Now retired from performing, Les is selling his beautifully re-furbished Leblanc Opus clarinets that have featured on almost all his CD recordings of the last twenty years. Totally renovated by ARCS Clarinet Service (Andrew Roberts) these clarinets play better than any new clarinet on the market as they have been padded in a very special neoprene system invented by Andrew. The system ensures a 100% seal and the key return is so silent there are no annoying percussive clicks or extraneous, undesirable mechanical noises.

Due to the padding system being so efficient the spring tensions on the key work are very comfortable, light and well balanced.

The clarinets are presented with specially selected custom Craven/Sonoro Barrels and Bells specially fine tuned to the individual clarinets.

The original Barrels and Bells are included in the price should the new owner prefer the sound of those but Les recommends his personal selection of custom items selected especially for his latest recording “Romantic Clarinet Quintets” .

In addition Leslie recommends the inclusive Kooiman thumb rests but standard adjustable thumb rests can be fitted and supplied by The Clarinet Company for no extra cost. The Bb is an Opus II, the A an original Opus I but both have exactly the same sound profile. There are very slight key layout differences but not that could be detected after playing for a short while.

The Opus II has adjusting screws on the crows foot but the A does not, however the key strength is such that they stay in regulation and adjusting screws are almost unnecessary on these robust professional instruments. Leblanc are famous for the quality of their key manufacture.

Les, as is true of the ethos of his company is asking a very modest £3,950 for the entire package in a beautiful lightweight double case and includes Ultimax cork lubricant and micropore swab. There are two original Bells and four original barrels. Les is also offering a free Craven Professional mouthpiece which has been tuned with the custom barrel on each instrument.

This package represents a truly unique opportunity to own a pair of clarinets that have been played with many of the worlds finest artists including the cellist “Hauser” on Leslie’s CD recordings. The total ARCS refurbishment cost almost £2000 and hence this really is a fair price to ask for such beautiful instruments and Les will be sad to see them go but hopes they go to a deserving home.