Klarinet Archive - Posting 000419.txt from 2003/10

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] cocabolo wood
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2003 09:19:59 -0400

Cocobolo comments:

I routinely make barrels from cocobolo. I like the tone quality that results from the finished product better than any other wood I have worked with. (No, I am not going to get in the material doesn't matter debate, so please let's not go there).

I made a cocobolo barrel last week for a client that was to die for. I had a hard time giving it up....it was so beautiful....It's such a pretty wood.

When I work with cocobolo, I wear a face mask and use a dust collection device. This seems to be as much protection as I need right now.

About a year and a half ago, before I started using the face masks, I did come down with an irritating rash after working with cocobolo. It was very much like poison ivy...itchy and irritating. I was planning on ceasing to use cocobolo, but I have had too many customer requests.

I use personally use several cocobolo barrels on my Bb and A. They are totally inert and I have no reaction from handling them. The customers who have bought them have never indicated a problem.

I have never seen a bass clarinet made of cocobolo.

I would LOVE to see a greenline bass clarinet. There's a product that the world neds to see!

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com

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