Ledoux?

[Tammi]

I have an old Ledoux Artist Bb sop. that I picked up really cheap about 5 years ago at an 'Antique' shop. I've done some searching on who may have made it but so far have come up empty. More than likely it's a lesser known stencil. I was hoping that one of you may have heard of them.

What I do know is that it says Ledoux Artist, France. The keywork is German silver, the wood is nice and tight grained. It 'appears' to be a high end intermediate or possibly 'Pro' clarinet. The case suggests a 1930's vintage.
After a good cleaning, oiling, and repad, it plays exceptionally well. Intonation is pretty even throughout the entire range.

I can't give a serial number or post photos at this time. The clarinet is currently on loan to a young man to use in Concert Band. I may be able to get it back for a day to get some photos if needed.

BTW I did check Petes' list of manufacturers posted here and it wasn't on the list.

Any information would be appreciated.

[pete]

Googling points to a 1920's to 1930's manufacture. I haven't heard of this company off the top of my head, so I'd have to research it a bit more.

The only other comment I came across was "not as desirable as anticipated after overhaul".

Pictures may prove helpful.

[Tammi]

What did you google to get a manufacture date? I couldn't find anything useful.
I've seen a few on that auction site. Most had cases that date around the 40's and 50's.

I wonder if the undesireable one got a bad overhaul. Mine actually played better than expected afterwards.

I'll have to try and get in contact with the young man that has this clarinet in order to get some photos. I'll do my best to get a few for you.

[saxmanglen]

Now, if your going to take pictures, be sure to have a nice young attractive female model showing us the features. :P

[pete]

Easy, Glen.

I Googled "Ledoux Clarinet" and got a couple hits. There was even one for an eBay ad that had sadly closed too long ago, so I couldn't see any pictures.

[Tammi]

I'm used to Glen. He's a stinker.

I'm sure my daughter will be talking to the kid who has my clarinet within the next couple of days. He has a bad case of the 'LIKES' for her.
I'll have her ask if he can get some photos and email them to me.

If you would like them sooner I can call him myself and set something up.

[pete]

Nah, that should be fine.

I'll try to remember to look up "Ledoux" in the New Langwill Index when I get a chance. I'm just about to pass out for the night and tomorrow is going to be uber-busy.

The other horns I found on Google were also allegedly marked "National". Do you remember seeing any stamp that said that?

[Tammi]

Mine only has Ledoux Artist. I had to go over it with white crayon to make it more legible.

I have seen a National on ebay. The case looked about 15-20 years newer. But cases can be replaced.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

[pete]

Well, I looked at the online editions of The New Langwill and there's no mention of Ledoux. Unless our clarinet eggsperts have something else to say off the tops of their respective heads, I'd say we'd have to wait for pictures!

I would assume that this make went away by WWII, which would be 1939-ish.

[SteveSklar]

i would have to see pics to see who made the keywork. Malerne stenciled alot so did SML, etc and the decided factor is the keywork ....

[Tammi]

I might be able to talk the kind into bringing it to camp.
I'll have a camera and my daughters' lap top down there with me.

A couple of weeks after that we start Monday night rehersals. I'll have a chance to get pics then too.

I'll try my best to help you help me.

[travacha]

I also have a Ledoux clarinet I know very little about. It was my Mothers and it was bought for her in grade school (somewhere between 1956 and 1961), not sure if it was new when she got it. Mine says standard under the Ledoux logo and has made in France written just below the top of the bell. There is also a number etched just below the neck C3485. My Grandfather told me once that it was made from a rare wood and cost him a lot back when he bought it.

[Gandalfe]

The wood on the bell looks gorgeous from the pic you provided.

[HaRon]

Here is a Ledoux on eBay at the moment (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ledoux-Woodwind-Co-Clarinet-G7-w-Case-NR_W0QQitemZ260272993246QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item260272993246&_trkparms=72%3A1071|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&timeout=1218737983103)

[Gandalfe]

I'm always amazed how much a seller will highlight a mouthpiece and short the instrument in a description/pictures. :roll:

[Tammi]

That's pretty much what mine looks like.

Except mine has Artist in script below the Ledoux and it's not missing the bell ring. The keys on mine don't appear to have ever been nickle plated. They're more German silver-esque.

The case for this one is quite a bit newer.
Mine is more like a 30's pouchette case that Buffet and Selmer used. Canvas over wood with double handles. It appears to be original to the clarinet.

[Gandalfe]

Mine is more like a 30's pouchette case that Buffet and Selmer used. Canvas over wood with double handles. It appears to be original to the clarinet.I luv the small size of those cases.

[pete]

I think the C# key and the G# key look kinda unique. Hey, Steve ....

[Tammi]

Little cases are nice if you don't need to pack many 'extras'.

My Signature has the nice leather covered pouchette lined in suede.
There's enough room for my reed case, tube of cork grease, swab, and a very small pencil. I might be able to fit in a screw driver, but I'm afraid that it will slide around in there and scratch up my keys. I've had it ~6 years and it still looks brand new.

Anything else I may need I put in my purse or a small tote bag.

[tictactux]

I luv the small size of those cases.
My favourite for travelling is the small Yamaha case (http://www.wwbw.com/Yamaha-Plastic-Clarinet-Case-i109532.music). Can't get any smaller than this.

[SteveSklar]

Tammi,

does the C#/G# touch - is it more flatish ? does it have a flat spring underneath instead of a needle spring.

also check the RH spatula keys - do any have flat springs underneath them ?

keywork on the ebay link looks cheapish (not much artisian handiwork) in a way - like the Ab/Eb sliver key

sheet metal trill key guide
twin LH alt key posts
i think the bell ring fell off

sometimes ppl buy a clarinet due to the mpc. I've done that myself ...

[Tammi]

I'm going to ask the young man who is borrowing it to bring it to Monday Night Marching rehearsal. I'll get some good pictures and post them for you.

I can't remember if there's a flat spring under the C#/G# or if the touch is flatish, but I'm pretty sure the spatula keys have needle springs.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help right now. I haven't seen this clarinet in nearly a year. I hope he's been taking good care of it.

[Tammi]

I got a few photos of my Ledoux. I apologise if the quality isn't very good. If you need to see anything special, let me know.

The young man gave it back until he knows if he'll need it again for Concert band. I wish he would have kept a little cleaner.

[Tammi]

Maybe it's better if I don't know anything about this clarinet.
I guess it's secret is safe.

[pete]

Yo, Steve. Take another look :)

[SteveSklar]

Tammi,

I'm fairly confident that that is a Clarinet !!

[tictactux]

Tammi,

I'm fairly confident that that is a Clarinet !!

Reminds me of the birthday card we once got:

"It's a Baby!"

[SteveSklar]

but seriously

I have a clarinet here i'm looking at which has very similar features
nicely scultered RH sliver key
that weird kind to the arm of the RH stack top pad
LH sliver key design
throat key desgn


can you take a pic of the register key - the entire thing from the side with i topen ?


I have a "Symphonie Artist" here which, from my research seems to be a Sears sold SML
though yours i a little higher quality and older. Min has a barrel trill key guide. and yours has posts wtih screw snks next to them whch usually is found on higher quality clarinets.

[Tammi]

I wasn't sure how close you wanted.
Hopefully one of these will be of help.

[Tammi]

So what do you think Steve?
Is it maybe worth at least the $60 I've got into it?

[tictactux]

So what do you think Steve?
Is it maybe worth at least the $60 I've got into it?

Does it sound like it's worth more than the 60 bucks you put into?

When I see a UJ with tenon caps, I'm always optimistic to have found a better-than-cheap instrument. But ultimately it's the sound that counts.

[SteveSklar]

(edited) - the register vent discounted SML

so next was thinking a Malerne. I have a few on the shelves. Standards. but things just were not the same. Some things were not as "elegant" on the standard as your clarinet .. L throat keys, quick bend on top of keys to cups and machined flat, etc

ok .....

what had me were a few things
the closeness of the first ring arm to the post
The separate throat key posts
old sheet trill key guides
thicker RH rings
the more elegantly curved tips of the keys to support the pad cups
the too side key which is a long though curvie touch piece and then a straight key arm
tenon caps

so i was a bit stymied until i found this

but this looks to be a more identical match ... still a Malerne
http://cgi.ebay.com/R-Malerne-Pro-Wood-4-Bb-Clarinet-Serviced-Plays-Great_W0QQitemZ130252516218QQihZ003QQcategoryZ47098QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i'm still looking at the pics too.
there are a few things like the RH sliver key which is not shaped the same but it's a close match

[Tammi]

The Malerne is almost an exact match to the Ledoux. They both have the metal band at the top and bottom of the center tenon.
Serial #'s are similar as well. The ebay horn is a D4****, Mine is D3693.
It's hard to tell from the photos but I think mine has better quality wood.

It played really well before I loaned it out. Pretty even from top to bottom with a sweet sound. It's more focused than my Master Model using the same mouthpiece. I gave $40 for it, $20 for the pad kit, and a bit of my time to get it up and playing. It feels good in the hands. I really can't complain. Except it still has a bad case of the "Old Horn Funk".

It came back VERY dirty and sticky with bent keys on the lower joint, and the tip of the mouthpiece is all chipped up. It was a nice hard rubber piece on a Chedeville blank too. Dang kid.

[SteveSklar]

I wouldnt' go by the ebay seller pics. I've overhauled his overhauls before. Clarinets that buyers bought then sent to me for a "complete" overhaul.

i'm not sure how one exactly tells the quality of wood without having it in ones hands. Many times a black stained clarinet can have fillers, etc on it which makes the grain look really tight as the surface can be perfectly smooth. Even unstained you can use transparent fillers.

his pics are nice and shiny .. there's a couple ways of making it shiny .. some good .. some not so good

keep in mind, that the tenon caps can be added at any time. but from the pics and some investigation i assumed they were original

as for value ... it's hard to say. malerne pros go for a couple hundred. a no name stencil ? good question

send it with your FB when i get to it ... clean it up and unbend the keys

[Tammi]

I shouldn't have too much trouble getting this one back into shape.

When I was redoing it I washed the body really well. It's got some very nice wood. I don't plan on selling this one any time soon. I'll keep it as a loaner.
Just maybe not to the same kid. :evil:

[tictactux]

I'll keep it as a loaner.
Just maybe not to the same kid. :evil:

Next time ask for a deposit...

[SteveSklar]

send him a bill for damage
he shouldn't be grabbing the lower keywork when putting together and taking apart the clarinet.

[tictactux]

he shouldn't be grabbing the lower keywork when putting together and taking apart the clarinet.

Hey, what about that movie project where you assemble that clarinet?

[SteveSklar]

Hey, what about that movie project where you assemble that clarinet?

yeah, yeah, yeah ... i just figured out how to record on it. now i need a larger memory card for the camera .. care to donate a 8GB SD card to me ?

[tictactux]

yeah, yeah, yeah ... i just figured out how to record on it. now i need a larger memory card for the camera .. care to donate a 8GB SD card to me ?

<checks pockets, finds 32MB card somewhere>
Uhm, that one's for short flicks only.

[Gandalfe]

yeah, yeah, yeah ... i just figured out how to record on it. now i need a larger memory card for the camera .. care to donate a 8GB SD card to me ?Sure, come on over tonight and I'll record you and post to YouTube. Then we can go hear the Big Band at first Saturday night at Crossroads. 8-)

[SteveSklar]

Sure, come on over tonight and I'll record you and post to YouTube. Then we can go hear the Big Band at first Saturday night at Crossroads. 8-)

Gee .. thanks ... if i left a couple days ago I could have made it by tonight !!

[Carl H.]

Stop by on the way and we'll get that flux capacitor wired in. You'll make it in plenty of time.

Just don't forget the left handed screwdriver this time.

[Gandalfe]

Geesh, I thought y'all had the Fermata (http://www.amazon.com/Fermata-Nicholson-Baker/dp/0679759336/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220662890&sr=8-1) thang down pat. It's all about controling the time fold. :twisted:

No matter, we decided to go to the velodrome for the races tonight. It'll be puppy Amelia's first field trip. Puppy lessons start Sunday. Enjoy the freedom Amelia.

[SteveSklar]

Stop by on the way and we'll get that flux capacitor wired in. You'll make it in plenty of time.

Just don't forget the left handed screwdriver this time.

umm .. thanks Carl ... for those that are truly stumped .. from another thread from another forum. ..


velodrome G ?? you like to watch track racing ? Shall I send you a track bike to wiz around ?

[SteveSklar]

Tammi, if you want to take a whole set of pictures of your clarinet I'll put them in the malerne (stencil) section of the website. good to know ofr someone in the future. i might try and pick one up for an inexpensive malerne pro

[Tammi]

Let me know what shots you want. I'll do my besst to get some good ones.

[Tammi]

It'll be puppy Amelia's first field trip. Puppy lessons start Sunday. Enjoy the freedom Amelia.


I like the name Amelia. So much so that it's what we named Kid #2.

What kind of puppy is your Amelia?

[Gandalfe]

velodrome G ?? you like to watch track racing ? Shall I send you a track bike to wiz around ?I ride there on my road bike every once in a while. It would take me some time to get used to that slope!I like the name Amelia. So much so that it's what we named Kid #2. What kind of puppy is your Amelia?German/Aussie Shep mix. Here's a picture (http://gandalfe.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!51AA828BCB20646!4239.entry). Frisky, happy and full of energy she is. Oh, and so is the dawg. 8-)

[Tammi]

Amelia is adorable.
With her breeding she should do well in Puppy School.
The Shephard half will learn quickly. The Aussie half, well, keep her mind busy. It's a good thing 'Mom' is full of energy. :-D

[justin.waters]

I realize this is a long dead thread, but I was hoping to get a little bit of information about a Ledoux National clarinet that I picked up at a flea market earlier today for $20.

Besides a little bit of mold (yech!), it seems to be in pretty good condition. I haven't had the guts to put a mouthpiece on it yet, but the pads are probably rotted out anyway. All of the mechanisms are working well, and the wood itself is intact, although it definitely needs oil.

Anyway, I'm mostly wondering if it is worth overhauling. I'm perfectly okay with having wasted $20 on a piece of junk, but I'd rather not shell out the cash to repad and recork it if isn't worth it.

I've tried Google, but it hasn't really helped much. There aren't any on eBay at the moment, and all of the sales referenced in this forum are delisted already.

I'd appreciate any information that anybody would be willing to give.

Oh, and I'll happily provide pics if anybody happens to respond ;)

[SteveSklar]

Justin
i would have to see pics to see who made the keywork. Malerne stenciled alot so did SML, etc and the deciding factors is the keywork .....

pics are kinda needed ....

[justin.waters]

Steve,

Here are some pictures of it. When I get a chance, I'll upload a bunch more to my Picasa album @ http://picasaweb.google.com/justin.waters/LedouxClarinet

Fortunately, it looks like only two of the pads need to be replaced, and my old Clarinet instructor fixed them for free! Other than that, it looks like one of the springs has lost most of its "springiness", and some cork has peeled off of a few of the keys.

Overall, it doesn't sound bad. It's better than the composite Armstrong clarinet I got in 4th grade, that's for sure.

[SteveSklar]

need some closer pics =-)

[Tammi]

I would think that this is a step down version of my Ledoux Artist.
Another Malerne stencil?

[SteveSklar]

it's probably a malerne student wood clarinet. but more pics can't hurt for proper identification.

[rpestal]

Just bought a Ledoux clarinet with new pads on Ebay. So far seems to play well. It looks to be the twin of the one pictured on post #23. One interesting thing is that is has only the Ledoux symbol and it is only on the bell. Also on the bell it states "made in France." Serial number is hard to read. Looks like DC5768. Keys appear to be German silver of maybe French silver. Is it recommended that bore oil still be used on an instrument that old?

[Connical]

I realize this is a long dead thread, but I was hoping to get a little bit of information about a Ledoux National clarinet that I picked up at a flea market earlier today for $20.

Besides a little bit of mold (yech!), it seems to be in pretty good condition. I haven't had the guts to put a mouthpiece on it yet, but the pads are probably rotted out anyway. All of the mechanisms are working well, and the wood itself is intact, although it definitely needs oil.

Anyway, I'm mostly wondering if it is worth overhauling. I'm perfectly okay with having wasted $20 on a piece of junk, but I'd rather not shell out the cash to repad and recork it if isn't worth it.

I've tried Google, but it hasn't really helped much. There aren't any on eBay at the moment, and all of the sales referenced in this forum are delisted already.

I'd appreciate any information that anybody would be willing to give.

Oh, and I'll happily provide pics if anybody happens to respond ;)

Since you've only invested $20 so far, keep it cheap and try doing a repad and recork yourself. Plenty of sources out there for pads and cork. It doesn't hurt to try something new, and you're not risking a huge investment either. Better to try and develop some skills on a throw away than on a pro horn.
I enjoy repairing my own horns from time to time. I still use techs when I have a tricky repair or when it involves a nicer instrument, but you're talking about a $20 horn. Take a chance and give it a try, you may enjoy working on your own horn too.

[Tammi]

Just bought a Ledoux clarinet with new pads on Ebay. So far seems to play well. It looks to be the twin of the one pictured on post #23. One interesting thing is that is has only the Ledoux symbol and it is only on the bell. Also on the bell it states "made in France." Serial number is hard to read. Looks like DC5768. Keys appear to be German silver of maybe French silver. Is it recommended that bore oil still be used on an instrument that old?

YES, oil is recommended for vintage clarinets.
Don't use the stuff that comes in those cheap care kits. It's NASTY!!!
Almond oil or any of the Doctors products are much better for the wood.
Lightly moisten an old swab with the oil and draw it through a few times being careful to not let any get on the pads. Let it sit for a few hours/overnight, then pull a clean swab through to remove any oil that hasn't been absorbed into the bore.

[jeff l]

Hi........
I see these clarinets at times on Ebay. There does not seem a high demand for these as far as I know. It could be like many of these old horns a stencil Buffet, Selmer or a LeBlanc. I am a collector of old clarinets and find many of these old guys when rehabbed, play as well as well or better (especially intonation) as my previous R-13 and my current Yamaha 61. At this point I am collecting any Ridenour I can pickup cheap. What a exceptional clarinet! The intonation is outstanding using a Vandoren B-45 mouthpiece. Take care. I'll keep looking for any info on these clarinets.