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 Plastic Socket Rings Are DREADFUL!
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2026-01-13 20:19

And a completely pointless exercise as they offer absolutely no strength nor support to the sockets.

I've just fitted Buffet socket rings to a Louis Rossi clarinet as the plastic artificial ivory socket rings on that had all cracked and broke off. Plus I added an extra socket ring to the mouthpiece socket on the barrel as that was unsupported.

If you want the look of ivory socket rings, then fit artificial ivory ones over metal socket rings and everyone will be happy. The metal ones can also be completely hidden under the decorative plastic or wooden socket rings (even when looking at the ends of the sockets if made well) while secretly still doing the important job of supporting the sockets.

There are some clarinet makers going for a ringless look, but they have metal socket rings hidden uner the decorative wooden ones.

And I still think ringless barrels and bells are absolute dogdirt as you can't guarantee they won't crack regardless of how thick the wood is.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010


Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist

Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes

NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Plastic Socket Rings Are DREADFUL!
Author: donald 
Date:   2026-01-13 23:32

I painted my metal socket rings black on my A clarinet and told a bunch of people I had these new super alloy rings to darken the sound... EVERYONE fell for it except for... ta-daaaaaa MY MOTHER

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 Re: Plastic Socket Rings Are DREADFUL!
Author: lydian 
Date:   2026-01-14 22:58

Quick question. What's a socket ring? Is it the rings on the barrel and bell. If so, why would those ever need to be replaced?

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