013-04-13 20:27
LEBLANC sonata in hard rubber? Do you actually know for certain it is a Leblanc? This would be a very unique clarinet....
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Author: William
Date: 2013-04-13 21:36
Donald, you are correct. TR also told me that all Opus, Concerto, Espirit and Sonata models were made with the same accoustical configurations--the big difference being in the style of key action. All from the "same woodpile", lol.
And to the original intent of the posting, Leblanc Vito's don't even come close to the pro level clarinets. Decent enough for beginning clarinetist or those wishing to play under harsh weather conditions like the University of Wisconsin Varsity Marching Band that has a set of white ones for use during pre game, half time and the "Fifth Quarter" festivities. It doesn't matter how they sound because they cannot be heard over the percussion and brass--mostly just there for "looks".
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-04-14 11:43
Without intending to do so, I seem to have been misleading you, and me.
When I first looked at this Sonata I thought at first glance that the keywork was the same as that on the Vito, and this led me to the belief that this was from Leblanc.
After Donald's post I put it side-by-side with a Vito and although it's very similar it's not the same. Examining the body, there are crudities in the machining that I would not expect to find on a quality instrument. Checking further, I think that what I have here is an early Hanson Sonata. Serial number is E1426.
I'm sorry if I've wasted your time, but it's been a terrific learning experience.
Tony F.
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