Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-06-13 07:29
I have to push back against the entire premise.
Firstly synthetic clarinets tend toward being slightly less resonant if anything.
Secondly, the cocobolo barrels and bells have a certain sound/response that some players prefer and it does not depend on whether the clarinet is synthetic or wood, though the majority of players preferring the third party barrels and bells tend to play wooden horns.
Now, if one uses a synthetic horn strictly for its durability regarding outdoor use, it makes little sense to use it with a wooden barrel or bell. This would make even less sense with cocobolo which is much more prone to expansion and contraction with prevailing moisture to which it is exposed.
And yes, cocobolo is more susceptible to cracking than African Blackwood.
Lastly it is just as easy to cause more tuning and response problems than you solve with third party barrels and bells. One needs to sit down with a tuner and go through a selection of barrels and bells at a reputable dealer to find the ones that work for you and your horn. Remember, clarinets are built to play with the barrels and bells that come with them (no offense intended to manufacturers and dealers of after market bells and barrels).
.................Paul Aviles
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