The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2004-11-20 18:28
Does anyone know of a craftsman who makes custom barrels for Bb instruments with bore dimensions OTHER than the R-13? I have a 21,000 series Buffet and the barrel won't accept well over half my mouthpiece collection, many of which are contemporary with the clarinet. Interestingly, I had to insert tape into the top of the barrel on my 25,000 Buffet because it was too "loose." I'd like to send someone the top joint of my clarinet and have a barrel made that works with it (and accepts the tenons of more mouthpieces).
This is dreaming, right?
Bill.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-11-20 18:50
Hi,
Robert Scott in Lansing, MI and Walter Grabner can probably help you. I believe that both of these craftsmen make barrels from stock rods and can easily accomadate your needs.
An email to either should get the ball rolling.
HRL
PS I'm sure there are others that can help you.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-11-20 20:38
Over time, tenons can alter dimensions.
When customizing the tenon is measured in two diameters both above and below the cork, plus the cork area.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2004-11-20 23:43
Thanks for the information! Of course, the length of barrel would also be an issue, as several older clarinets used other than 66 mm.
Bill.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-11-21 00:06
That is why you need good communications with the maker of the barrel....to find out what intonation problems you are having. Otherwise you will be ordering/testing/returning into the next century
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-11-21 02:24
Bill,
I talked to Bob Scott about an intonation problem that I was having with a Leblanc Dynamic 2. He sent me a barrel that he thought would work. It was perfect!
However, you seem to have more of a "plumbing problem." If experiencing an intonation problem as well, maybe kill two birds with one stone and do a Alseg has suggested above and communicate clearly what you want to accomplish.
HRL
PS I have 65, 66, 67, and 68mm barrels of all shapes aka "a barrel for all occassions."
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2004-11-21 04:18
I suggest you contact Walter Grabner. (He is a sponsor of this BB). You will get excellent personal attention.
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Author: CK
Date: 2004-11-22 19:36
In addition to Backun, Grabner, you might also try Phil Muncy
at Muncy Music.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-11-22 20:36
A call to Morrie might solve your issues.
I have spoken with him in the past and he is most congenial.
I see that Walt's (Grabner) shop is retooling. Having corresponded with him a few weeks ago via email, and comparing barrel making notes, I can attest to his willingness to help you.
(very helpful and talented with mouthpieces)
I am also in the process of revamping my own workshop...replacing the bore measuring devices with all-digital Fowler or Mitutoyo equipment, as well as some custom milling cutters.
(the above non commercial message, except for some minor grammatical corrections,pre-approved by MC)
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: hartt
Date: 2004-11-24 05:22
contragirl.................oh yes, Clark Fobes
I've 3 of his bbls ( all A tapers). They work extremely well on all my R13 Bb's and A's. One bbl, a rosewood, gives a 'lighter' sound and perks up an A. I've retired my stock & reworked R13 bbls, and the chadashs'.
I use his 'new' CF+ mp and it's a dream. He gave me an alto sax mp and it's better than anything I've used. I also use his san fran eefer mp and it works well on my eefers.
If one sends him a mp, he'll accomodate the bbl around it. simply provide the length and if for an A or Bb.
A pleasure to speak with and an email / phone call away.
regards
dennis
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Author: Ed
Date: 2004-11-24 13:42
I can say that I also HIGHLY recommend Clark Fobes work. He is very easy to work with, really understands the acoustics of the clarinet better than most people out there, and is always working to improve his line of equipment. I have quite a bit of his stuff and think it is all top notch.
I have also heard some very good things about Walter Grabner.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2004-11-24 16:00
I've had experience with most of the above mentioned barrel makers and agree wholeheartedly that they are all good.
Walter Grabner refaced some stock mouthpieces for me and was quick and courteous. An all-round good guy to work with.
Clark Fobes barrels are excellent as well.
Lots of talent on this bboard. Check out the sponsor page.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-11-24 20:54
Instead of an expensive custom "made to order" barrel, why not just recork the tendons of your mouthpieces so that they will fit more securely in your original barrel?
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Author: Bill
Date: 2004-11-24 21:36
In response to the question above, most of my mouthpieces fit most of my clarinets. This clarinet, the one in question, has a barrel that is strangely small or narrow at the mouthpiece end. This has happened to me only once before, with an older Leblanc clarinet that would not accept the tenons of several mouthpieces, which fit easily into other barrels.
Also, the tenons of older Selmer mouthpieces tend to have a greater circumference.
Thanks - Bill.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2004-11-26 13:12
When checking the tenon also consider the exit bore.
They can range from 0.595 for Kaspar to lower numbers for other types, eg 0.585 -0.578 (Old Ched) and this information impacts on the dimensions of the barrel that will work best for you.
There are some good archives on this subject in Klarinet list
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-11-26 13:29
Jimmy Yan - JY Woodwinds
250 W 54th St. (between Broadway and 8th Ave.)
Room 801
New York, NY
212-581-9765
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Bill
Date: 2004-12-01 14:04
Thanks to everyone for the tips/advice.
I just got a wonderful new mouthpiece - it went in the barrel socket OK but isn't coming out. They are "welded" for eternity.
It's so strange that two Buffet barrels should have such different measurements - the clarinets were made just 2 years apart!
Bill.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-12-01 14:48
Guy Chadash also makes custom barrels and can fit the upper socket to your mouthpiece. These will probably work better than the ones available through the mail order stores, since he can customize the bore to your mouthpiece and instrument.
If your mouthpiece feels "welded" to the barrel, that means that the rubber area below or (less likely) above the mouthpiece cork is binding aganst the barrel socket. This is not good. It can make the ruber warp or cause the barrel to crack. Also, a prime cause of barrel problems is water left in the bottom of the socket, which soaks into the end-grain of the wood, causing expansion and cracking. The mouthpiece tenon is usually a bit shorter than the barrel socket, but even if it's a perfect fit, water can creep in.
It's not at all unusual for barrel sockets to vary in diameter. If the sticking happens on only one barrel, the socket has shrunk, and it needs to be reamed out. This us clumsy to do, particularly at the bottom of the socket, unless you have a reamer designed to do it.
If the sticking happens on all your barrels, and you're sure it's not just the cork, the area on the mouthpiece tenon that binds needs to be reduced in diameter slightly. This is delicate work, best done on a lathe to preserve roundness.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Bill
Date: 2004-12-01 14:56
I've actually (very carefully) reamed out the top of this barrel (and one other) using a bit of fine sandpaper wrapped around my index finger. I try to mimic a tool that approaches the surface evenly, and I track my progress around the socket so as not to over- or under-sand any one area.
It helps a bit, but not substantially.
Bill.
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