 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill_D
Date: 2021-02-27 18:07
I purchased a new Leblanc LL 1176S (silver plated keys) in 2001. My niece used it until about 2010. It's been stored in its case in a closet until yesterday. It's labeled made in Paris, and has in-line trill keys. How can I tell that it is an LL, i.e., does it have any distinguishing features?
Now I plan to use it. I cleaned it up a bit, and fortunately it plays great. The only problem is that some (not all) of the silver plated keys are tarnished or worse (have a rough feel). I don't plan to remove the keys. I don't want to remove what may be left of the silver plating. What's a good way to "polish" the keys?
Post Edited (2021-02-28 00:09)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-02-28 01:55
It'll have LL either engraved or stamped above the the top joint logo in the form of two cursive interlocked opposing Ls which probably looks more like a bell shape than LL.
See this photo, but it should be all gold and don't shoot the messenger for that dodgy tenon cork as I simply found this photo online:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nrV8d4aC7GUaxL3q7bl5Sx1ZgS_XNj9z94h68p0GmQ7EOHPHxJs3tbpe=w800-h533
Only use a silver polishing cloth or an old T-shirt to shine up the keys - never use any form of liquid metal polish as that'll end up getting everywhere where it shouldn't.
If the plating feels rough, that sounds like it could be pitted which can only be rectified by having it all stripped, prepped, replated and refitted which is an expensive undertaking, but worth doing on a clarinet of this quality as part of a full overhaul.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2021-02-28 01:58)
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