Klarinet Archive - Posting 001214.txt from 2003/03

From: Karl Krelove <karlkrelove@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] flat R-13
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 09:01:53 -0500

Without wanting even to speculate on what's causing the flatness, I'd try to
find a source of shorter barrels to try rather than cutting the one you
have. If it turns out to solve the problem, you can still cut yours down
later.

But length alone doesn't set the pitch level of a barrel with a given
mouthpiece and instrument. The bore configuration has an effect. Also, make
sure (by measuring with a gauge) that the sockets on the barrel at either
end aren't significantly longer than the tenons going into them from the
mouthpieces or the upper section of the clarinet. A large space inside, if a
barrel socket is cut in too long from the end, could cause a degree of
flatness that shortening the outer length alone might not fix.

By the way, my experience with the M13-M15 series of Vandorens is that they
*are* somewhat lower than most others I've tried.

FWIW,

Karl Krelove

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Gilbert [mailto:dgilbert@-----.com]
> Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 8:16 AM
> To: klarinet@-----.org
> Subject: [kl] flat R-13
>
>
> I have acquired an R-13 ,serial # 176,xxx that just simply plays flat.
>
> With the full length barrel( 66 mm I believe), the horn seemed about
> 20-25 cents down across the entire range. I've shortened the barrel 2 mm
> and had the horn given a top quality set of cork pad uppers and double
> skin lowers. The instrument plays well , but is still a solid 10 cents
> low-including the throat tones. I can "lip it up" but don't really like
> to play that tight as the tone suffers. Another player on a different
> mpc also has similar results.( we have tested with Vandoren and Clark
> Fobes)
>
> My questions; Has anyone run into this before? Is it safe to shorten
> the barrel even further ?( now about 64 mm) . Other thoughts and ideas
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> Dave G
> Ann Arbor, MI
>
>
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>
>

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