leblance alto...

[averageschmoe]

my profoessor has an extra rationalle or leblance system alto laying around (i think it's only a three digit serieal but i'm not sure) in perfect mint condition. at the moment he feels he has too many altos and is curious about the market value/interest for these horns. any information would be greatly appreciated.

[singlereed]

I think they are of interest to collectors rather than players, as they never really caught on. Sometimes they seem to be on sale for quite high prices, but I am not sure whether they actually sold for a premium price, if you follow me. There is one for sale in the UK at www.saxophoneheaven.com for £549 (about $800 US) - maybe this is similar to yours? They usually seem to be listed for a good deal more than that. Also be aware there seem to be several Rationale and Leblanc System models and some confusion as to which is which, and sorry I can't help you on that one!

[Anji]

May I see some pics, and get details on your Prof's Leblanc, please?

anji12305"AT"yahoo.com

[AMASAX]

if interested in selling, pls send pics to tmp90210 at yahoo.com

[AMASAX]

the horn listed on saxophoneheaven.com is a cheaper knockoff that Leblanc did for a short while on some of their Vito horns. Has some of the 'rational' features, but implemented cheaper/simpler; never played one, but i'd wanna stay with the real thing.

The diff between the 'rationelle'(correct spelling, i believe) and the 'Leblanc System' horns is:

* the rational/rationelle was a -very- limited made horn put out in the 1930s or so, way, way complicated, probably more of a collectible than a player's horn. I think saxpics has some detailed pics/notes on these babies.

* the 'Leblanc System' horn was a refinement of the original rational horn, put out from 1950s-1970s(don't know exact dates, but they -were- available into the 1970s, as i worked in a music store in the mid 1970s, they had a new one at that time). These horns, while complicated to adjust/maintain, are quite viable for playing on. Tuning appears to me to be better than the modern Selmers, even(!)

I own a rational horn, which needs to be overhauled, so can't comment on sound, etc, but the mechanism is really way over the top.

I also own multiple Leblanc System horns, which really are quite interesting horns.

[Paul Cohen]

I have three Leblanc System instruments for sale that belonged to the American Saxophone pioneer Cecil Leeson. Two altos and a tenor. Some have his name engraved. All have the special mechanisms. One alto is virtually new; never been played. The others are in excellent, like-new condition. All play exceptionally well.
Please contact me for more information.
Paul Cohen
PaulC135@aol.com