 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KMCD
Date: 2012-10-03 14:30
Hi,
Does anyone know how the length of the speaker tube affects the pitch on an A clarinet (Buffet R-13)?
Thanks!
K
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-10-03 15:36
The tube can make a difference either sharp or flat on the throat tones and or the clarion, especially the B and C or if you're getting a gruff tone on the high G or A. I don't believe there is a one for all rule. When someone has a problem with those notes a different length or bore size can correct it but that depends on what you have now. I've found the best way to solve a problem is to go to a tech that has several different size tubes and try them with a tuner. A tech can pop them out and replace them in no tme at all. What is the problem you're having?
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: KMCD
Date: 2012-10-03 16:56
Thanks, helpful to know I can try different lengths before it's fitted! Will talk to my repairer about that...
I'm not sure exactly which B and C you mean, but the B and C (written just above the stave) on my clarinet are much higher than the surrounding notes - could this be caused by the speaker tube? I had a longer one put in a few years ago, I can't really remember the reason for it (possibly to do with sound rather than pitch) but I am now much more aware of technical things like this and have realised this is the only major difference between my A and B flat, and these notes are more or less fine on the B flat (and it has a considerably shorter tube). But maybe it has nothing to do with this!
Thanks again...
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2012-10-05 05:21
KCMD, if your Buffet R13 B5 and C6 are sharp (possibly he whole left hand clarion gets sharper from the G5 up), it is likely to be the result of the bore in the top of the upper joint being too large. A whole rash of Buffet A's were bored oversize.
Alas, no simple cure. I reduced such a problem in one of my transient Buffet As with a severely tapered barrel and a selected mouthpiece (I think it was a Vandoren M30/13). But, in the end, I let that instrument go.
Bob Phillips
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2012-10-05 18:15
Buffet Vent Tubes:
Bb
R13, R13 Prestige, R13 Vintage #F31507
length: .501 bore (top) .120 bore bottom: .140
Festival, RC, RC Prestige #F31506 (French Tube)
length: .502 bore (top) .110 bore bottom: .139 (conical bore)
A
R13, R13 Prestige, Festival, RC, RC Prestige #F31508
length: .579 bore (top) .136 bottom: .142 (hour glass shape with smallest daimeter reduced to .098
Bb and A
Tosca, R13A Vintage #F33391
length: .580 straight bore .140
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Author: KMCD
Date: 2012-10-07 16:30
Thanks Bob - that's the exact problem I've been having. Was hoping there was something I can do because I really like the instrument in general, but I too am thinking of replacing it.
- Kate
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Author: Wes
Date: 2012-10-07 22:03
When I bought a new register tube for my 1998 Buffet A from Muncy Winds at a low price, there was no evident pitch change but the "grunt" was gone on high A. I did not measure anything.
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Author: KMCD
Date: 2012-10-08 07:34
That's strange - I don't have a problem with the A on its own, but have a bit of difficulty playing smooth legato from lower register to higher (Pines of Rome solo perfect example)....the higher octave is always delayed with a bit of an undertone (doesn't happen on B flat). Maybe this has to do with the tube. I need to change it anyway as it is too long to pull through quickly, not ideal for an orchestral player!!
-Kate
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Author: KMCD
Date: 2012-10-16 06:52
Bob -
I've been thinking about what you said about trying a severely tapered barrel. I know you stopped using your clarinet, and I probably will look for a new A, but trying to find something that helps even a little bit for now.
My question is, what kind of barrel should I try? I've been trying to research different bores and found that they can be tapered either way (taper and reverse taper), but I'm not sure which one would help my problem (even slightly!). Also, looking at barrel manufacturers hasn't helped - they don't seem to have much information about the bore of each model - just the length and the sound created by them.
Any advice would be appreciated - thanks!
Kate
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