The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Know anything about Leblanc Bb model 476?

Author: NOLA Ken
Date: 2024-03-04 20:12

Thanks for the old catalog info ghoulcaster. I'm sort of a Leblanc nut and have been hoping to run across such older info. Any chance you might post those catalogs online?

Bore sizes seem to fluctuate some from example to example. I have a 1967 vintage Classic II, which according to the Clarinet Perfection site mentioned above and the expert who restored it for me should have a 14.80mm bore. But mine is 14.98mm - the same or almost the same as my Pete Fountain model. Puts it more in the large bore category and it plays pretty much like a large bore - big throaty dark sound that is nevertheless more focused than my Pete Fountain. It has been suggested to me that something was done to it (rebored?). But if that was the case it was done very well, as the bore looks as clean as my other instruments and the tuning is very good (unlike the reports of Leblancs that have been identified as having been rebored.) So it might not be very representative of the 476/Classic line. It's also finicky about mouthpieces.

I would describe my Symphonie 3 as having a brighter and sweeter sound than the more contemporary Buffets that my band mates play. But it plays well with them. Would also be a great chamber music instrument.

I like both of these instruments, but for different reasons.

JohnWesley didn't mention why he's considering a smaller bore instrument. If the 476 he's looking at plays anything like my Classic II, it doesn't play well with a section of Buffets. In concert band I've been told to back off my volume several times when I've tried to do so. If staying with a Leblanc is desired, something in the Symphonie or LL line would probably prove more satisfactory and can be had for very reasonable prices. These older Leblancs are very well made and play nicely if one doesn't mind staying with the old non-polycylindrical bore design.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics