 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bubalooy
Date: 2009-10-06 20:40
I know that some clarinets are made to use the same barrel on both the B-flat and A clarinet. My question is, why aren't all clarinets made this way? Doesn't it make fast changes from one to the other easier with much less risk of messing up the reed position?
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-10-06 22:07
On some models the bore is a slightly different size between Bb and A and/or there is a difference of taper at the top end of the upper joint which the maker believes needs a different shape bore in the barrel to match it.
Models with a more uniformly parallel bore in the top joint are often the ones that use the same barrel on both Bb and A (e.g. earlier models by Leblanc and most models by B&H).
That said many players do find they can manage quite well using the same barrel on both instruments even when the maker suggests otherwise.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-10-07 03:28
It really isn't that a barrel is made to be played on both clarinets it's more that some barrels simply play well on both clarinets for certain players. In other words, it depends on the players, their mouthpiece and their clarinets. My Backun barrels play well on both my Buffet clarinets but some other barrels I've had didn't. It's a very individual thing. One player in my BSO section uses the same barrel on both, the other three of us use different barrels on each. I've done it both ways at one time or other. Now I use a Selmer Bb and a Buffet A clarinet so I can't use the same barrel. I need a much shorter Bb than the A. Usually the problem is that a Bb barrel is a little more opened in the bore than an A barrel because an A clarinet usually has a smaller bore but some barrels simply play well on both for certain players. I know some players that won't even consider doing that because they measure the barrels before playing them and insist that the Bb and A must be different, period. Each to their own. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-10-07 10:25
Actually the A and Bb barrels are identical on the Yamaha CSGs. Could also have to do with the fact that they are quite short - 55mm or so.
............Paul Aviles
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