Klarinet Archive - Posting 000655.txt from 1998/09

From: Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: [kl] More on special barrels
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 12:29:03 -0400

Hi Harri,

If you look closely, you will often find that the barrels (and bells) of A
clarinets are marked with an A to distinguish them from their Bb counterparts.
The inner bore dimensions are usually different for Bb and A clarinets of a
given model. (The A bore is smaller to reduce the instrument's overall required
length and, hence, fingerspread. This is why many people notice a bit more
"backpressure" from an A with their normal Bb mouthpiece and reed.) Regular
Buffet barrels (and bells) actually do differ between Bb and A clarinets in
terms of bore size. (Hence the identifying mark on the A's.) Both Moennig and
Chadash barrels are made in A and Bb models and they are different internally.

That said, many clarinetists, as Francois pointed out, do not find the
difference significant. These players have no problem with transferring both
the barrel and the mouthpiece when switching from one clarinet to the other.
The difference, however, is one reason at least some players choose to transfer
only the mouthpiece when switching instruments.

Best regards,
Jack Kissinger
St. Louis

Harri wrote:

> Thank you for your input. I guess what I really wanted to ask was: are the
> _inside_ (width)dimensions different from (f.a.)Moennig A-clarinet- and
> Bb-flat clarinet barrels?.
> In other words: Do they make different barrels at (f.a.)Chadash for A and
> Bb-clarinets?
> At Buffet factory they said they are the same, but some prominent U.S.
> players say that they differ.
>
> Harri

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