Klarinet Archive - Posting 000804.txt from 1996/04

From: Dave Lane <davelane@-----.NET>
Subj: Clark Fobes Barrels
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 1996 21:53:44 -0400

Although I do repair work and restorations for others, I recently sent my
new Prestige B-flat to Clark Fobes for adjustment and repadding. My purpose
was to see what a much more experienced craftsman would do in the way of
tuning and acoustics, and I was aware that Clark played a Prestige.

I was very pleased with the job he did, and I've never owned a more
responsive horn. However, that's not the best thing that came out of it.

Clark sent two of his handmade barrels and a mouthpiece. The facing on the
mouthpiece is much more open than I like, but is excellent anyway. I just
can't say enough, however, about the Barrels!

For those of you seeking a sound that some would describe as "dark", it
would serve you very well to try one. I haven't found a piece of equipment
that made such an immediate, positive difference in my playing since junior
high when I replaced my silvertone mouthpiece with an HS*! Compared to a
very good Buffet Moennig, the barrel is freer blowing, with a marked "bass
boost", particularly in the Chalemeau, while providing excellent pitch
correction in the high registers. I could detect no difference between the
two barrels I tried; he will not be getting either of them back!

A satisfied customer,

Dave Lane