Pete Fountain / Dynamic Print Ads

L200 / L300

Feature Comparison

Leblanc / Noblet / Normandy Catalog

Playing Characteristics

1974 Price List

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

• "G.LEBLANC" follows the contour of the upper area.
• No separate "G"
• Years: ???? to ???? - 1950s

• "G" separated from name area
• "LEBLANC follows contour of area
• Years:  ????  to ???? - 1960s

• "LEBLANC" in block letters.
• "G" above Leblanc in same areas, but encroaches on the main emblem area
• Years: ???? to ???? - 1970s

• 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

• 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

One 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.

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

Model Evolution

• Symphonie Model
• Symphonie
• Symphonie II
• Classic
• Classic II
• Symphonie 3

Later in the 1990s Leblanc would reintroduce the "Symphonie line with the Symphony VII, a separation of over 20 years.

1st - Symphonie Model

• Symphonie Model - 1950  (raw nickel silver)  ex: sn 172A.  The original serial numbers were 3 digit with a "A" at the end.  In 1951 they dropped the "A".
• "G. Leblanc" in emblem
• per brochure, model 476 (see above for stamped model 476 clarinet, though a newer emblem)

Below 272A (100 after the above example but with the Stubbins mechanism)

2nd - Symphonie

• Symphonie - 1955-56
  

3rd - Symphonie II

• Symphonie II -
  

4th - Classic

• Classic - late 1950's

  "Leblanc" in emblem with "G" in crown
  

  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.

• 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