 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: AllesonWonderland
Date: 2013-11-03 14:19
My daughter started clarinet 3.5 years ago with a Yamaha YCL-52. That model had just been discontinued shortly before that time, the Yamaha the band director suggested that year was a YCL-450. I happened upon a LeBlanc Bliss LB210 for sale, minimal use, but I'm wondering if this would be more of a lateral move than a step up. This clarinet was bought for another child in our local band program, so I'm guessing it too was on the approved list for those just starting out. My daughter is perfectly happy with the instrument she has, just didn't want to let a good deal pass me by. Thoughts?
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Author: gwie
Date: 2013-11-04 08:57
I bought two LB210's for my students recently at a bargain basement deal. This is the wood model (unstained grenadilla) with the black nickel posts with silver keys right?
They were fantastic...fit, finish, intonation, and tonal range all excellent, practically as good as some R-13's for a third of the price. The extra adjustment screws, adjustable thumb-rest, and overall light weight are great too!
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2013-11-04 15:16
The LB-210 may be a bit better than the YCL-52 in general (ideally you will want to compare the two individual clarinets), but probably not by enough to justify a large expenditure. Since your daughter already has a pretty good intermediate clarinet I would suggest saving the money until she is ready to move up to a professional model.
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Author: AllesonWonderland
Date: 2013-11-05 12:35
Yes, it's the wood model w/silver keys.
Thanks for the opinions. Like I said, I wasn't really in the market, but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing an opportunity. But, this one wasn't really a 'bargain basement' price. I was kind of thinking it might not be a bad idea to have another one around, especially since my daughter refuses to get a plastic clarinet for marching season, but that's a whole other topic!
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2013-11-05 14:57
And with a MoBa Barrel on the 210 (rather than the one it comes with), the tonal quality of the instrument is outstanding.
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2013-11-05 23:18
With the right mouthpiece, and a better barrel, my 52 is more than just "OK." But I've never played any of the Bliss models.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: AllesonWonderland
Date: 2013-11-06 14:32
Yes, I lucked out when I found her 52, it was a store demo in great condition. I had to pay a little more than $450, but not much. The Bliss I found for sale is $500, but it's probably had a little more use. Maybe I'll keep my eye out for a great deal on a professional model, or perhaps what she has will be fine til she's old enough to buy her own pro clarinet. heehee
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Author: DaveKessler
Date: 2013-11-06 16:25
$500 for one is a good value. Make sure that the serial number is above about JB10,000 though. This is the time that they started implementing the newer bore (better intonation and response).
My only complaint on the 210 is that they do seem to crack easier if they are not maintained well. So make sure that it gets in to a tech ASAP to ensure that it is regulated & oiled. I would also recommend having them rub some bees wax in to the top of the upper joint tenon. These seem to absorb moisture easier thus leading to swelling tenons and stuck barrels!
I also second the opinion that when equipped with a Backun MoBa barrel (Grenadilla recommended), the tone of the instrument is just fantastic.
Dave Kessler
Kessler & Sons Music
http://www.kesslermusic.com
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