Great sound at a great price

If you are reading this, the chances are you are considering a step up from the entry level clarinets such as the Buffet B12. I saw this Leblanc Bliss on display at a recent clarinet function and was taken by its looks at first. Lack of joint rings, narrow bell and an unusual curvy barrel. I picked it up (nicely light) put on a reed and blew surprisingly easy and mellow tones. This is not an expensive instrument, but it spans the difference between the entry level instruments and the £1000 plus price for the next one up. From the Leblanc website, the LB310 is the one with the wooden barrel and composite body but there is also a wholly composite alternative. I have the one with the wooden barrel and I must say that I hugely impressed with its performance. Leblanc have worked on the keys to make playing easier while adding adjuster screws on various keys and providing a fairly good mouthpiece. All in all, this is a very competent instrument for the price, producing a noticeable improvement in tone. It may not rival all wooden alternatives, but they come at a price over double the cost of the Leblanc Bliss. Highly recommended.