Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-11-11 18:38
For several days now I've been using a new $85* Berkeley tunable "Freedom Barrel" model FACB-01. Plays nicely enough- I can't tell any difference vs the barrel that came with my 576BC. And the tuning aspect is stellar, can't imagine I will ever go back.
I had briefly considered a $45 alternative hyped at ClarinetFest, but that one rotates the mouthpiece as you tune, that's no good. The Berkeley adjusts with the mouthpiece staying put.
Somehow I was expecting clicks, that I'd be able to learn how many clicks to expect to need each day between cold and warmed up. But mine is silent, probably better in a quiet playing setting anyway (sour grapes?). And while I haven't yet honed in on some predictable number of turns per day, I am already making needed adjustments quickly and consistently, no muss no fuss. Better than I had hoped. As I said, no going back.
This is not a game changer. But it is worth the cost and trouble, for me at least.
(* I found mine on sale for $70, but pretty sure it was the only one seller had.)
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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