snLeblanc

Leblanc
Emblems:

From eBay.  A really old Leblanc emblem from probably the 1920-40s.Identifiers: Thumbrest has one screw on top and one on the bottom Single pivot for lower joint long side keys (C# / B) L designed shared 3 post throat keys The articulated G# mechanism is reminiscent of a 1937 Buffet A
LeBlanc Emblem #1 “G.LEBLANC” follows the contour of the upper area. No separate “G” Years: ???? to ???? – 1950s
Leblanc Emblem #2 “G” separated from name area “LEBLANC follows contour of area Years:  ????  to ???? – 1960s
LeBlanc Emblem #3 “LEBLANC” in block letters. “G” above Leblanc in same areas, but encroaches on the main emblem area Years: ???? to ???? – 1970s

unmarked “pre-Classic”

Leblanc – Stubbins like mechanism for Bb. Patented in 1933 Shared “L” 3 post configuration for throat keys “Leblanc” in emblem with “G” above in crown notice the stubbins-like mechanism to close the throat A key, the A key has a lip in front of the pad cup, versus later designs that push down the pad cup from the top (as shown in Fig 2 in the 1933 Leblanc patent). This was patented in 1933  # 1,926,489 – 1926 Loomis Patent 1933 Leblanc Patent  This patent also shows the separate posts/mechanism for the RH pinky Eb key.  Normally this is inline with the C key click here for writeup with more information 1948 model, sn 59xx “G. Leblanc” in emblem Shared “L” 3 post configuration for throat keys 1950 patent # 2,508,550 – Stubbins Patent 1 Stubbins Patent 2 click here for writeup with more information There seems to be 3 versions of Stubbins.  This is identified by a letter above the serial number.  An “S” is a full Stubbins. A “N” is like 75% stubbins and a “C” is about 50% stubbing.  You can see this in the Noblet and Normandy versions.   Pre-Classic (sn 6554) – notice that even the old Leblancs used an extended register tube pip (first picture) rather than flush like Buffet. Independent 4 post throat keys “Leblanc” in emblem with “G” above in crown

Model 176 – approx 1954 vintage“176” stamped above the Leblanc emblem on top section. Manufactured before the Classics Independent 4 post configuration for throat keys “G. Leblanc” in emblem

Model 476One would think the 476 was some lineage history relationship to the 176.  But then I saw the emblem which signifies a different era clarinet.  This model actually was a later one in the 1961 timeframe and was in same 1961 dated brochure alongside the Leblanc LL (model 1176) and Dynamic H (model 1276).   This model has the same model # as a Symphonie Model, though a newer emblem like the Symphonie 2.Leblanc 576 – pics from eBay 6/2013

Leblanc C8 (or possibly CB for Cundy-Bettoney, importer)unknown age, though trill key guide shows an early model. Possibly late 1940s or early 1950s.  (searching for more pictures) Shared “L” 3 post configuration for throat keys “G. Leblanc” in emblem ringed Left hand 3rd tonehole double hole for low F/clarion C (two bell keys) such as on Reform Boehms or bass clarinets register key extra mechanism similar to a Stubbins mechanism

Leblanc Symphonie models (early)

SN235xx made before 1960

5th – Classic II

• Classic II (nickel plated keys)

6th – Symphonie 3

• Symphonie 3 – mid 1960s (raw nickel silver keys)

• Symphonie 3 with original baggies and end caps

Symphonie IV

Classic & Classic II – Leblanc reintroduced the Symphonie
in the late 1950’s as the Classic line but then dropped it and
reintroduced the Symphonie.

• Symphonie Dynamique
• Dynamique
• Dynamique II
• Dynamic
• Dynamic II
• Dynamic H
• Dynamic H with Pete Fountain on bell
• Pete Fountain / Big Easy  through 2010 then discontinued

Good alternatives to these models are the L7 and Concerto &
Concerto IIs

Leblanc old Dynamique and newer Dynamic

• Dynamic in script on top
• Leblanc emblem similar to #3

Model evolution

• Dynamique

• Dynamique II

< pictures >

• Dynamic (below example sn 67xx)

• Dynamic II (model 776) – made in the 1950s

• Dynamic H (model 1276) , late 1950s and 1960s

• Dynamic H  with Pete Fountain signature on bell (ex sn 268xx)

• Pete Fountain/Big Easy model

The LLs were visually
fairly consistent from generation to generations. Other than the emblem
changes one can see the trill key guide changed.  From a sn # 15xxx
FRANCE model with a triangular trill key guide to a 52xxx with a
rectangular trill key guide to 60xxx with a slotted barrel design.

sn # 275xx

PDF Brochure 1

PDF Brochure 2

PDF Brochure 3

PDF Brochure 4

Serial 155xx

serial 341xx

Serial # 528xx

serial # 608xx  (slotted barrel guide)

In the 1970s through the 1980s
Leblanc simply offered a variety of clarinets for the discerning public.
I’m a fan of the L7 and L27 though in the 1970s Leblanc changed their
process for nickel plating.  Many Leblanc clarinets from this time
frame had nickel that would peel and bubble in high skin contact areas,
such as the ring keys, throat keys, register key etc.  It can
greatly affect the “feel” of the instrument and thus the value.  A
good repair place can sand down the bubbles while still maintaining the
existing plating, or simply get it replated in Silver.

• L7 –
• L70 –
• L27 – replaced the L7 in late 1970s
• L200 – 14.83mm top to 14.65mm at bottom of UJ
• L300 LX – model 1185
• LX2000 –

Model Evolution:
L7– conical bore (measured – ie, smaller at
top UJ bore, larger at bottom UJ bore

• L70 (model 1170) – silver plated keys)

• L27 (reverse cone to cylinder of 14.75mm)

• L200 (reverse cone to 14.6mm)

L300 LX (reverse cone)
LX2000 (reverse cone)

The Concerto and
Concerto II (designed by Tom Ridenour ) is probably one of my most
favorite Leblanc Clarinets.  It has an R13ish type bore, though
larger and accompanied by smaller toneholes especially in the trill
keys.  This allows it to have some excellent projection, and with
the larger bore excellent dynamics.  It can hold it’s own with a
Buffet R13 and Buffet RC though may lack the tonal color.  It also is a fantastic replacement for
an older Leblanc Dynamic or L7 model.  The emblems have eliminated
the cut & filled emblem and are simply a gold “sticker” type of emblem,
though very durable (but still a sticker type).  Silver plated
keys, wonderfully modern smooth keywork.

Models #  328 / 330 / 400 / 415 / 417 / 425 / 430