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Leblancs of late 90’s and ‘00s

Author: Ed Lowry
Date: 2018-06-02 20:40

At the end of the last century, Leblanc changed from their L7 - L200, L-300 series to a poly-cylindrical style with designs led, I believe, by Tom Ridenour. Among these designs were the Concerto (I and II), Infinite, Sonata, and Rapsodie. The Concertos command high prices at auction, but the Sonata and Rapsodie, in particular don’t. They both had the in-line Leblanc style keys, whereas the a Concerto (and perhaps Infinite) did not.

My questions is whether acoustically there are any real (significant?) differences between all of these models; or was it more of a marketing strategy to appeal to all price levels with essentially the same instrument?

Post Edited (2018-06-02 20:52)

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Re: Leblancs of late 90’s and ‘00s

Author: DAVE
Date: 2018-06-02 20:48

The Concerto and the Opus were basically the same horns. The others you mentioned were pretty different, still good but different.

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Re: Leblancs of late 90’s and ‘00s

Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2018-06-03 01:42

Of the mentioned models, the Infinite and Sonata have their register tube in the low "R13" position.

I believe the amount of work done on the tone holes were the big difference in labor cost between student and professional instruments. Wood selection and quality control could have been another.

Post Edited (2018-06-03 23:10)

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Re: Leblancs of late 90’s and ‘00s

Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-06-03 17:36

I can't say I was impressed with the workmanship on the Opus clarinets I worked on - some had keys that didn't even fit properly and were hastily filed away to make sufficient clearance. I can't honestly see why the Opus was nearly £1000 more than the Concerto when all it had was the LH Ab/Eb lever and resos in the largest pad cups (and the Concerto could be ordered with the LH Ab/Eb lever anyway).

Also with the Concerto II and Opus II with the nylon adjusting screws that were a good idea at the design stage, but they were like wobbly teeth and didn't hold adjustment.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Leblancs of late 90’s and ‘00s

Author: richard smith
Date: 2018-06-03 18:19

I owned Concertos, VSPs, LL3, plus other models. None outstandig. I should have tried many before buying any; clear in retrospect . Try, Many) before buy.

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