Klarinet Archive - Posting 000459.txt from 2001/06

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] list value and switching barrels
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2001 14:03:47 -0400

Ann Satterfield said <<In the past i have written to the list that i have been using the same barrel on Bb and A when switching in orchestra. AFter reading the
>comments and replies (Walter Grabner specifically, and others), for past >two weeks, i used the barrels that came with the instrument. I greased the cork of the mouthpiece each time I put the instruments together, and
did not have the reed slip while changing. The A played definitely better both response and pitch. So I will be changing just mouthpiece between horns.>>>

Ann, I assume you meant the barrel from your "A" played better.

I did this myself, for over a year, using one of my "A" barrels for both clarinets. I moved away from this approach, however, when I had intonation difficulities playing wit strings on the Mozart Qunitet. Just too damn many sharp B's and C's (above the staff).

I know play on a Buffet "Moennig" barrel on my Bb (good sound, great projection, stable intonation) and a "Modified Moennig" which I made my self for my "A". It's 65 mm, exact same taper as the Bb barrel but slightly narrower over all. I view this as a stop gap measure only, however.

I have been experimenting with Cocobolo wood for barrels for Bb and A. (Yes, I am aware of the dangers, I use a mask and gloves).

I am very impressed with the overall consistancy of the tone throughout the range of the instrument, especially with the smoothness of the throat tones. Others have commented too, so I know it's just not me.

I am worried about the variability of the wood when in different climatic conditions. It seems to swell and contract much more than blackwood. Anyone else out there have any experience with Cocobolo?

Just some comments, no conclusions yet.

Walter Grabner

>And only use Bb barrel as emergency compensation for times when the group
>pitch is *very*

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org