Klarinet Archive - Posting 000788.txt from 1999/02

From: reedman@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Barrel Length
Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 20:35:32 -0500

It is true that for most Buffet R-13 clarinets the A barrel is usually
shorter than the Bb barrel. It would have been possible for Buffet to
design the upper joint of the A clarinet so that one could use the same
length barrel on each instrument, but they did not. Generally, Most R-13 A
clarinets have a rather low (in pitch) throat Bb. Buffet A clarinets are
provided with a 65mm, non tapered barrel. Most players will find that an
inverted cone taper works much better on R-13 A clarinets than the
standard non tapered variety. The reduced bore will help with the inherent
subtone on the "A" above the staff and will also push up the pitch of the
troat tones.

Some people can use the same barrel on both Bb and A. It depends on the
individual instruments and their comparative tunings. I find that most R-13
A clarinets require a slightly differentr taper in the barrel joint than
the R-13 Bbs, so I don't recommend using the same barrel.

While I am on my horse and riding in the direction of Buffet A clarinets I
must repeat something I have been saying for years. Buffet needs to address
significant acoustical problems in the R-13 A clarinet. When I mentioned
this at the factory in Mantes several years ago and again to Rene Lesieaux
the answer was simply, "Buy an RC". I don't think that Rene or anyone else
intended to be flippant, but I also think they believe that if they change
anything about the R-13's they may lose some followers in the US which is
their largest market for R-13 clarinets.

Clark w Fobes

Clark W Fobes
Web Page http://www.sneezy.org/clark_fobes

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