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Consistency on Brand New R13? Barrel?

Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2015-11-23 21:15

My HS student just had a brand new R13 issued to her from her school. The instrument was purchased from the local music store by the district. The horn, to my surprise, plays really well. Not sure why I'm surprised. I always assume those horns have been 'picked' through several times before making to generic retail outlet. Perhaps not.

My question...
the R13 came with a 66mm barrel instead of a 65mm. The 66mm is playing notably flat. Is this standard practice by Buffet to only issue 66mm in the states? I'm letting her use my old Moenig 65mm for the time being...intonation spot on with it.

~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)

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Re: Consistency on Brand New R13? Barrel?

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-11-23 22:14

Well, lot of things to unpack here. Back in the 70s we were all bent out of shape over Buffet including 65mm barrels as standard length because the result was usually to sharp. This was when all available mouthpieces were higher pitch (I still personally think the intonation of our horns is more compatible with those....but I digress).

Buffet heard us, and now equips their horns with barrels that are a full millimeter longer. Of course now most mouthpieces are designed to produce a 'darker,' 'fuller' sound (i.e. the Vandoren 13 Series). Now there is a tendency toward what you describe.....oh well.

But if you have a 65mm barrel and it works great, USE it!

...............Paul Aviles

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Re: Consistency on Brand New R13? Barrel?

Author: David Kinder
Date: 2015-11-23 22:40

From what I know, standard R13 clarinets come only with a 66mm barrel.

Only the premium Buffet clarinets (Prestige, Festival, etc.) come with 2 barrels - 66mm and 65mm.

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Re: Consistency on Brand New R13? Barrel?

Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2015-11-23 23:17

Paul:
That makes complete sense. Now that you mention it, I recall that myself with Buffet back in the day. I have her playing on a Clark Fobes CF+ mouthpiece. My Fobes barrel (66mm) worked perfectly for me (intonation). But we're all different.

She already sounds terrific without going through the mandatory, tedious long tones. Unfortunately (or fortunately) she'll experience those this week...the journey begin for her will begin to beautiful sound.

Thanks for the info!

~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)

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