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Tenon Length and Barrel Socket Depth

Author: JTJC
Date: 2021-11-26 22:01

I was considering a zoom barrel for a pair of clarinets. I was asked for the barrel socket depth and the corresponding tenon diameter on the upper joint. I can’t say I have the most precise equipment for measuring these things, a digital caliper. However, after many measurements across four barrels and two top joint tenons these seems to be a difference of about 0.3/0.4mm between tenon length and socket depth, the latter being the longer. The gap seems intentional, rather than imprecise manufacturing.

Is it common practice or even a technique for makers to leave such a gap? I have heard clarinets can be made to be in tune pulled out a mm or so, which I can understand. Might this gap have a purpose? There seem to be all sorts of arguments about how a gap can/doesn’t affect a clarinet’s playability, but zoom barrels pride themselves on having no gap or minimal gap as you extend them.

So, if I’m ordering a zoom barrel, should I specify the barrel socket depth to maintain the gap, or the tenon length to remove it? Any thoughts out there?

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