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Re: Fobes Barrel too tight

Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2008-06-11 04:13

Hi Clark & All:

The FOBES barrels I use on my R-13 were a little snug when Clark and I first tried them in NYC. I won't repeat the story of how we managed to get one of the really tight fitting barrels off...it's too embarrassing!

Clark did suggest I do some minor sanding myself, which worked out just fine. He said go a little bit at a time, so I did, and with patience, it now fits just fine. I use both my FOBES Eb Grenadilla, and my Bb Cocobolo every day/night at WICKED on Broadway, so they get lots of use. The Cocobolo seemed to change (for the better) more quickly than the Grenadilla. I'm not sure if it's the Eb-Bb thing, or just the nature of the wood, but the Bb barrel required a little more sanding than the Eb barrel. Now they both play great, so thanks again Clark for your fine products. We are lucky you are so accommodating to our needs.

I would also suggest those of you who do have serious tight fitting barrel issues, to send the barrel back to Clark. If it's only a simple problem that can easily be fixed with the sandpaper mentioned, then give it a try. Lets not bother Clark with a thousand barrel returns. Most of the barrels I've tried fit just fine on the dozens of horns I have recently played. Clark is very consistent with his products, and as you know, he plays everything before it goes out.

Lets remember there have been, and still are, fine clarinet equipment craftsmen out there, who carefully monitor their products so we get their very best. Clark is one of those craftsmen, and also a fine clarinetist!

JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist

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