 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mkybrain
Date: 2004-09-22 21:42
In the past month or so i have started to use a Lomax MP. At first i thought it was just me, but eventually i realized there was a consistant pattern of me being sharp. My band director(i really shouldve though of this first but hes pretty old, i.e. expereinced) said i might need to get a longer barrel. I figure if im going to need to get a longer barrel, why not use this opporunity to try out a new kind of barrel. My question is are there any new barrels out there (i use an r-13 vintage) that have gotten some good attention, or are there a few barrels, especially one, that has consitantly been highly acclaimed. I looked through the history but i could not find any comparisons betw. barrels. Forgive me if i missed any threads containing comparisons between barrels.
Thanx
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Author: steve s
Date: 2004-09-23 00:26
Barrels tend to be a lot of voodoo. That being said, many people have found that the use of a barrel with a bore that has a reverse or "Moenning" taper solves many intonation problems and cleans up your tone. Of course, you have to find the right length and match it to bore characteristics of your mouthpiece and upper joint.
The standard buffet barrel does not have this taper, they do make one that has the taper. You can also get barrels by custom makers that use their own tapers. Some barrels are made out of synthetic material. Somebody in British Columbia makes a super barrel that is unbelievably expensive but is supposed to make you sound like Robert Marcellus if you don't already.
I would stay away from the so-called "click barrel" that allows you to adjust the length of the barrel.
That being said, the most important thing is to try a lot of combinations and find what works for you. My old teacher Jerry Stowell told me the most important factor has its mouth around the mouthpiece.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-23 00:36
Trying out barrels by mail is a most inefficient way to pick one.
If you have your mind set on finding a new barrel, I think it is best to devote a day visiting a store which has a large selction, or better yet, attend a clarinet symposium or conference where many brands are represented.
Only then can you try them out side by side and see if you get the response, tuning and sound you are looking for.
If you order one by mail, you will always (needlessly) wonder if there is something better, somewhere...GBK
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-09-23 01:03
Click barrels are actually pretty good. It's gotten me through a lot of times. Although it's only used during marching band, along with the rest of the clarinet.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-09-23 05:29
Obligatory plug for Morrie Backun. I've been playing on one of his barrels for the past couple of months and am still absolutely delighted. Expect to pay US$150-200. You can also request barrels of a particular length (mine is a 66.5mm to combat sharpness a bit).
However, if you're just habitually sharp, why not pull out more?
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Ed
Date: 2004-09-23 11:47
Moennig, Chadash, Fobes, Backun and Muncy barrels are all popular. You might try calling Phil Muncy at Muncy Winds who I believe carries all or most of the above and tell him your issues and what you are looking for. He can then do some of the legwork for you and send you a trial batch and you can see if any of them do what you are looking for.
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Author: mkybrain
Date: 2004-09-23 14:04
GBK-
I can't think of one store in Alabama that carries anything barrels. They don't even carry good mouthpieces. I usually order everything through woodwind and brasswind. What should i do if i were to avoid the mailing type if deal.
o and EEBaum, hehe, i usually have to pull out as much as i can at the middle and a lot at the bell, i pull out about half way at the barrel b/c(and one of my teachers, who has the same clarinet, says she has the same problem) the e and f right below throat tone g are naturally flat on my clarinet. It becomes very difficult to pull it up into tune if i pull out as much as possible. At the moment it almost feels like im playing an A clarinet, with respect to size only that is. Ha, my A clarinet is actually annoyingly flat. But thats a problem i don't wish to delve into right now.
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Author: BizNizzy
Date: 2004-09-24 19:29
Really, the type of barrel you play on should reflect on what kind of mouthpiece and instrument you play on.
I too play on an R-13, and use a Freeman Chedeville mouthpiece.
If you play on a Buffet, then my shameless plug is for Chadash, seeing as how he used to work for Buffet, and therefor is more familiar with the feel of the instument. I purchased a set for $150 directly from him, but it will probably cost you about that for one. Definately worth the buy if you're on a Buffet though.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2004-09-24 22:09
you can find contact info at
http://www.chadashclarinet.com/
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