 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Classical Saxophonist
Date: 2015-06-04 07:41
Hello,
I was thinking about getting a new barrel. How much difference do barrels make? My clarinet is a grenadilla Selmer Signet and my mouthpiece is a Vandoren B45 series 13, profile 88.
I was thinking about getting a Ridenour Ivorolon barrel. How good is this barrel?
If I do get one, which model should I get? From the Ridenour website, it lists these options:
"Ivorolon Barrels come in two bore styles; C and R.
The C bore is for players who use smaller bore high pitched mouthpieces.
The R is for players
who use large bore, low pitched mouthpieces."
and
"Ridenour Ivorolon Barrels come in the following lengths:
64, 65, 66, and 67 millimeters"
Post Edited (2015-06-04 07:44)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-06-04 15:44
Given your "lower pitched" mouthpiece (Vandoren 13 Series), and what Ridenour states, you'd want the "R" style barrel.
The length depends on what pitch YOU produce. It might help to start with the length of the barrel you already have. PROBLEM: since there ARE different versions of this barrel for tuning, and since it is a totally different manufacturer, you will have to experiment.
The standard length barrel on current Buffets (and other similar clarinets) is 66 millimeters. But it depends on YOUR results. If you use a looser embouchure with this more open mouthpiece (the B45) you may find the a shorter barrel working a little easier for you (like a 65mm perhaps).
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: ClaV
Date: 2015-06-05 06:24
You need to go from your current barrel length (with your mouthpiece) and decide about getting the same length or different (for the main pitch and/or possible summer/winter fluctuations).
A very good thing that Signet barrels are nearly the same in bore as standard Buffet-Leblanc-Yamaha barrels (not for granted at all with Selmer or older clarinets in general), so Ridenour barrels should be compatible by the bore.
Still the best is to try - to see what really works for you.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-06-06 16:58
I have never seen one in person. I think the best answer would be to shoot the company that question (ask about his thoughts of it in combination with the Signet). They are very responsive to technical queries and willing to work with customers.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2015-06-06 17:32
Classical Saxophonist wrote:
> Does anyone know what kind of design/bore shape the Ridenour barrel is?
from what I understand R is reverse conical - Moennig style; not sure if it is exactly the same taper.
Looks like your Signets may be narrow bore, so Ridenour may not be a good fit, or you might need a shorter barrel.
Here is info on bores:
http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clbore.htm
I'd measure the bore and shoot e-mail to Tom to see what he'd recommend.
PS you can always get several on trial and pick one which works the best.
Post Edited (2015-06-06 17:36)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2015-06-10 07:23
The great former English clarinet player Jack Brymer, great sax player too, writes in his book that a barrel is really an extention of a mouthpiece more that a part of the clarinet body. I have to agree. Think about the fact that the bore of the mouthpiece has little relation to the bore of a clarinet. Of course it needs to be compatible or it won't play in tune, but it's not the same. My best advise is for you to see if there's a store in your area that stocks different barrels. Asuming not, many mail order stores like Muncy will send you several on a trial bases. Figure out the length of your present barrel, decide if you need a longer or shorter one for tuning purposes and then try as many different brands you are able to try. Every barrel of every manufacture plays a little different. When I choose my barrels I'd try a dozen sometimes. Over the years I've changed brands but always tried as many as possible of the brand I liked. So much depends on the mouthpiece you play and how your clarinet tunes.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-06-10 18:49
I have an Ivorolon in my rotation and it works well with a Yamaha YCL-20, which has a bore diameter very close to that of a Signet. Mine is a 66mm with the R bore.
The Ivorolon tends to deliver a more covered, rounder, less edgy tone than stock wooden and composite barrels. If you are searching for more focus and core, this likely won't be a good solution for you.
Both of the plastic trim rings on mine have broken over the years, and I've see many used Ivorolons on Internet auctions with broken rings as well.
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