The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Carmen Izzo
Date: 2002-12-22 22:48
This week was the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic here in Chicago. Although there were numerous attractions, I went for a single purpose-a new horn. I tried out several of the latest Leblanc models, the Millenium Opus, the Opus, and the new Concerto II. All excellent horns, but after some time and with the help of the marvelous Julie DeRoche, I found a horn that really makes it millions of times better to play and express myself. My life has gotten better ever since I made the first purchase of the Concerto II model. If any of you can, try this instrument out. Its new springs and keys are extremely smooth in comparison to its predecessor, and the awesome acoustic is as good as ever. Some of you may not like the instrument, but it is certainly worth your while to try this instrument out! Merry Christmas!
Carmen Izzo
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-12-23 09:42
I do pre-services and warranty repairs on Leblanc and I have tried a couple of Concerto II's. Highly recommended.
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Author: James
Date: 2002-12-23 11:54
Once again carmen. CONGRATS!! They are truely awesome horns. I can't wait to hear you in a few weeks
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-12-23 15:03
Carmen Izzo wrote:
>
> All excellent horns, but after some time and
> with the help of the marvelous Julie DeRoche, I found a horn
> that really makes it millions of times better to play and
> express myself.
A mini-disclaimer is needed here; Julie (a friend of mine, also) is presently employed by Leblanc and, I believe, was or is one of Carmen's teachers.
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Author: Rick
Date: 2002-12-23 17:13
Just out of curiousity, what specifically are the difference between the Concerto II and Concerto. I just bought a Concerto so I won't be trading up anytime soon...g
Rick
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Author: James
Date: 2002-12-23 17:50
Rick-
If you noticed on the Millennium Opus, the keys are sculpted differently. They seem to be more ergonomically correct and much more pleasant to look at. I believe it's the same idea just applied to the concerto but with different pivot screws, ect. This is supposed to combat the problem with the keywork that Leblanc is known for having trouble with. These horns are supposed to be easier to play and stay in adjustment longer.
Acoustically speaking they are exactly the same as their predecessor.
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Author: Julie DeRoche
Date: 2002-12-26 17:50
Hello All,
One of the problems with working for any organization is that you loose credibility. People often think you have new and different motives, and perhaps you do. I work for DePaul as well as Leblanc, so I believe DePaul is a good music school. Not perfect, and not the only good music school, but good none-the-less.
I have been a clinician for Leblanc for many years, and work for the company now because I do believe in their instruments. I do not think they are perfect - nor do I think they are the only good instrments - but I believe they are improving and are among the best. So although I completey understand your disclaimer, I have often read many enthusiastic comments from students and teachers, performers etc. about other clarinets, and there has been no implication that there were ulterior motives from their writers.
Yes, I work for Leblanc, and yes, I have given some lessons to Carmen.
But, this should not keep him from being able to express his pleasure with a new instrument. Mark, I simply don't want your disclaimer to imply that I was "selling" through your site, even indirectly. This I would never do.
Julie
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Author: Mark Charette, Webmaster
Date: 2002-12-26 21:41
Julie DeRoche wrote:
>
>
> Yes, I work for Leblanc, and yes, I have given some lessons to
> Carmen.
> But, this should not keep him from being able to express his
> pleasure with a new instrument. Mark, I simply don't want your
> disclaimer to imply that I was "selling" through your site,
> even indirectly. This I would never do.
> Julie
I didn't mean to imply that you were "selling" through the site at all; just making sure that it's clear that when you are helping people find clarinets you would of course be more inclined to recommend Leblanc. When you believe in your product it would be assumed that you'd be encouraging people to try your product ;^)
The same kind of disclaimer would (or should) be noted when an official factory rep is helping you select a clarinet and you want to share your enthusiasm here - if Francois Kloc is helping you out then a note such as "Francois Kloc of Buffet helped me ..." should be added in. It's not so much a disclaimer as some amplifying adjectives.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-12-27 14:57
I just got the new issue of Leblanc's "Bell" magazine, which they send to their dealers. There's a fine picture of Eddie Daniels on the cover holding a Concerto II, and an article inside, where he says the Concerto II is identical to the original Concerto, except it has the same keysork changes as the Opus II. So, straight from Leblanc, there's no acoustical difference.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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