The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-05-05 22:37
With some important Eb clarinet work approaching, I recently turned to Allan Segal to see if he could make me a new barrel which would be an acceptable match for my Selmer Series 9 played with either a Borbeck or Morgan mouthpiece. (I also have an R13, but like the hand position better on the Selmer)
Since I already own one of Allan's Bb clarinet barrels, (I had 2, but lent one to one of my students who then wouldn't part with it - so I sold it), I was well aware of his work.
After initially sending me a few Eb barrel samples to get a feel for what I was looking for, we finally narrowed down the dimensions, bore, wood and length.
Within a few days, Allan then sent me 2 beautiful Blackwood barrels (42.6mm and 42.8mm) which he made with slightly differing bores.
An enjoyable afternoon of testing and comparing finally lead me to choose the 42.8mm barrel. The sound was full, but with some of the brightness removed from upper partials. Exactly what I wanted.
Although there are MANY excellent manufacturers of barrels available (you know the usual suspects) Allan Segal deserves serious consideration.
He is easy to work with, very accommodating, open to customer feedback and willing to go the extra mile to please.
BTW - A well matched barrel DOES make an important difference, especially on the smaller clarinets.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER - Although Allan is a close friend, and bulletin board colleague, I insisted on paying full asking price for the new barrel.
...GBK
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Author: redwine
Date: 2008-05-06 00:57
Hello,
I second admiration for great work from Allan.
disclaimer: He can send me money if he wants.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2008-05-06 01:22
Hip, hip, horay, the gang is all here. I had some personal tuning problems with a classic Chedeville mouthpiece which required a shorter barrel for my Buffet Vintage Bb and Allan came through with two beautiful barrels - hard to choose between them so I kept both - one figured Grenadilla regular profile and the other a gorgeous Cocobolo fat boy. Allan is a friend too.
Disclaimer - I never pay money for anything as long as I can barter wares for bucks - a little money did accompany this deal however plus the wares.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
Post Edited (2008-05-06 01:33)
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2008-05-06 01:41
Shucks......I feel like it is prom night.
But I am holding out for the diamond ring.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: swkeess
Date: 2008-05-06 03:27
I hesitated to add to this thread since I'm just a very small amateur player compared to the professionals above, but must say that Allan Segal treated me as though I was a V.I.P. and made me two beautiful barrels, one of cocobolo and the other of a kingwood/rosewood combination. It was too hard to decide which to keep, so I kept both. I have no connection with Dr. Segal, paid full price for both barrels and I've never regretted the purchase.
Susan Keess
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-05-06 03:37
swkeess wrote:
> I hesitated to add to this thread since I'm just a very small
> amateur player compared to the professionals above,
Susan is being modest...
I spent an enjoyable morning playing duets with Sue when she was in my area last summer.
She is a fine player, an excellent reader and more than "a very small amateur"
...GBK
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Author: swkeess
Date: 2008-05-07 02:22
Glenn is very kind, and a great teacher who shared his knowledge generously. I've been very lucky to learn a lot from this bulletin board in the past few years. I've been inspired to resume clarinet lessons after a hiatus of about 40 years, so hope that this will lead to better and more inspired practise .
One of the upbeat things about getting older is that you can indulge your G.A.S. urgings more. Thank you to Allan Segal, Omar Henderson, and Walter Grabner for making my latter day dreams come true.
Susan Keess
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Author: Igonzalez
Date: 2008-06-24 22:43
Just
May be I'm one of the most recent fans of Dr. Segal's work.... (Me and some of my students.. and colleagues in my country...)
Just can say: I have some of his pieces (e flat, B flat, on different woods, different bores....) and WE CAN not choose just one, all of them are great.
NICE JOB Dr....
THANKS!!!!!
My best W.
Ivan
Just Ivan....
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