 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ndfay
Date: 2025-05-27 22:00
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Any Leblanc experts out there? This one’s killing me. S/n 843 is the lowest serial I can find reference to, and doesn’t show up in any list unless it’s a model 342, which would put it at 1971, which it isn’t. Old Leblanc logo discontinued in the 50’s. I can find references to some four-digit serials in the mid to late 50’s which would put this one maybe in the 40’s. On the other hand, with Symphonies, which are sometimes unmarked, the “A” after the serial was dropped in 1951, making this one later than 1951. If it’s a Symphonie at all, which it may not be. Obviously a high-end model: key of A, articulated C#/G#, forked Eb, extra trill, left Eb/Ab lever. Keys appear to be solid nickel silver rather than plated. Trill keys are not in-line. I’ve been all over the clarinet boards and other knowledgeable sites. Can anyone clue me in to a date and model? And I’m curious if the case is the original? Thanks!
Post Edited (2025-05-27 22:02)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-05-27 22:25
I don't know much about old Leblanc models, but this one has the classic Leblanc keywork that was used until the 1990s. As Buffet and Selmer only had the one model of clarinet at the time, I suspect this is what became the LL later on.
Their full Boehm keywork hasn't changed all that much over time and this late LL full Boehm Bb from the 1990s I once had (see attachment) shows it was a design that lasted well and has influenced many other makes since.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-05-27 22:25
(deleted duplicate post)
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2025-05-27 23:28)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-05-27 22:27
I've no idea why that posted twice as I didn't even post it the once!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-05-27 22:47
*duplicate*
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Legere French Cut #4 / #4.25
Post Edited (2025-05-27 23:32)
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-05-27 22:47
Attachment: Complete Leblanc Clarinet Brochure.pdf (1853k)
It appears to be a Leblanc 1197S. See page 16 of the attached.
Per the brochure, the 1197S is also available in the key of A on a special-order basis.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Legere French Cut #4 / #4.25
Post Edited (2025-05-27 23:33)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2025-05-28 08:53
>> making this one later than 1951. <<
>> this one has the classic Leblanc keywork that was used until the 1990s. <<
The logo is the one they stopped using in 1972, so based on all of that, it's between 1951 and 1972. Beyond that I don't know.
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Author: donald
Date: 2025-05-28 15:55
For me, that is the COOLEST keywork design EVER (and btw I'm a fan of the independently mounted G#/D# rod on the bottom joint). If it was revived in a retro model I'd seriously start saving pennies....
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-05-28 16:09
All the keys on these older Leblancs were individually mounted on their own sets of pillars - the trill keys, C#/G# and RH Ab/Eb. The latter of which also ensures the RH F/C touchpiece is about as strong as it can be as it's not having to run over the top of the Ab/Eb key barrel (and you know how bendy that RH F/C touchpiece is on Buffets!) and the trill keys mean they're much easier to keep in check compared to the telescopic mounted ones which can wobble all over the shop (or bind up solid).
It was a sad day when Leblanc went all corporate and started using offset side/trill keys when the Concerto and Opus were launched. No longer were they still unique among the other big name makes which is why I like older (or 'proper') Leblancs and their sturdy and modern looking keywork.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-05-28 18:46
The Concerto had two models - one with offset trill keys and one with inline trill keys, but the Opus, Ambiance, and Symponie VII both had the offset keys.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Legere French Cut #4 / #4.25
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-05-28 21:24
Not in the UK they didn't - all Concertos sold here had offset side/trill keys. I know someone who had the earliest set of them including possibly one of the first Concerto A clarinets sold in the UK and they and all others since were offset. And hardly any sold here had the optional LH Ab/Eb lever which the Opus had as standard (and the LH Ab/Eb lever ought to be standard on all clarinets in my opinion - it's then up to the player whether or not they use it and always better to have a key that's not used instead of one you'd like to use but isn't there).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: donald
Date: 2025-05-29 01:44
Attachment: Complete Leblanc Clarinet Brochure.pdf (1853k)
Just found this....
"The Concerto 1189SL model offers the Concerto acoustic
design but with the famous Leblanc mechanism, featuring
in-line “Jump” trill keys."
But also, the Infinite model is listed as....
"The Infinité model offers most of the same playing features
of the Concerto but with a more youthful tone and more
traditional higher tuning in the upper clarion tones. This
more traditional acoustic is offered with the famous Leblanc
mechanism, featuring in-line “Jump” trill keys and bal-
anced-key action."
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-05-29 02:41
They should've stuck with the inline side/trill keys instead of selling out.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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