 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: DD
Date: 2017-12-04 09:50
Attachment: Lemaire Clarinet.jpg (651k)
I am looking for a suitable barrel for my SML Lemaire clarinet. The horn has been with me since the late 80's .The original barrel is a bit short (63mm) and I need to pull out about 2mm to stay in tune. Any suggestion for a barrel? I play on a Vandoren M30 mouthpiece.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-12-04 10:46
Hi DD Do you happen to know the measurements inside the bore of the 63mm bore? Should be like .585" to .575", or the other way around. The first one is called a reverse taper. The second would be a normal taper. Some barrels are straight. So if you are unsure ask a machinist to measure it, or a decent clarinet repairman. Not all repairmen have the calipers to measure the barrels, the mouthpieces and the horns. I'm sure they won't charge you.
Then pick out a barrel that measures about the same but is longer. Take your tuner with you and try to tune at 441. Yes a lot of groups tune to 440 but 441 gives you that extra security in case you play with a different group. If a group tunes higher you have the 63mm barrel.
Be sure to check the tuning above the high C break. Check and see if these upper notes go flat. This may be a problem you will face with the Vandoren M series mouthpieces being made about 1/32" longer, depending of course on the mouthpiece you measure. If you measure the Vandoren BD5 the distance is actually more than 1/32" even though it is the same company.
If this happens it is advisable to consider a mouthpiece change as well to allow all of the octaves of the horn to play somewhat in tune. Within 5 to 10 cents.
I would perhaps consider nothing too fancy or expensive. For about $150 and less you should find something very good, maybe custom made.
There are a few people that make adjustable barrels. Some are too expensive. Anyway these have built in tuning rings so you turn the outside ring to the exact pitch. Yes they will cost a shade more but you only have to buy one! One fits all. I'm not happy with the Guy Chadash ones because it's too wide and doesn't fit into the case. I also don't like the price. Depending on who you are the cost could be $300 or less, much less, or well over $350 for the same one. Guy shouldn't do this. I hope he reads this because I paid $700 for 2 barrels and someone else paid $550 at the same school he asked me to go to and do a Master Class at.
Anyway, look around, be sure to test several for tuning and sound. Yes sound is a major factor. If you order online make sure that the store will let you return them without a restocking fee of 40 percent or something like that.
Best of luck.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2017-12-04 11:22)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DD
Date: 2017-12-05 19:49
Thanks Bob for the very detailed explanation. I will first try to locate a repairman to measure the bore for me, and I will see how go from there.
As for custom made barrels, do you have any recommendation?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Pereira3D
Date: 2017-12-05 20:34
Hi DD, feel free to contact me via email about custom barrels.
Ryan Pereira
Pereira 3D Clarinet Services
www.Pereira3D.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
