 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lynn
Date: 2001-07-31 19:23
Hi,
Has Anyone tried the new LeBlanc Opus II? What did you think?
Lynn
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-31 19:44
Yes, in fact, you're the second person to ask that question today (one directly to my email address). I have played one---so not a huge field of reference. It had a nice tone and great intonation (a trademark of the Opus), but I didn't like the new key configuration or the workmanship. Granted, that is a matter of getting used to the instrument, but I fumbled around with it until I decided it wasn't worth it to me to have to "adjust" my playing between instruments to the degree it would take to use the Opus II successfully.
Also, I found the physical qualities of the instrument less than they should have been for a $6,000.00 instrument. The wood didn't match (and it was not a second line clarinet). True, physical beauty isn't everything, but it made me wonder about the care that went into the total making of the instrument.
I've heard some disappointed players who are faithful "Opusites" like myself wish they had not made the switch---including one very prominent name. Sorry not to mention the name, but would not want to misquote him.
I purchased a Buffet Festival after playing the Opus II and think it is a much better instrument. This from a Leblanc fan, no less.
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Author: Lynn
Date: 2001-07-31 19:56
Brenda,
Thanks for the info. Now would you say you prefer the regular Opus to the Festival or the other way around? I've played R-13 for years and have been pretty happy but am interested in a change.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-31 20:15
I like them both. A really good Opus is hard to beat, but expensive to own and hard to find. So is the Festival--but both are an excellent investment in a player's future. I'd have to put them on an equal scale--and for me that's quite a statement.
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Author: HAT
Date: 2001-08-01 02:51
Is the Opus II really $6,000? Who do they expect to pay that? Actually, it is $12,000 since you have to buy a set.
Who is selling them at this price?
David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-01 13:23
The retail suggested price is $6,400.00. Any retail music store will begin by asking that amount. Of course, most will deal a little off that--but don't count on it. You can buy it a lot cheaper from International Musical Suppliers or Woodwind and Brasswind, but you can still expect to pay about $3,700.00 for one. Still, that's better than $6,400.00.
I can't imagine paying full price--but it must happen on occasion.
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Author: HAT
Date: 2001-08-01 16:03
$3,700? That is still an awfully high price for a new clarinet. What is it that this clarinet is supposed to do that justifies this pricing scheme? Could the manufacturing costs really exceed Buffet by $2,000? If so, Leblanc needs to do some serious auditing of its production methods.
Incidentally, who is in charge of quality control there now? Seems like there have been problems ever since Ridenour left.
David Hattner
www.northbranchrecords.com
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-01 16:50
David, I've heard others ask the same question since Ridenour left and went to Brook Mays in Dallas, Tx (our gain).
As for the price difference, the Opus is a better instrument than the standard R-13, but not better than the Buffet Festival. And, for the record, I paid $3,195.00 plus tax plus $490.00 for Brannenizing for my Festival from Brook Mays in Dallas. The last Opus I bought I got for about the same amount.
I don't know what makes their price so high.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-08-02 01:39
the Leblanc Op[us is a PREMIUM instrumnet in comparison to the Buffet R-13, which is a an entry level professional (per Buffet/B&H). I play an R-13 and don't consider it entry level. the Opus does have some additional features & upgrades, but, IMO, these features do not justify the (significant) difference in price
BTW: if I had an Opus or the equivalent in Buffet, I would still want to Brannenize my new Clarinet. IMO, the Opus isn't Brannenized (or raised to that level of pads & regulation) at the Leblanc factory.
Best,
mw
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Author: Ashley
Date: 2001-08-02 18:25
No, the Opuses are not "pre-Brannenized" at the factory. As with any clarinet, from the time it is made to the time it makes it to your door, significant changes have occurred with regard to temperature, humidity, keywork, etc. It is definitely not in prime form when you buy it. Not to say it's not worth the money, however. Any clarinet will go through changes from the factory to the store.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-02 19:03
My Opus didn't have to be Brannenized. It was perfect right out of the box. Not a usual situation.
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Author: Robert Gifford
Date: 2001-08-10 18:54
I really like the Opus, I just wish I had the money :P I'm just a broke college student
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