Author: shmuelyosef
Date: 2017-05-21 00:34
Let me preface this commentary and request with some background. I'm an ex-machinist, Ph.D. scientist by training, and a little like Alan Segal in that I am also a musician and woodworker (both in 'semi-professional' capacity). I also do a modest amount of instrument modification and repair on woodwinds and pianos. I do not currently make my own barrels.
I play older clarinets, and as is often discussed, original barrels are often missing and the dimensions unknown. I have measured many barrels carefully and have a small database. I've never seriously collected aftermarket barrels. I recently acquired a couple of older clarinets that did not have original barrels, and have had a little difficulty getting them to play well.
In searching around, I found that virtually NONE of the existing vendors were willing to share the dimensions of the barrels that they sell so I could at least understand if they were in the range on interest of barrels that could work. Several (like Ridenour for example) make two different designs, but little information other than "these for R-13 and RC" and "these are for older clarinets". However, a Leblanc LL is way different than a Selmer Centered Tone, but I can make some measurements on the upper joint (and original mouthpiece if it exists) and make some guesses about the design of the barrel.
I get it, that they feel their design is proprietary, however if someone wanted to copy their design they could just buy it and measure...so a few $100 of reverse engineering could displace this objection. It would not be worth getting the design and spending a day of custom machining and hand finishing, plus the cost of a blank, etc...to make one of these for my own use either. I would just buy it. I have bought and returned a few barrels, found one that is close and I might modify slightly. If I had a catalog of the designs available, I could make an informed choice and choose a vendor that is close, have them (or myself) make a small modification and be onward.
Just curious if others are frustrated that you can't even get the input and output diameters from the vendors?
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The Clarinet BBoard
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