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Re: LeBlanc Pro Line Clarinet

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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