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Re: Leblanc Normandy 4 or Rapsodie

Author: Ursa
Date: 2018-10-01 10:30

Hi, Karen:

No experience with the Rapsodie here, but I can tell you about the Normandy models, as I have had several in my studio.

All of the wooden Normandy models share the same acoustic design that was introduced with the first Normandy clarinets in 1948. This is the same acoustic design as the Noblet 40 clarinet which was likely introduced well before World War II.

Thus, it's an old design--.584-inch cylindrical bore and quite free blowing. You add working resistance to the instrument through your choice of mouthpiece and reed.

The Normandy was the entry-level wooden clarinet in the Leblanc lineup, except for a few years when the Jeffrey marque took over that role.

Intonation on a Normandy 4 is not as accurate as with today's entry-level instruments. I would hesitate to use the Normandy 4 when teaching private lessons, since it's a top priority that students hear accurate pitches from you when developing their own sense of correct intonation.

Getting involved with a Normandy has another potential pitfall: If you decide that it's time to upgrade, you'll find that today's professional clarinets use polycylindrical bore technology and offer resistance and tuning tendencies quite unlike the Normandy series of clarinets. The Buffet R13, Yamaha YCL-650, Ridenour RCP-576, and the like will likely require a substantial adjustment in your approach to playing versus what you'd become accustomed to on the Normandy.

The Rapsodie, a much more up-to-date design, probably suffers from none of these drawbacks. I'd be inclined to give one a trial before investing any time at all with a Normandy.

If you find that the Normandy 4 meets your needs, be assured that they're a durable and dependable instrument when properly maintained. The key work is very strong and stays in regulation. Faulty nickel plating is an issue with early Normandy models, but this had been generally resolved by the time the Model 4 was introduced. Still, I've seen a few Model 4 clarinets with plating issues.

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