Klarinet Archive - Posting 000227.txt from 2001/12

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Materials
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001 19:34:51 -0500

Clark Fobes says:

<< But, I doubt that either of these men (Benade or Gibson) has made very many mouthpieces, barrels, bells or instruments from the ground up. They lack the experience of the artisan. I think of these men as masterful art critics that have analyzed the process of painting down to the molecule, but have never produced a painting and experienced the wonderful, organic process of art.>>

Walter says: Exactly!

Clark continues: <<My point is this. As a maker of acoustical parts for clarinets it is my
experience that,

a.) materials do have an influence on sound (Smoothness, or skin friction and porosity) and
b.) wall thickness or perhaps overall mass DOES influence the performers perception of sound and response.>>

Walter says: I am going to agree 100% with Clark here. I do believe the porosity of the interior bore makes a HUGE difference. Also mass is very important.

Clark:

<< To return to my point about wall thickness. Clarinet barrels have very thick walls when compared to a flute. Yet, if I remove wood near outside at the top end of the barrel the sound is distinctly different than if I leave that area alone. I am certainly not affecting the interior in any way. The material of the rings makes a subtle difference. Barrels with a pronounced "bulge" respond differently than barrels that have none. Have you ever wondered WHY all clarinet barrels have a bulge? Benade (and many others) may say that the result is not measurable in any way. But it is measured by the
performer in the way she feels the tone being produced.>>

Walter: I once again am going to concur with Clark. I made a barrel a few weeks ago. It was made from a lovely piece of wood, with interior measurements similar to my other barrels. I experimented with a different outside profile; much thinner and sleeker. I don't like the "sound" or rather the response, of this barrel. There's nothing WRONG with it, it just isn't WOW....it's.......dull, boring, nothing to write home about.

Thanks Clark, (and no everybody, we do NOT agree all the time!)

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com

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