The Leblanc contrabass clarinet is one of the more widely known bands of this type of instrument. Ever since the early 1800’s this kind of clarinet has been developed in order to create what some would call a complete clarinet orchestra with the hopes of bringing this unique instrument to the public. After many variations of the model, the Leblanc brand seems to be the one that fits the best. This widely used brand of clarinet is the staple of most orchestras and even jazz players seem to fall in love with them.

The Leblanc contrabass clarinet was originally produced in Kenosha, Wisconsin and had a very strong following as being the best clarinet money could buy during that time. As of 2004, the Steinway Company purchased Leblanc and keeps it as one of its subsidiary labels. The Leblanc Company was also the primary instrument maker for most of the school bands across the United States, under the Vito brand name. Vito is named after the founder, Vito Pascucci. Having such a large foothold in the musical instrument industry was something the Steinways really wanted. Thus, they got the famous clarinet with the purchase and have seen great profit from it along with their other instruments. In fact, it is few people who have not heard the name Steinway in connection to some of the finest pianos and other musical instruments in existence.

The Leblanc contrabass clarinet is one of the world’s most popular brands for a contrabass. Over the years there have been many attempts at making this an instrument of choice for clarinet players but they all seemed to fall just a bit short off approval. Most were rather large, too large in fact for some players to use effectively. Some were just too heavy, while others produced a sound that just did not quite fit the music it was intended to play. With all of the shortcomings it is a good thing that the Leblanc Company decided to stick with it and produce one that seems to make everyone happy. Although it was not an easy task, they somehow managed it.