In 2004, Leblanc was acquired by Conn-Selmer and a new era of manufacturing began. It wasn’t until 1993, that the remaining 35% was acquired by Vito. As Leblanc France was considered a National Treasure by the French government, it was difficult to process an entire purchase agreement with an American company. The focus on a full line offering of brass and woodwind instruments provided significant growth and in 1989, Vito purchased 65% of the Leblanc France Company. In 1964, Leblanc would acquire the Frank Holton Company and in 1971, the Martin Band Instrument Company. In 1961, the Positive Radial Alignment Guide (P.R.A.G.) which is still used today, was patented to help beginning clarinet students properly assemble the top and bottom joints of their instruments. In 1960, the brand Vito was created with a complete line of composite student clarinets. Leblanc continued its focus into establishing a stable base of school music focused dealers that would later found the organization National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD). In 1950, Vito hired his first educator to help develop a focus on programs and materials specific to the area of music education. Vito opened a small store front and began building his own student level instrument, leaving Leblanc to focus on the full range of professional instruments. In 1946, Vito Pascucci, a repairman for the Glenn Miller band, founded Leblanc USA in Kenosha, Wisconsin and took over the distribution of Leblanc France products in the US. However, the Leblanc family became unhappy with the amount of work involved in making adjustments to the instruments after months of travel at sea from France. In 1921, Leblanc began distribution in the US with Gretsch & Brenner in New York. As an accomplished player, he believed heavily in the scientific principles of manufacturing and brought a high level of consistency and playability to their hand-made instruments. Georges’ son Leon was an outstanding clarinetist and won the top prize from the Conservatoire de Paris.
The Leblanc family was known for using scientific acoustic research in the development of clarinets. In 1904, Noblet found himself with no heir to the family business, and it was sold to Georges Leblanc.
Noblet would help establish France as the center of woodwind manufacturing. Noblet was established in France making instruments for the court of Louis XV. The history of Leblanc dates back to 1750 when Ets.
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