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Re: Buffet vs. Moennig Barrels

Author: D Dow
Date: 2004-08-09 16:24

In conversation with Mr. Hite I asked a good deal about his thoughts on the Reverse taper Moemmig barrel and he said they had a definite reverse taper...the characteristics this gives is it tends to send a wave form throught the upper joint of the clarinet which lowers the pitch througout the entire scale.

As to technical matters I am sure others have written extensively...I have used the Moennig Barrels on both Selmer and Buffets with David Hite pieces in orchestra and found they have excellent pitch and tonal characteristics...

however, the player has to also find the right barrel for the instrument he or she is playing...this means maybe trying a couple for no one person is the same as the other so a personal choice means finding a barrel that allows for nice tuning with excellent tone and control...

as a matter of conjecture I have always wondered why so many players seem mystified by the concept of a Mooenig barrel...Selmer and Buffet are primarily what Moennig designed for as to how well they adapt to Yamaha and Leblanc others may want to step forward....they may not work so well with certain bore configurations is definite...! Primarily the Moennig firm made for Selmer and Buffet players....

The main aspect that I like about Moennig barrels is the response and the superb 12ths throughout the entire compass...this is no easy matter in an instrument with a bore so unstable as the clarinet.

As to the success others have had with Moennig barrels the popularity of them is evident...

The American clarinet school is noted for it's refinement of tuning and wonderful ease of sound production...no doubt in part due to the like of the Moennig barrel...

David Hite was very helpful with me about his knowledge of the Moennig barrel...and yes there are people about who can readjust older Moennig barrels to bring them to the original measurements!

As to sound production they tend to bring a deep rich lustre to the sound witout sacrificing projection which can be the case with some types of equipment....

as to mouthpieces they really do help a fine mouthpiece act and project the way it should. A number of older school players like Hite, Gigliotti and Gennussa were adament that the Moennig barrel gave to tone a set of properties that tended to stabilize the sound and centre the tone.

David Dow

Post Edited (2004-08-09 16:27)

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Buffet vs. Moennig Barrels new

Elise W.

2004-08-07 16:48