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One hundred years after the invention of the saxophone,
Messrs. Leon LeBlanc; Georges Leblanc; and Charles Houvenaghel
developed a unique instrument which offered viable solutions to
problems which had plagued saxophonists since the very beginning. By
using innovative key mechanisms and following the true Bohem theory
of tone hole placement, they produced an instrument which is
unsurpassed in technical facility and even voicing.
Unfortunately, this complex instrument did not gain wide market
acceptance, and was withdrawn after a limited production run. These
instruments are very rare, and it is my hope that the new owner of
the Leblanc Corporation will give consideration to the
re-introduction of this system. I am very proud to have to examples
of the "Rationale" saxophone (an alto and a tenor) in my
personal collection.
The following are scans of the original literature which
accompanied the fabulous Leblanc Rationale. Please be patient, some
of the files are quite large.
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| The Leblanc system saxophones were new to the
established dealer network. These scans are from the dealer sales
manual, and give a very good overview of this unique instrument. |
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| The complex Leblanc fingering system was unfamiliar
to repair technicians. The factory found it necessary to produce a
manual which gave instructions on the proper adjustment and regulation
of the instruments. To the very best of my knowledge, this is the ONLY
time a factory service manual was deemed necessary for a saxophone! |
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