 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: swkeess
Date: 2007-07-16 19:20
Just wanted to share my experience in ordering a custom barrel from Allan Segal of clarinetconcepts.com. I contacted him because the 65 mm Zinner cocobolo barrel I had used with great satisfaction on my R13 was causing my new (used) Prestige clarinet to play too sharp. After researching past threads about his barrels, I contacted him to see if he could help me out with tuning. Dr. Segal asked me quite a few questions about my equipment, what settings I play in (chamber ensemble, mostly), and what elements I was looking for in my sound. He then sent me two absolutely beautiful barrels: one in Rosewood/Kingwood and the other in Cocobolo. Then the impossible task began - which one to keep and which one to send back? After a few days I couldn't decide, as both had unique sounds. I never would have believed that a barrel could make that much difference in my tone, but I am a true believer now. Both barrels fit easily and snugly on my clarinet, as well. Needless to say, I am keeping both barrels to assuage my G.A.S. pains! Please note that I have no connection with Allan Segal, other than being a very satisfied customer.
Susan Keess
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Author: J. J.
Date: 2007-07-16 21:03
Give it three months. Then we'll see how different your tone is.
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2007-07-16 21:58
J. J. said: "Give it three months. Then we'll see how different your tone is."
I only need about 2 weeks to get my tone back.
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2007-07-16 21:58
J. J. said: "Give it three months. Then we'll see how different your tone is."
I only need about 2 weeks then I just sound like me.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-07-16 22:18
Yup--maybe only two. With clarinet sound, it's simply a case of mind and oral characteristics over equipement every time. But all that excess G.A.S. hanging around the clarinet section is still making a lot of crafty mpc, ligature and barrel guys rich.
Hint--if your clarinet is sharp, pull the mouthpiece and/or your middle and bell joints a bit until it is "in tune". Cheaper that buying an expensive new barrel for the extra mm(s) it may have. Really, length is all that matters--not material. You can also be more flexible with your intonation if you use more upper lip in your embouchure. Practicing for a few minutes at the start of each practice session with a little "double" lip style will teach your upper lip to be more supportive and relieve some of the pressure provided by your lower teeth. Result, a more open and resonant sound and improved flexability in tuning. And, the possiblity of bringing down the pitch of your Prestige to the point that you may be able to resume using your old Zinner barrel.
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Author: swkeess
Date: 2007-07-17 02:06
Thanks for the responses. I'll take your views into consideration and let you know where I am in two months' time.
Susan Keess
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2007-07-17 02:28
I had some particular tuning problems with an Amati pro A clarinet which Allan concurred. I sent him the clarinet and he made an amazing barrel that cured the problems as well as his observation that other problems were caused by a too long stock bell. New barrel, switched the bell from the twin Bb clarinet and everything is great. The barrel is a beautiful work of art to boot. Often sending the clarinet to the artisan will allow them to work their magic first hand rather than tweaking by mail. IMHO if you are satisfied with your technique and hardware will fix the problem I am all for the hardware fix.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
(I receive no compensation from Dr. Segal)
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-07-17 05:14
I still find that amazing that a creator can fabricate a barrel just by your specific desires for sound and still correct slight intonation problems, all on the phone! that's cool
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2007-07-17 06:45
Disclaimer: I received compensation from swkeess for my barrels. I make and sell them
I thank swkeess for the kind words.
Yes, we all have a unique sound, plus the sound we want to achieve. Tweaking barrel dimensions and altering acoustic properties (species of wood, bore shape, etc) can sometimes make it easier to achieve what you want....I will be the first to admit that a barrel will not hand you a sound on a silver platter. If a given barrel makes it easier, so much the better.
Next. Intonnation: Dont confuse length of the barrel with internal consistency, eg tuning the clarion can throw off the covered note, throat tones, etc. Barrel alterations (besides length) can help these problems. In fact, that is how all these barrel mayvens got started.
C2thew: I would prefer to have the instrument (and player with me)....that is not always feasible, so I ask a lot of questions. Sometimes the answers point to a problem other than the barrel, in which case I lose a sale, but gain a friend, when a simple leak or pad height is corrected by a local tech.
Allan Segal,
writing from St Petersburg Russia, where it is sunny and cool and where the Mariinsky theatre is unfortunately closed for some rennovations.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
Post Edited (2007-07-17 06:50)
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Author: dgclarinet
Date: 2007-07-17 15:03
I guess all the "give it three months" folks are still playing their Bundy screamers and HS* mouthpieces too.
Wow, some incredibly rude comments.
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Author: ginny
Date: 2007-07-17 16:28
Hardware has helped me to be sure. I accidently put on my less favorite barrel last week, I could tell in a moment.
I'm sure Joshua Bell sounds good on any violin, but for some reason he doesn't play just any violin.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-07-17 16:51
Also just a thought, and I will concede that it is not a given:
Considering swkeess' choice in instruments, her attention to her pitch problems, her familiarity with the board, and her choice of barrel craftsman...I'm going to presume that she knows already when and where to pull out.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2007-07-19 13:38
Regarding getting your old sound back, there was an interesting post on one of flute boards. It pertained to trying new headjoints. The teacher noticed wonderful results from his students when trying some new headjoints. The headjoints were far more expensive than a barrel joint and the students couldn't afford them. What did result was a residual effect. The students took some of the qualities of those expensive headjoints when they went back to their own instruments and sounded great for some time. Who knows?
Freelance woodwind performer
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