 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: greatlakeswinds
Date: 2025-01-02 21:19
I am pretty well versed on Leblanc clarinets, but I've never heard of this model (Leblanc Spirit) before. I picked one up the other day for next to nothing, but it needs an overhaul. Trying to decide if it is worth the effort or not. It's a wood instrument and marked "Made in France". I'm sure it's not a pro level horn...I'm thinking maybe intermediate though, along the same lines as the Normandy or Noblet (do they even still make those?). It kinda spooks me though that they screen printed the logo really cheaply, such that it is almost completely worn off, but then again so did Buffet (E11), and Yamaha (34) with similar level models. Anyway, I can't find much info about these on the internet. Found one store that sells the "C" model, which is interesting that an intermediate level brand would produce a "C" clarinet. Other than that, I only found a Vito mis-labeled as a "Spirit", and a plastic "Spirito". Any info would be appreciated. Also, I should mention that it says "HMG" on it...I don't know what that is (parent company maybe?). Thanks!
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Author: ebonite
Date: 2025-01-02 21:47
Could the label have originally been "Esprit" before it wore off?
They produced a model with that name for a while
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-01-03 00:09
Attachment: leblancspirit.jpg (487k)
There was a Leblanc Spirit which was wood but with a plastic barrel and bell back in the '90s (like the Buffet E10). From the image in the very basic flyer I have (it doesn't detail any of the bore types or sizes), it appears to have separate pillars for the C#/G# key like the Noblet 45, Esprit, Infinite and older models like the Noblet Artist, Leblanc LL, L27 and LX.
Here's the blurb from a Leblanc flyer (if the attachment didn't post):
Beginners appreciate the Spirit's (ref. 1010) responsive grenadilla body that provides a full tone quality and makes playing a real pleasure. The adjustable thumb rest increases the player's comfort. The Spirit's superb playing qualities and solid construction with resotone barrel and bell assures many years of satisfaction.
I've seen a wooden Vito in the '90s which was pretty much the same spec as the Spirit (wooden joints with plastic barrel and bell).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2025-01-03 00:38)
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-01-03 00:18
(deleted - duplicate)
Getting back into playing after 20 years.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Vandoren M15 Profile 88 (non-13) mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren blue-box #3.5 reeds
Post Edited (2025-01-03 00:21)
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-01-03 00:19
Attachment: Complete Leblanc Clarinet Brochure.pdf (1854k)
Attachment: Complete Vito Clarinet Brochure.pdf (994k)
I compiled the Leblanc brochure from the internet Wayback machine. I'll attach it along with most of the Vito clarinet brochure from the same time.
Both have my own edits, but you can easily take out the notes and highlights I did.
I'll post the specs for both the Espirit and the Spirit:
1040S, 1040AS
The Esprit is an entry-level professional instrument. While many might consider it a “student” instrument, it is, in fact, as good a clarinet as those played by professionals hardly a generation ago. It is similar to the Infinité in playing features but characteristically has more definition in tone and agility in response.
Specifications
Key: Bb
Bore: Polycylindrical, 14.65 mm (.577")
Key mechanism: 17 key, 6 ring
Key style: In-line “Jump” trill keys
Body material: Aged grenadilla wood
Pad cup style: Conical
Key finish: Silver-plated
Mouthpiece: 2550K-10M
Case: Deluxe wood shell
Options: Model 1040S available with nickel-plated keys as model 1040;
model 1040S available in the key of A as model 1040AS;
model 1040AS available with nickel-plated keys as model 1040A;
model 1040S available in soft backpack as 1040S-BP;
model 1040 available in soft backpack as 1040-BP
1010
The Spirit is an entry-level intermediate instrument with a medium-size bore that makes it very responsive throughout the clarinet range. It possesses a full-bodied tone quality and is an excellent choice for the student who is upgrading to a wood-bodied clarinet.
Specifications
Key: Bb
Bore: 14.85 mm (.585")
Key mechanism: 17 key, 6 ring
Key style: In-line “Jump” trill keys
Body material: Aged grenadilla wood body, Resotone wood-like bell and barrel
Pad cup style: Ronds bombés (rounded)
Key finish: Nickel-plated
Mouthpiece: 2550K-10M
Case: Deluxe wood shell
Options: Model 1010 available with backpack case as model 1010-BP
Getting back into playing after 20 years.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Vandoren M15 Profile 88 (non-13) mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren blue-box #3.5 reeds
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-01-03 00:32
greatlakeswinds wrote:
> Found one store that sells the "C"
> model, which is interesting that an intermediate level brand
> would produce a "C" clarinet. Other than that, I only found a
> Vito mis-labeled as a "Spirit", and a plastic "Spirito". Any
> info would be appreciated. Also, I should mention that it says
> "HMG" on it...I don't know what that is (parent company
> maybe?). Thanks!
Buffet makes an E-11 C clarinet, just FYI.
Leblanc also made Holton clarinets (had a lyre symbol on them) and are the exact same as other Vito clarinets they made, but the brochure doesn't mention anything with "HMG".
Getting back into playing after 20 years.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Vandoren M15 Profile 88 (non-13) mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren blue-box #3.5 reeds
Post Edited (2025-01-03 00:45)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-01-03 00:40
There were also Holton and Martin clarinets which were Vito stencils - some had partial plateau/covered action keywork.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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The Clarinet Pages
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