Klarinet Archive - Posting 000425.txt from 1996/09

From: "Dr. Ronald P. Monsen" <RPMONS00@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Selmer barrels
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 08:23:19 -0400

RECITAL Series 10R--the barrel length of 64.5 is the standard on this
clarinet--it has to do with the bore dimensions--this instrument's bore
is smaller than most and the instrument a bit shorter. I have several
barrels (all Selmer) and found one that works best--I have three Bbs and
one A plus my son has a set with the F resonance vent--Clark Fobes sent me
a series of his barrels in March when I did a KlarFest at James Madison
University in Va. I tried the barrels and--wham--the 65 mm barrel he had
designated for the Buffet A clarinet--improved my oldest RECITAL Bb a great
deal--no time for details, now. Read Lee Gibson's account of the RECITAL
series instruments in his book on Clarinet Accoustics--all the bore dimensions

are given to compare the instruments. I find that the instrument works
best with the equipment supplied by the designer/manufacturer SELMER & Cie.
However, the Fobes barrel was and is a winner--and I am glad to have it.

There is no sense in me trying to describe how the instrument "feels" or
"sounds" with the Fobes barrel--words fail me--you have to "live" and
"play" it. Again--check Gibson.

Ron Monsen