Klarinet Archive - Posting 000597.txt from 2002/01

From: MBack@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Brand New Barrel Design From Vancouver
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2002 22:47:31 -0500

Hello Walter,

Thank you for the kind words. I will try to address each of your questions.

I make the rings myself from sterling silver which is engraved with various patterns according to each players taste. I do not use brass or nickel silver which is then normally plated, but only precious metals for both sound and visual beauty.
Most players seem to be choosing exotic woods for the rings rather than silver. I have changed several rings from metal to wood and always had very
good results, with obvious tonal improvement.

I have different bores (sizes and tapers) for the A and B flat (also C, D and E flat) Unfortunately there are too many compromises with using the
same barrel on the different bores. I also use different tapers for Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc and Yamaha clarinets. I don't want to tell you how
much I have spent on lathes and custom reamers for fear that my wife will find out....let alone the rare aged wood stockpile!

The precise formula I use for treating the wood is a "trade secret" but I can tell you that it is organic and non volatile. I use it in a heated state
with a full immersion technique

I use a special wood stabilization process to insure the integrity of the bore. for the long term. Too many players suffer from barrels that are constantly changing dimensions internally and causing major pitch/response problems.

I will have the digital photographs tomorrow so if you (or anyone else on the Klarinet list) want to see some of these barrels, please e-mail me.

With regards,

Morrie Backun
MBack@-----.com

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