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1957 G. LEBLANC (A. COURTOIS) PARIS~"SYMPHONIE II"~RARE LB PRO Bb TRUMPET~ NM+

Estimated price for orientation: 1 350 $

Category: Trumpets
Class:











Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: G. Leblanc (Antoine Courtois), Paris
Key: Bb Trumpet Type: Symphony/ Classical/ Legit/ Jazz
Valve Material: Nickel Plated Model: Symphonie II
Skill Level: Professional Finish: Lacquer
Country of Manufacture: France Bell Material: Yellow Brass


VINTAGE 1957 G. LEBLANC (ANTOINE COURTOIS), PARIS ~ "SYMPHONIE II" MODEL ~ RARE LARGE BORE (.468") PROFESSIONAL Bb TRUMPET IN NEAR MINT PLUS CONDITION
I have been playing horns for 60 years...collecting and restoring vintage trumpets and cornets, and building custom horns for 49.  Over the decades I amassed a vast trumpet/ cornet collection.  During the past few years I have thinned out the herd and continue to do so.  All my horns are gig ready...cleaned, valves adjusted & aligned with new corks & felts when necessary. PLEASE LOOK AT THE OTHER HORNS I HAVE LISTED For your consideration, here is a spectacular example of a 60 year old Leblanc Symphonie II in awesome condition both outside and inside, and is in need of a new owner.  For many years it has been the representative example of a large bore Symphonie II model in my collection, yet has been played VERY little, and therefore is straight without dents, dings nor solder repairs, and exhibits awesome compression.  I have owned a number of Symphonie models over the years, but never encountered another large bore example.  While it was designed as a top-of-the-line symphonic instrument, its large bell and bore allow it to play virtually any music style with superb results.  It comes with its original case that is in excellent condition outside and mint condition on the inside...both latches still open by rotating them.  Also included is a brand new gold plated copy of a Bach Megatone 3C mouthpiece.
G. Leblanc, Paris was founded in the late 19th century by George Leblanc in La Couture Boussey, France.  The company soon became well respected for producing world class woodwinds.  Antoine’s son Leon Leblanc and Vito Pascucci founded the Leblanc Corporation in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1946.  The American company was set up to import the Paris built G. Leblanc woodwinds and distribute them in North America.  In the mid 1950’s (at Vito’s insistence because he was a trumpet player) Leblanc U.S.A. contracted with Antoine Courtois, Paris to build a top professional line of brasswinds that included the Dynamique, Symphonie Series (1-6), the 700 Series, the Sonic models, and eventually the endorsed Al Hirt, Conrad Gozzo, and Bobby Herriot models.   All Leblanc, Paris trumpets have a round brass medallion in the middle of the tuning slide brace emblazoned with the Leblanc brother’s profiles (or the bust of Al Hirt on his autographed model 707-A).Antoine Coutois was founded in 1789 and produced some of the finest brasswinds ever built...IMHO they are superior to the other venerable Paris manufacturers (Besson, Couesnon, and Selmer).  They are state of the art instruments built from the finest materials by skilled craftsmen.  Courtois horns (including those built for G. Leblanc) cost more than any other Paris built instruments, and thus had very limited production.  While they were often considered as expensive "niche" horns, Leblanc brass found tremendous popularity among Big Band and jazz players such as Al Hirt, Bobby Herriot, Conrad Gozzo, and the Condoli brothers.
This Symphonie II is a fairly lightweight 2 lb. - 4.8 oz. trumpet that will accommodate virtually any music style and acoustic venue, but was primarily designed as a symphonic instrument.  The trumpet has a clear and resonant tone that is easily controlled...its sound is big, bold, rather round, and centered.  It is a very free and open blowing horn with a rich, slightly warm tone that produces a sophisticated edge when pushed, and loves to be piloted in the stratosphere.  This horn has excellent intonation...the low register is not flat, and is very resonant.  The 5th harmonic is great, and so is the upper register intonation.  Slots are superb.  Responsive and flexible, Symphonie II makes a great orchestral trumpet as it doesn't overpower the other section horns, but will perform well playing commercial, legit styles, and even performs well as a screaming jazz axe.
Mechanically, the trumpet is in superb condition with bright and shiny valves that have factory spec compression, and look like they were made yesterday.  All FIVE slides operate with silky smoothness.  Cosmetically, the trumpet is in near mint condition exhibiting only a few pin point pings, tiny scratches, and tiny flecks of lacquer loss.  The most obvious cosmetic blemishes are the areas of lacquer blush that appear on the bell stem, lead pipe, and other places around the instrument...considering the original lacquer is 60 years old, it never did nor does now bother me...otherwise the rest of the horn is in spectacular condition.  I tend to be overly critical and as accurate as possible when describing my horns, so that no one receives any "surprises".  So, bid with confidence as I think you'll find my feedback speaks for itself. Finish          -   Original lacquer @ 99% intact. Serial #       -   35XX Bore Size     -   .468" large bore
Features      -   One-piece 4 - 7/8" yellow brass bell with a modified French (Krantz) ring; corrosion resistant nickel silver receiver, tuning slide crook, and trim; reversed 3rd valve slide w/ adjustable ring and stop screw. Accessories  -   Original wood shelled case in excellent condition outside (minor staining on bottom) and mint condition inside.  Both latches still function properly by rotating them inwards.  Also included is a brand new gold plated copy of a Bach Megatone 3C mouthpiece.
Shipping is a flat fee of $50. via FedEx Home or Ground service with included insurance to the 48 continental states.  Alaska and Hawaii require more postage.  I will ship worldwide.  I accept PayPal ONLY.  Payment must be received within 4 days or the item will be re-listed. International Buyers - Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price nor shipping cost.  These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. This item is being sold "As is"...no returns nor refunds will be offered unless I have somehow misrepresented the item.  I do my very best to be as accurate as humanly possible in my descriptions.  I am not an instrument dealer...just a musician and collector.  However, bid with confidence as my feedback speaks for itself.