Vito Reso-Tone Bb Clarinet – Made in USA – S/N D16259
A vintage American-made Vito with the warm, centered tone and free-blowing character that made these clarinets a staple in school bands and practice rooms for generations.
Who This Is For
This Vito Reso-Tone is a great find for the student who needs a solid, playable clarinet to start lessons, or for a band director looking for a reliable backup instrument at a sensible price point. Vito, produced by G. Leblanc USA, built these clarinets to the same acoustic standards used in far more expensive instruments — precision-machined bore, undercut tone holes, and properly weighted Boehm keywork. The serial number D16259 places this instrument in the early 1960s production run, making it a piece of American instrument-making history that still plays beautifully when properly maintained. If you are a parent getting a child started in school band, or an adult beginner who wants a proven, no-fuss platform to learn on, this is exactly the kind of clarinet worth considering.
Key Highlights
- Bb soprano clarinet with standard Boehm system — 17 keys, 6 rings
- Reso-Tone plastic body with a warm, focused tone character praised by clarinetists for decades
- Power-forged nickel-silver keys with nickel plating for durable, responsive action
- Undercut tone holes designed for even response and consistent tonal emission across the full range
- Patented in-line "Jump" trill keys eliminate water gurgle and provide direct pad-to-tone-hole contact
- Precision-machined cylindrical bore of 14.85 mm (.584") — consistent intonation throughout the registers
- Made in the USA by G. Leblanc — a name long associated with professional-quality woodwind manufacturing
- Serial number D16259 — early 1960s production, placing this in the original Vito Reso-Tone lineage
The Sound
The Reso-Tone body produces a centered, vibrant tone that players who have tried it consistently describe as warmer and more projecting than comparable student plastic clarinets of its era. The undercut tone holes allow even emission and a naturally round sound across the registers — qualities baked into the design at the acoustic level, not the price point.
The Feel
Nickel-silver Boehm keywork sits in a familiar, balanced layout that any student or teacher will recognize immediately. The in-line Jump trill keys provide a direct, clean feel without the sticky or sluggish action that can make a beginner's experience frustrating. The cylindrical bore responds freely and rewards good air support from day one.
The Heritage
Vito clarinets were built by G. Leblanc USA in Kenosha, Wisconsin — the same company behind professional-grade instruments used in orchestras and on stages worldwide. The Reso-Tone line was engineered with advanced acoustical features normally found in much more expensive clarinets. This is not a throwaway student horn; it is an instrument with real pedigree.
A Great Fit For
- Beginning band students starting school clarinet lessons
- Adult beginners learning clarinet for the first time
- Parents looking for a dependable, proven instrument without a steep investment
- Band directors seeking a reliable backup or loaner clarinet
- Collectors interested in vintage American-made woodwinds
- Players who want a durable outdoor or rehearsal instrument that does not require the care of a wood body
Sound and Use Case
The Vito Reso-Tone's 14.85 mm cylindrical bore produces a tone character that sits comfortably in ensemble settings — blending well with other winds while still projecting clearly in solo practice. The free-blowing nature of the design means students develop proper air support naturally, rather than fighting the instrument. This is a clarinet that rewards consistent practice and does not get in the way of learning. Whether it is a living room practice session or a school concert hall, the Reso-Tone holds its own.
As with any vintage instrument, proper setup makes all the difference. We recommend having this clarinet inspected and adjusted by a qualified technician to ensure it is playing at its full potential before beginning regular use.
Specifications
Key Bb (B-flat)
Bore 14.85 mm (.584")
Bore Profile Cylindrical
Key System 17 Keys, 6 Rings
Key Style In-Line "Jump" Trill Keys
Body Material Reso-Tone Plastic
Key Material Power-Forged Nickel Silver
Key Finish Nickel-Plated
Pad Cup Style Conical
Country of Origin USA
Manufacturer G. Leblanc USA
Serial Number D16259
Condition Used — See Description
There is something genuinely satisfying about a Vito Reso-Tone finding its way back into someone's hands. These were built to be played — really played — and the ones that have been cared for still deliver that warm, free-blowing tone that made them one of the best-selling clarinets in the world for a reason.
This particular horn, with its D-series serial number, has a little history to it. That is not a knock — it means it was there when American woodwind manufacturing was doing serious work. If you are looking for a solid starting instrument, a dependable backup, or just a piece of the craft that holds up, this is worth a close look.
We are happy to answer any questions about the instrument's condition, talk through whether it is the right fit for your situation, or help you figure out next steps. Call or text us at 814-371-5666. We are real people who love this stuff, and we are always glad to talk clarinets.
