 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RJShaw0
Date: 2010-09-18 13:49
Hi,
I'm looking into buying a new barrel for my Tosca Bb, and I was wondering what anyone would suggest.
My reason is that I've come to notice that my Pomarico Crystal is about 1-2mm shorter than usual, so my clarinet is always a fraction sharp and so a 68mm barrel would most likely fix this.
I've read that certain barrels work only on some clarinets, like the Moennig and R13 so has anyone had any experience with these, or the Chadash or Muncy, on the Tosca?
I'm looking for something that will offer a darker tone (if possible).
Thanks,
RJS
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2010-09-18 14:17
It is not just the LENGTH of the barrel that changes pitch, but the bore dimensions.....and this should also be determined by the exit bore of the mouthpiece.
Can you measure the openning at the very end of the new mouthpiece with a caliper in either 0.00mm or 0.000 inches (preferably the latter)?
disclaimer. I am one of the other folks who make/sell barrels
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: RJShaw0
Date: 2010-09-19 02:22
internal diameter = 1.54mm±.02mm
but if my internet conversion works correctly...
0.0606 inches
Thanks,
RJS
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2010-09-19 04:21
1.54 mm couldn't possibly be the exit bore of the mouthpiece...
Toscas tend to tune best with the stock barrels, from the ones I've played on and those I've talk to who own toscas. Other barrels that work well on R13s or other clarinets will most likley not get similar results, and can many times have a NEGATIVE affect on the tuning.
From what you say, it sounds like the clarinet plays well in tune with itself, but the mouthpiece is the factor throwing off the pitch center. No one is going to care what a mouthpiece sounds like in performance if it's out of tune. A good mouthpiece should tune well. I would take it one step further and say that a mouthpiece that doesn't tune well (or fights you in your attempts to play in tune) is not a good mouthpiece or is in need of repair.
My current teacher uses Muncy barrels on his Toscas, although I haven't played them for more than a minute or so and not with a tuner. He has success with them, but I believe they are 66\65mm (Bb\A).
If it were me, I would consider 4 viable options:
1) Find a new mouthpiece that has a better pitch center for your instrument and playing style.
2) Contact someone like Backun or Segal to get a custom taper and length barrel made for a tosca bore
3) Put a tuning ring in (not so desirable, but an option if you're having serious issues)
4) (should be 1, really) Verify that there is no unnecessary jaw pressure or other deficiencies that raise the pitch.
I know there are people using backun barrels and bells on Toscas, so contacting them would be a good start (especially if you're interested in a "dark" sound).
Best of luck,
Nathan
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2010-09-19 11:28
Well, if you have a store near you, just try them. It doesn't matter what someone in the store says it is "made for", just if it works or not.
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Author: RJShaw0
Date: 2010-09-19 14:41
1.54cm I mean, oops.
The mouthpiece does tune well throughout the horn, and it plays exceptionally.
Its not like I'm having a disasterous time tuning, I'm just getting sick of always pulling out.
The thing is, it tunes consistently to 442hz, with the 66mm barrel, which is why I was wondering about 67 possibly 68mm.
I'll head down to my local and see what they have.
RJS
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Author: donald
Date: 2010-09-19 20:04
You can made a tuning ring for the mouthpiece socket by cutting the bottom off an old mouthpiece. This will probably have a little "wriggle room" so may not be a good permanent solution, but is an easy way to try out the concept (and you can have a better fit made if it works for you).
This way- you can continue to use your current barrel without having to pull out as much.
dn
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2010-09-20 00:36
0.606in= diameter of exit bore of mouthpiece, if that is the true measurement taken just at the exit.
A tiny bit wide for the entry bore of most barrels.
That would sharpen things a bit.
In fact, this is the exact situation which arose during the height of popularity of the Selmer HS* mouthpieces, and other popular types when they were used on Buffets of the era.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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