Klarinet Archive - Posting 001143.txt from 1998/01

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Another question...barrels
Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 08:56:06 -0500

On Mon, 26 Jan 1998, Composer16 wrote:

> How many people still have the barrels that came with their clarinets? If you
> changed barrels, why?
> I was wondering if I should try a new barrel. I was looking at auditioning:
> DEG C Series
> DEG D Series
> Can anyone give me any comments on them? What about the DEG Eddie Daniels
> one? Basically, I'm looking to see if there is a better barrel that will work
> with my Leblanc Concerto, Ignatius N. Gennusa mouthpiece, BG Revelation
> Ligature, and Grand Concert Select thick reeds. If you couldn't already
> guess, I'm looking for a dark, clear, sound, that is flexible. I would like
> to see if this will make my throat tones better sounding (in other words, the
> less fingers I have to put down for a good sound in the throat tones the
> better, beause then they won't be as flat). Would a different barrel do that?

Barrels are almost as different as mouthpieces. But keep in mind that if
you want your sound to change, it really has to do with - physical
approach to the mouthpiece, the way you use your air, the
mouthpiece/reed/ligature combination. When all is said and done, the
barrel will have a small but lesser effect on the basic tone. Avoid
barrels that blow stuffy or seem to have more resistance. Some barrels
"hold the tone".....don't edge out.....a little easier than others....I
don't know why.......certainly the taper/bore size/consistancy of the cut
of the bore...etc.

Cosider the DEG.....but you might also look at the Robert Scott barrels.
They are not overly expensive, but they sound quite good. They have less
brilliance than the wood barrels (I use them for solo/chamber music) -
which might translate to "darker".....but I'm not sure what your idea of
darker is. James Pyne makes a terrific barrel....but you will pay more $
for it...as you will with all of his custom equipment.

Isn't it fun to try out new equipment? Nothing like getting some new toys
in the mail to try out!

Roger Garrett
IWU