Klarinet Archive - Posting 000670.txt from 1998/09

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] More on special barrels
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 06:17:46 -0400

The bells on my B flat & A appear abolutely identical in dimensions,
though they were probably made about 60 years apart.
Roger Shilcock

On Fri, 18 Sep 1998, Jack Kissinger wrote:

> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 11:29:03 -0500
> From: Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU>
> Reply-To: klarinet@-----.org
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: Re: [kl] More on special barrels
>
> 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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