 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KPGreggerson
Date: 2021-04-13 02:35
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Hello everyone,
I’ve got a bit of an oddball here. So in college, I came across and bought this vintage LeBlanc clarinet in A. Beautiful instrument, fantastic tone, very open bore it feels like and it has nickel keys. I was told it’s from the 50’s. My guess is mid 50’s if anything, but I’m honestly not sure. I didn’t really care in college about the history of it or anything I just liked how it played and sounded. So fast forward to now, years out from college and I am on a mission to find myself a new Bb to match my A. Looking into vintage LeBlancs and other clarinets from that era that may pair well with it.
In my endeavor for a new vintage Bb, I’ve tried to research this specific model A that I have, but have been unsuccessful in finding any information. I know LeBlanc made the Symphonie, and a Dynamique model (later changed the spelling), but I have never seen them together on a clarinet. The serial number match both top and bottom joints and reads 905A. It also has a Backun style rounded bell which I thought was interesting. The stamp on the top joint says Dynamique Symphonie followed with the older G. LeBlanc logo underneath. Bottom also has the same G. LeBlanc, and so does the barrel.
So long story short, I am looking here to see if anyone has any information it might know anything about my A clarinet. It seems to be a great mystery to me and I’d love to find out as much as I can!
I also attached some pictures of it for reference, but I can post more if needed!
Thank you all in advance!
Katie G.
Kp.greggerson@gmail.com
Post Edited (2021-04-13 02:39)
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Author: AndyW
Date: 2021-04-14 02:34
I’m no expert, but am a little puzzled, as I thought the “dynamique” and “symphonie” were two distinct models in the Leblanc range, probably with different bore sizes. Mid 50s to early 60s would be my guess, the dynamique later evolved into the Dynamic H, of which I have two Bbs, although my main clarinet these days is an earlier “no model” G Leblanc.
-Andy-
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2021-04-14 03:24
Katie,
Thanks for sharing!
Your instruments looks to be nickel plated. The plating is in good condition too.
I have a Symphonie Dynamique Bb (somewhere) with serial around 350 where the keys are German silver. Saxquest had one Bb with serial 395 for sale a few years ago which was also German silver. Leblanc seems to have shifted from German silver to plating during the 50s. I get the impression that the switch was quite "digital" where all clarinets from basses to eefers became plated.
I doubt the bell is original. Isn't that a Bliss bell? Any logo visible? The Bb:s I have seen had a regular bell with rings at both ends.
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Author: KPGreggerson
Date: 2021-04-14 07:00
Andy,
Thanks for the reply! I also was puzzled with the two labels on it. Seemed super odd to me, but as I said, this clarinet is awesome! Plays great!
Johan,
Yes, it’s definitely nickel plated. Also, no, the bell doesn’t have any markings on it whatsoever. I assume the original bell either cracked and was replaced, or was replaced for acoustic reasons. Either way, it is a great sounding bell and definitely solid grenadilla like the body is.
Like I said, this clarinet definitely seems to be an oddball! What I really want to do is pair it with a same era Bb that will not sound like too different/go well with it. Glad to know I am not alone with liking the vintage stuff!
Katie G.
Kp.greggerson@gmail.com
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2021-04-14 11:24
The L300 is AFAIK the only Leblanc model that had a ringless bell. That model is the odd bird in the Leblanc product line. The only one where sound was clearly prioritized. It really stands out, which TBH very few clarinet models from any manufacturer do. There are some others, like the Buffet Elite. Selmer has a good spread with the Recital, Signature and Privilege.
The bell might the secret to this Symphonie Dynamique. A test with a standard bell will tell.
Post Edited (2021-04-14 19:34)
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2021-04-14 15:17
Johan H Nilsson wrote:
> The L200 is AFAIK the only Leblanc model that had a ringless
> bell.
The L300 also has a ringless bell.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-04-14 17:57
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I had this full Boehm Leblanc LL A clarinet in for a full overhaul with a ringless bell which has the same profile as a Vito bell.
I assumed someone removed the bell ring and reshaped the bell if the bell ring was loose and rattling around.
See attachment.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2021-04-14 21:24)
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Author: johnwesley
Date: 2021-12-30 05:20
Just found your post. I have a Dynamique in Bb with serial # 715, so I guess it's a little older than your A. Great clarinets for sure. I never knew they were once labeled Dynamique Symphonie however. Interesting. Best of luck finding your Bb companion. JW
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