The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: An interesting NEW barrel from

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-09-09 22:39
Attachment: 20200817_150614_resized.jpg (77k)

I've had the new Copeland barrel for several weeks but wanted to really take the time to come to a fair evaluation that made sense.

At first, doing the quick switch between my 62mm Moennig barrel and the delrin Copeland barrel I just found myself a bit confused trying to find one that was clearly "better" than the other. But it wasn't that simple. In fact I couldn't even come up with the right vocabulary to describe the difference at first.

Typically all I had experienced in barrel differences (besides pitch) was whether one added more upper partials or not. Usually the more vibrant barrels were wood and featured either a ringless design or had wooden ring around the top and bottom.

The Copeland delrin barrel does not have the more vibrant sound, HOWEVER it is the loudest of my barrels at top volume. I have come to the conclusion that there is more emphasis of the fundamentals of each note. The emphasis does not come for lack of upper partials but rather that the fundamental itself is noticeably more resonant.

For me the upshot is that it is easier to tune against a source (I used a "track") and seems also more prominent against the source (if you desire).

I do have a delrin barrel by another maker that is just lacking in resonance of any kind any comes off just dull and lifeless compared to the Copeland.

I am now a little curious to know what the wooden Copeland would be like over the course of a lengthy, full assessment, but I might wait a bit to enjoy the one I have.

Now the bottom line is that differences amongst barrels are on the subtle side but if you are in the market for a barrel because you have an issue that needs correcting, this barrel is definitely well worth trying. It offers a unique voice in the barrel market.

...............Paul Aviles

Post Edited (2020-09-14 01:34)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics