 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Plonk
Date: 2010-06-05 08:23
I've got a B&H Edgware with a Buffet barrel that plays really sharp. (I am very ignorant about the technical side of barrels and bores and things, so bear with me!)
I think the barrel comes from a Bb instrument, because it's the same length as the barrel on my Bb Yamaha Cl34. But may be this isn't the only measurement that I need to look at?
When I was given the instrument, I assumed the barrel was the right kind. Then I read recently that an A clarinet normally has a longer barrel. Then I just read about some "cuore" barrels and their info page says a Bb barrel is 66mm and an A is 65mm, so shorter.
So now I'm completely confused.
Can anyone shed any light or offer any advice please! (As some of you know, I don't live anywhere near a specialist so I can't take it in to be looked at. I'm just in the process of educating myself for the moment!) Thanks.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2010-06-05 09:07
The barrel for B&H Edgware should be 67mm long and have a bore of 15.0mm (parallel)
Same barrel is used by B&H for both Bb and A clarinet.
You really do need the correct B&H barrel or one of identical dimensions for clarinet to play in tune with itself at correct pitch.
When clarinet is warmed up you should normally be pulled out about 1mm to play at 440 Hz on this clarinet/barrel setup.
A Buffet barrel is incorrect for B&H clarinet.
Post Edited (2010-06-05 09:10)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-06-05 09:18
Look for a 67mm B&H barrel - not a 1010 one (with smooth rings) as the bore will be too large, but any other wooden B&H barrel will be fine provided it is 67mm. An Imperial 926 barrel will have smooth socket rings, but will have the 15mm bore.
There are some instances where you'll find a matching A clarinet has a shorter barrel than its Bb counterpart. One example being the matching set of Selmer Series 9* clarinets I've got - the Bb has a 66mm barrel and the A a 65mm one. Each section of each instrument is serial numbered and marked either A or Bb, and the A barrel is the shorter of the two. Has to be said I'm already sharp using the 66mm barrel on both instruments. One of the Yamaha Custom models also has a shorter barrel for the equivalent A clarinet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Plonk
Date: 2010-06-05 09:32
Thanks! So if I happen to see a Bb B&H going cheap on Ebay perhaps because it needs an overhaul, it might be a good idea to get it? Or would that be risky? Would a plastic one work? Where else could one find an old barrel? (No jokes please!)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-06-05 10:12
A plastic Regent (or other B&H clarinet) barrel will be fine - so long as it's 67mm. Unless you know someone who could make you a new barrel to the correct length and bore size.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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