The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetplayer21
Date: 2015-07-13 04:38
Hello, im thinking of getting a new barrel wooden barrel for my clarinet but i dont know what to get or even if i need one. i have a zonda clarinet. (its a intermediate plastic) the barrel length is 66mm. (Kinda long for a B-flat isnt it?). the clarinet currently doesnt have any tuning probloms. i dont know much about barrels but i hear a good wooden barrel can make a plastic clarinet have a better sound? what would you guys suggest?
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-07-13 05:17
The length, internal diameter and taper (if any) are what make the barrel work for a specific design of instrument. If your instrument has no tuning problems then it looks as though the manufacturer got it about right. A replacement barrel will need to be pretty close to the dimensions of the original to replicate the tuning. It may well improve the sound characteristics, but not necessarily. What you as the player hears is not what a listener in an audience will hear, so it might be an idea to record yourself or to have someone whose ears and opinion you trust listen to you. Also, test it using a tuner.
Tony F.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-07-13 08:29
I don't think wood necessarily has a better sound. It's mostly the acoustic design. There are many plastic, metal and hard rubber barrels that are used professionally, even with wooden instruments.
For a warmer sound, try the Ridenour barrels made of hard rubber. Not expensive.
You have to experiment ... try several brands and models, but carefully check your tuning. Intonation is the most important consideration.
Tom
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-07-14 07:08
Yeah, a new MP is a thought ... but don't change BOTH at the same time! Just one step at a time ... it will just confuse you.
More change and "bang for the buck" with a MP upgrade. But, if you are using a good MP and it is working for you, keep it!
Tom
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