The history of Leblanc dates back to 1750 when Ets. D. Noblet was established in France making instruments for the court of Louis XV. Noblet would help establish France as the center of woodwind manufacturing. In 1904, Noblet found himself with no heir to the family business, and it was sold to Georges Leblanc.
Leblanc 576 – pics from eBay 6/2013. 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”.
The Leblanc family was known for using scientific acoustic research in the development of clarinets. Georges’ son Leon was an outstanding clarinetist and won the top prize from the Conservatoire de Paris. As an accomplished player, he believed heavily in the scientific principles of manufacturing and brought a high level of consistency and playability to their hand-made instruments.
In 1921, Leblanc began distribution in the US with Gretsch & Brenner in New York. However, the Leblanc family became unhappy with the amount of work involved in making adjustments to the instruments after months of travel at sea from France. In 1946, Vito Pascucci, a repairman for the Glenn Miller band, founded Leblanc USA in Kenosha, Wisconsin and took over the distribution of Leblanc France products in the US. Vito opened a small store front and began building his own student level instrument, leaving Leblanc to focus on the full range of professional instruments.
In 1950, Vito hired his first educator to help develop a focus on programs and materials specific to the area of music education. Leblanc continued its focus into establishing a stable base of school music focused dealers that would later found the organization National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD).
In 1960, the brand Vito was created with a complete line of composite student clarinets. In 1961, the Positive Radial Alignment Guide (P.R.A.G.) which is still used today, was patented to help beginning clarinet students properly assemble the top and bottom joints of their instruments.
In 1964, Leblanc would acquire the Frank Holton Company and in 1971, the Martin Band Instrument Company. The focus on a full line offering of brass and woodwind instruments provided significant growth and in 1989, Vito purchased 65% of the Leblanc France Company. As Leblanc France was considered a National Treasure by the French government, it was difficult to process an entire purchase agreement with an American company. It wasn’t until 1993, that the remaining 35% was acquired by Vito.
In 2004, Leblanc was acquired by Conn-Selmer and a new era of manufacturing began. In 2009, Leblanc released the Bliss line of clarinets in partnership with namesake, Julian Bliss. The Bliss clarinets offered unique features and playability not typically found in affordable student instruments. With all clarinet production for Leblanc Vito and Bliss clarinets moved to Elkhart, Indiana, a new level of craftsmanship and innovation emerged.
How old is a Leblanc France clarinet with serial number 34887?
What do the numbers 83651 and 66 mean on a Leblanc Soloist Bb Clarinet?
Leblanc Paris Clarinet
83651 is the Serial # and 66 means that your clarinet barrel is 66mm long.
What is a BundySelmer Clarinet serial?
The serial number of a clarinet is generally located on the back of the upper joint.
How old is a Vito V40 clarinet serial number C89318?
What clarinet has serial number 17225209?
Where is the serial number on a clarinet?
What is the value of a wood Bundy clarinet serial number 66142?
The value of a wood Bundy clarinet with the serial number 66142 varies by its condition. As of 2014 its value is listed between 250.00 and 350.00.
How old is boosey and hawkes emperor clarinet serial number 172434?
What is the model of a Buffet clarinet with serial number B7475?
Evette sponsored by Buffet has this serial # series. Model is Evette.
How old is a Normandy clarinet serial number 1669?
The buffet website only lists serial numbers of professional models.How do i find the model number for my buffet clarinet?
Google 'buffet serial clarinet' and you'll find a number of sites dealing with your identification issue. Good luck!
How much is a Bundy clarinet with serial number 103526 worth?
the number does not matter.but I got that brand too.If bass then from 500 to700.If just a clarinet 400 to 1200.
How old is Bundy clarinet serial number 559673?
According to the Bundy serial number listing, number 559673 was manufactured between 1970 (520000) and 1975 (630000).
Leblanc Classic Clarinet Value
What type of clarinet did Pete Fountain play?
Well I think this is an easy answer, but I have not checked with Pete on this. Believe Pete has mostly played the Leblanc Pete Fountain clarinet model with gold keys. As far as mouthpiece, again there is a Pete Fountain crystal clear mouthpiece. I play with same equipment, but somehow that has not made me play as well as Pete can sing on it. ---- Before the 'Pete Fountain' model he played a stock…