 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-05-24 05:52
I have been dying to get a Backun Barrel (for sound, yes, but also because they look cool)! Well, I found a reasonably priced (on sale) one, and I am in LOVE! My old wooden Bundy now plays IN TUNE (according to my Korg) with just a teeny bit of pulling out! It's great with my B6 mouthpiece Kurtzweil refaced! Now I'm determined to get a bell! lol. I was hoping it would improve my sound, and it totally does (at least according to my ears)! I'm actually going to get to use my wooden Bundy in the symphonic band this summer (except for outside performances, it's too delicate to risk). I just thought I'd throw that out there...not many people I know care about barrels...well clarinet barrels that is! 
(oh, and I'm not affiliated with Backun in any way, just a satisfied customer)
Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*
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Author: AAAClarinet
Date: 2013-05-24 07:50
I love Backun and eggs in the morning for breakfast.... Just kidding. I would love to try one of there clarinets. I drool at the thought of having a Moba clarinet. That being said, I got a Fobes barrel and love it.
AAAClarinet
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2013-05-24 10:54
Glad you're enjoying your Backun barrel and Bundy clarinet! I have a Backun MoBa barrel in grenadilla on my vintage Normandy, and it's just wonderful--Backun sent me six barrels to try, and I found one in the lot that just positively sings. It also works well on my Vito 7214 composite clarinet.
It is mighty tempting to spring for a Backun bell, but I'm concerned about the effects it may have on tuning of the low E/F and middle B/C. I've mixed and matched bells among my collection of clarinets and, without exception, each instrument tuned most accurately with its original bell. The Backun bells sure are handsome pieces, but form has to follow function.
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Clarinets: Boosey & Hawkes 8-10 and 1-10; Normandy Original, 11, and 14P; Ridenour Lyrique 576BC; Bundy 1400; Pruefer Festival 6-20; Vito 7214; Pan American Brilliante
Mouthpieces: Chedeville-blank Coast X4, refaced by Brad Behn; Yamaha YAC-1208
Ligature: Bonade Inverted, nickel
Reeds: Gonzalez F.O.F. strength 3.0
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2013-05-24 12:43
I love my MoBa barrel and bell on my MoBa clarinet.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-05-24 12:50
I bought both the Traditional in cocobola and a MOBA in grenadilla for my Bliss 310NS. I adore the cocobola. The tone just melts. I just got a cocobola bell. It didn't affect the F or Eb nor the respective notes into the clarion/altissimo. The tone became more round and smooth. I say go for the bell!
Tristan
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-05-24 16:56
Strangely my R-13 now plays in tune with the Bakun Traditional 64mm grenadilla barrel. I do not understand why I should have to use such a short barrel when my Yamaha CSV plays perfectly in tune with the 66mm barrel it came with. Why should the R-13 be playing almost 20 cents flat with the original 66mm barrel? The clarinet doesn't look dry or tortured. In any event, the Bakun barrel was a bargain at $39 new on Ebay and I like it very much.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2013-05-24 17:52
Garth, it might have something to do with your mouthpiece. What are you using? Is it a larger volume like a Chedeville style? They tend to make R13 instruments play flat.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-05-24 18:03
Garth, I know that the 66 mm Bliss (designed by Morrie) barrel plays about 10 cents flat across the board with the original bell. The MOBA @ 66 mm plays a hair sharp except in throat A, Bb and B. When I added the Backun Traditional Bell, I tuned up almost perfectly (the bell has the Voicing Groove). I've given my cocobola traditional to my 12 yo niece who inspired me to take up the clarinet again, so I'm waiting for its replacement in both 66 and 65 mm. I know Dave Kessler has recommended some of the Backuns to help tune up his offerings.
I have no clue accoustically why this should occur since the length of the barrel remains constant, and it's the length of the air column.
Tristan
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-05-24 21:43
My favorite mouthpiece for all my clarinets is the Yamaha 4CM which is hard rubber and medium opening. I'm looking at the Rico Reserves now because they have such tight tolerances in the manufacturing process.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-05-25 00:02
Now it will be interesting to see whether or not the Symphonic Band tunes to A 440 or 442. I can adjust for either. I actually think that most Bands in OK tune to 440 still.
Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*
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Author: kdk
Date: 2013-05-25 13:03
It doesn't much matter what they initially tune to. More important is whether they're rigorous about trying to keep it there or let it climb as the band plays. Brass instruments tend to go sharp as they get warm and are played at loud volume levels. And wherever the brass, especially the trumpets, go is where the rest of the band must (try to) follow. So if the trumpet section leader isn't scrupulous about staying at 440 or 442 and the conductor isn't insistent about it, either, you all may fairly quickly get sharper than 442.
If your new barrel tunes at 440 when pushed all the way in or even when pulled out a little, be prepared if you can with another than allows you to play sharper. Maybe, since you like the MoBa, get your original barrel shortened by a millimeter or so. Or buy an inexpensive barrel at a shorter length just for tuning emergencies.
Karl
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2013-05-25 14:30
Karl's advice is spot-on: If your new barrel is tuning at A=440 pushed all the way in, or nearly so, you're going to wish for a shorter barrel sooner rather than later.
In addition to my MoBa barrel, I have a shorter Ridenour Ivorolon barrel for outdoors concerts on those warm summer days when tuning drifts way sharp. The Ridenour barrel is under $100, and it adds depth and an exquisite sweetness to my sound. It's really an interesting barrel in its own right.
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Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-05-25 18:07
I have a few extra barrels starting at 62, but they aren't the best quality. I've been wanting to try the Ivorolon barrel too, actually! I'll tell my husband to buy me a barrel for our upcoming anniversary!
Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*
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Author: Johnny Galaga
Date: 2013-05-26 00:01
Ursa wrote:
"I have a shorter Ridenour Ivorolon barrel for outdoors concerts on those warm summer days when tuning drifts way sharp."
Wouldn't that make you need to use a longer barrel?
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Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-05-26 00:08
Definitely getting a couple more barrels. I can get one of my plastic barrels to tune well, but I don't want to use it, but I will carry it around in case. I'm a perfectionist...shocking, huh? lol
Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-05-26 10:04
Ursa wrote "I have a shorter Ridenour Ivorlon barrel for outdoor concerts on those warm summer days when tuning drifts way sharp" curlyev wrote "Wouldn't that make your need to use a longer barrel?"
Actually, I thought tuning tends to drift because other instruments, namely the double reeds drift upwards causing the strings to overmatch (which is their forte, having an almost unlimited ability to adjust upward). Then the whole orchestra starts a mad race up, up and away. My brother, who played sax and clarinet professionally said the strings and people's natural preference for sharp over flat were to blame if I recall.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2013-05-26 18:07
Yeah, I should have said "for outdoors concerts on those warm summer days when the ensemble drifts way sharp and I need to raise my pitch to avoid sounding flat."
It's better to be sharp than out-of-tune.
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Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-05-26 23:47
In our symphonic band, there are no strings, except ONE bass!
Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*
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