Klarinet Archive - Posting 000310.txt from 2000/12
From: "Patricia Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Barrel Questions
Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2000 08:13:18 -0500
1. Do most clarinet players purchase barrels to adjust their pitch or are
there sound quality reasons?
Basically, it is for pitch reasons, although, barrel diameter and shape can
change sound quality.
2. I notice that on my Bb clarinet, I tend to be on the flat side while on
my A clarinet, I tend to be on the sharp side. My Bb clarinet is an Evette
Schaeffer with all pieces (save mouthpiece) original. My A clarinet (long
term loan from a friend) is an A. Robert clarinet with a Buffet barrel. Is
this a common situation (Bb flat and A sharp) or just a result of the
instruments that I use?
Different individual instruments are going to have individual intonation
characteristics. That holds true even with instruments from the same
makers. And the mouthpiece you use will change the equation as well.
3. For the sharp situation, does a longer barrel offer a better solution
than "pulling out" the clarinet joints?
For extreme intonation problems, certainly.
4. I see many barrels for sale on the Sneezy site as well as ebay. I
measured my clarinet barrels with a simple ruler and found that both were 66
mm from metal to metal. Is this the proper length or is the measurement to
be taken only on the wooden part of the barrel? [ I am somewhat surprised
that both my Bb and the A have the same barrel length. Is this common?]
this has been answered. Many clarinetists keep a number of different sized
barrels in order to be able to make large adjustments, in case they go from
one extreme to another as far as groups go. For example, if they play in
one orchestra where the pitch is at about A440 and they than go to a band
where the pitch is closer to A446, they will definitely need more than one
barrel.
5. Do all barrels of the same size produce the same pitch? In other words,
are there differences in diameter or shape that will change the pitch?
Dee answered this question probably as well as I could have.
6. What are the differences in barrel maker? I see brand names listed for
the barrels on sale. Are all barrels "created equal"? Should I try to
match
the brand of the barrel to the brand of my clarinet?
Matching brand of barrel to brand of clarinet is not necessary. What is
necessary is to find what sounds best and gives you the best pitch for your
money.
7. The friend that loaned me the A clarinet also gave me a double case to
use and in the case was a "weird" looking barrel. It is inscribed DEG
POWERSTAR USA and AccuBore B64. The outer part of the barrel is not solid;
it has 12 circular disks whose circumference reach the outer part but in
between is empty space. I've tried it but cannot figure out exactly what
happens to the sound. What is the purpose of such a barrel? This barrel
when measured end to end is 64 mm.
I would try this barrel out with a tuner and see where your horns lie on
each note...then draw your own conclusions abut it.
Patricia Smith
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