 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2023-12-23 02:37
Quick question. Ive got a LeBlanc Blackwood Clarinet and I've wondered about its history. its got the Iconic Leblanc Emblem with the LeBlanc Name in Gold, Paris also in the emblem and then France underneath. Looking online it looks like the Emblem may be from the 50's and then maybe up to the mid 60's. Its a fine sounding Clarinet. I'm thinking its a ProLine Instrument of theirs and not likely a Student model
Post Edited (2024-01-02 03:21)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-12-23 09:28
Hi Ben,
I could not find much info on that particular model (pro line), but there is one on eBay right now, and it looks like a student clarinet judging by its price.
Clarinet perfection does not show that model: http://www.woodwindforum.com/clarinetperfection/snleblanc/
Honestly, if I needed an upgrade, I would just buy a used R13 (if my budget allowed).
A Selmer 10 would not be a bad choice either but a "good" R13 would allow you to get more out of the instrument.
If there is a store that sells used instruments not far from you, it can be a good idea just to try what they got. My friend recently bought a used R13 from a store- a good instrument, came with one week trial period. Yes, he paid a little more than he would've paid on eBay but he knew exactly what he was buying. He put a Moenig barrel on it and it sounds great.
Buying off eBay can be a gamble- there many dishonest sellers, but there are honest sellers too- you just need to know what to look for in both the description and photos, and check seller's feedback.
Good luck!
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Author: NOLA Ken
Date: 2023-12-23 20:43
Hi Ben,
I am personally partial to used Leblancs. In general they can be very good to excellent instruments and a good bargin. I think the "Pro Line" you are looking at is a descriptor and not a model name. Read it "professional level" as opposed to "intermediate" or "student" level instrument. You don't give much info about the instrument you are looking at. Is it wood or ABS (plastic)? Was it made in France or the USA? The model name should be above the middle A key. If not but it has the Leblanc Paris logo (see the web link above) , it's probably a much older model (1950s and before) that's well worn and not worth messing with for someone at your level. Once you have the model name I suggest you spend copiuous hours researching it on this bulletin board. The link m1964 gave you above is a great place to learn about the various models, as well as other brands of clarinets. Be aware that Leblanc pretty much ceased to exist as a company after about 2008 when they were taken over by Conn-Selmer. The wood instruments labeled LeBlanc after that are generally of lesser quality and were generally sold as intermediate level instruments, although some models are said to still be quite good. I have encountered young instrument techs who didn't even know that Leblanc ever made great professional level instruments.
You don't say if the instrument you are looking at is for sale locally or online. I've had good luck buying Leblancs online, but only after much research, and there are many caveates as with anything bought sight-unseen. I have found it invaluable to do your research and to have a good instrument repair tech lined up to sort out problems with a used instrument that old. (Start looking now, as this can be problematic in some areas.) The R13 recommended above is a generally safe bet, but Leblanc tuning is usually better (except for some idividual units that Leblanc USA screwed up). It is said that the quality of the R13 has slipped markedly in later years. They usually cost more than used Leblancs. I'm also hearing good things about Yamahas, but have never played one. The caveate about Selmers Paris instruments is that some models are difficult for people with smaller hands like my own to play. It's always safest to buy from a seller who will accept returns if you find more problems than you are willing to deal with. As m1984 said above, if buying online check the reviews of the seller for their reputation.
Good Luck in your return to playing.
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2023-12-28 22:25
i recently bought the Instrument, thinking I would get back into playing the Clarinet, but I don't think that will happen as I spend most of my time playing the Irish Flute. I'll be selling it and I think it will make a fine Instrument for someone. Its got I believe a medium Bore and has good Volume
Post Edited (2024-01-02 03:25)
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Author: ruben
Date: 2023-12-29 00:22
The Leblanc L200-probably from the early 1970's-is excellent. Leblancs seem to age well; good wood and sturdy keywork.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2024-01-01 15:41
FYI, Your Normandy 10 was a student clarinet. ==> https://www.woodwindforum.com/clarinetperfection/snleblanc-normandy/
Might be easier if you provide some pictures of the upper joint and also the serial number.
The serial number would allow us to determine a year of manufacture.
A picture would allow us to compare it's emblem from what you are stating to actual emblems.
Leblanc evolved the emblem more than once, so stating "when the emblem was changed" does not do much to determine it's age.
==> https://www.woodwindforum.com/clarinetperfection/snleblanc/#EmblemLeblanc
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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