 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-03-25 20:04
I'm going to be buying a custom barrel in the next few weeks from Taplin and Weir, in Nova Scotia, and I need a crash course in everything barrels. What exactly they do for sound, tuning, what all these different tapers mean, what I might expect from different wood types, different styles, etc. This is the website so you can have a look at the different types:
http://www.taplinweir.com/woodwinds_barrels.php
Don't know how to make it clickable, sorry.
[ Link fixed -GBK ]
I don't want to sound like an idiot when buying a barrel, so thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2009-03-25 20:31
It begs the question, why do you think you need one?
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2009-03-25 20:31)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-03-25 21:18
Because my barrel is far too short, and not wood. It's 61 mm, and as a result I'm not quite in tune with myself in some spots. The response is also a tad iffy in some spots, and after corresponding with John Weir, he's positive that a new barrel will make a world of difference.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-03-25 22:02
A reverse taper can make the sound more focused and a little more resistant. It also makes the left hand clarion notes flatter.
Non-wood barrels can be very good. I have a hard rubber Ridenour Ivorolon barrel, and it's better than my wood barrel that came with the clarinet.
How much are you pulling out with the 61 mm barrel? For most clarinets, I would get at least a 65 or 66 mm barrel.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-03-25 22:20
"short" is relative.
I made several 57mm ones for a principal symphonic player's Bb instruments.
'course, he happened to play on Yamaha CS horns.
Allan
disclaimer....I make and sell custom barrels.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
Post Edited (2009-03-25 22:22)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-03-25 22:25
> 61mm is awfully short....
Probably depends on the length, make and model of the clarinet. I had one that had a 62mm as a standard.
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-03-25 23:06
Every barrel with play differently for every player on every different clarinet and mouthpiece. There are only opinions on what a barrel should do but the only way you're going to know is to try them. Bring your tuner. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ryder
Date: 2009-03-26 00:17
How cool! I'm awaiting a shipment of Taplin Weir barrels. John Weir has been a great help so far in the process. I was reccomended to Taplin Weir by a very reputable source, who as far as I know is one of the most un-biased people around! He said they do AMAZING work. I asked for one barrels, but John is sending a selection of them to try based on my instrument and tone qualities. They are supposed to arrive in the next day or two so I will keep you posted. If you wish to contact me via email with any questions about them, feel free.
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-03-26 10:58
I pull out about 4-5 mm. I'm also sharp on the left hand clarions, and have to pull out about 1.5 mm at the middle joint to compensate. Every tech and player I've talked to is sure that this is because how much I have to pull out my barrel. The reason it's so short is because I got my clarinet at a second hand store, and that was the barrel on it. It has a large bore, so most barrels won't fit, which is why I haven't found one the right length yet.
And thanks, Ryder! That would be great. I'm glad I live within two hours driving distance, though.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-03-26 12:05
Be sure to contact John directly before you head to the shop, to make sure he has a selection of barrels which will be appropriate for your instrument. Different clarinets have different bore characteristics and require different barrels to give you the best sound.
Then there is also the matter of choice of wood, which opens up another can of worms!
Jeff
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2009-03-26 13:31
Curinfinwe,
Those are excellent reasons to be seeking a barrel. I didn't post earlier to be the smart-aleck, but because your questions were so open-ended! Knowing so little about their function, what were you planning on it doing for you?
Obviously you need a longer barrel, that part you've figured out.
If the notes of the upper clarion are sharper than the corresponding notes of the lower register, than you should try some barrels that have a "reverse-taper" or Moennig bore. This should "narrow" the twelfths and bring those pitches into line with the lower register.
Good luck and let us know how you enjoyed the barrels please!
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2009-03-26 14:58
John Weir was perfect with me early one morning at ClarinetFest in Vancouver. He listened (and made sure that my mouthpiece was fully seated in the top of the barrel. We went through a couple dozen barrels of various specification and material.
I was looking for easier access to my altissimo, and found it.
When I returned home, both of the Spokane Symphony clarinetists, separately and in two different venues listened to me play on my three barrels and BOTH preferred a stock, too short, Buffet barrel over the Moening and the Orsi & Weir.
Bring your tuner AND your recorder.
Bob Phillips
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-03-26 15:37
There is an analogy with brass players.
Some prefer a "reverse lead pipe on their trumpets. " Others favor the standard lead pipe.(pronounced as in "lead me not into temptation," not as in the metallic element)
Not all barrels need tapers.
Stock ones, of appropriate length, can work just fine.
That said, some players want some taper as an adjunct to sound coloration/alteration or a "feel" in the resistance, or a change in the throat tones.
disclaimer....I make and sell custom barrels (but not lead pipes).
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-03-26 16:37
Alseg,
That's interesting but perhaps you made the barrels for a Yamaha CSG? My CS Custom uses regular length barrels. The G has the longer upper section as I recall.
HRL
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tobin
Date: 2009-03-26 17:31
Hi Allan,
Am I wrong that the primary reason for a barrel having a reverse taper is to narrow the twelfths? I understand that resistance is added (amongst other things), that the individual/instrument has a huge impact, and that not all barrels need tapers.
James
Gnothi Seauton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-03-26 21:33
James, yes. The origin of taper use was for intonation. The dimensions chosen for that purpose are steeper that when a "touch" of taper is used for sound characteristics....likewise for the type of wood, or just turning the barrel on its axis to find the "sweet spot."
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
